SEOUL (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - In many ways, it seems Korea have become the odd man out pushed aside from the top tier of Asian basketball.

The last time Korea figured in the Final of the FIBA Asia Championship was more than a decade ago in 2003, when they lost, 106-96, to China. Since then, five teams have contended for the title in the championship game: China, Iran, Philippines, Lebanon and Jordan. China and Iran each have won thrice of the last six FIBA Asia Championships, and Korea have been left outside looking in every single time.

That is unlikely to change this year with the entry of Australia and New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup and all the elite teams determined to remain strong, but do not count Korea out as a team that can pull the rug from under their higher ranked opponents. One vital element of that effort is the team's point guard play, especially with veteran Yang DongGeun already advancing in age. Kim SunHyung, Kim TaeSul and even up-and-comer Heo Hoon are prime candidates to be the national team's new floor generals, but one guy who also deserves a second look is veteran Park ChanHee.

Park does not score in bunches or fill up the highlight reel with acrobatic lay-ups, but what he lacks in flash, he more than makes up for in sublime playmaking. The 1.80m point guard from the Incheon Electroland Elephants is currently leading the Korean Basketball League (KBL) in assists with 7.5 dimes per outing, and if he can translate that kind of production into the international game, Korean may just return to their powerhouse status. Remember that, under Yang's watch, Korea were the best assists team in the FIBA Asia Championship 2015, and they will need someone to continue that style of play.

It is quite likely that Park ChanHee may just be the best man for that job, and he shared his thoughts about the national team in a recent conversation with FIBA.com.

How does it feel to be the leader in assists and one of the top guards right now in Korea?
I am the leader in assists because of our teammates who are able to finish well. We all worked hard during the off-season to achieve a good level of teamwork. When it comes to passing, I try to focus on my timing and how I should move to run an efficient offense in every practice. Now we are all on the same page and getting used to each other.

You were last really active in the national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014. How badly do you want to represent the country again this year?
I am honored to represent my country. If I am again selected as the member of the national team, I will sacrifice everything I have.

How has Korean basketball evolved or changed these past few years?
The teams in Korea have improved a lot in terms of efficiency both offensively and defensively.

Who are the players you are looking forward to play with in the Korean national team?
I would like to enjoy every moment with whomever becomes my teammates in the national team no matter who it is. This is because only the best players become part of the team, and we all will represent our country.

What would be the team's main target or goal this year and what are your chances to achieve this?
We need to achieve the goal of getting another championship in the FIBA Asia Cup, and at the same time, a big shift in the national team's new generation has to be completed. If we are all on the same page, it is surely possible.

FIBA