GRANADA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup means more to Egypt than just the country making its first appearance on the world stage in two decades. It also signals the transitioning period of generations.

Sherif Genedy and Wael Badr are retiring from national team duty, leaving the door open for what coach Amr Aboul kheir calls the future of Egypt's basketball.

Genedy, who switched clubs, going from Zamalek from Gezyra, will spend more time with his family and continue his professional career as dentist in Cairo.

Badr is starting to invest in his coaching career.

As both players bow out, they shared their thoughts on the next generation and what it has to do.

Genedy, 35, says the up-and-coming players must "work hard and play tough in order to reach the national team goals."

Throughout Egypt's Group A campaign in Granada, Genedy did what he does best: shoot from behind the arc. "(That is) My job when the coach calls me," he said.

For the new players, Genedy gives an example of "a great experience competing agains such quality teams."

Last summer, he was Egypt's second leading scorer at AfroBasket 2013 with 9.7 points per game.

Now, he is done with national team competitions in the summer. It is time for him to spend time with his two sons and daughter.

"I have not had enough time with my family. I have spent only one week with my family in the past four months," he pointed out.

I am a dentist during the day and basketball player in Egypt's league for the rest of the day. - Genedy

The team's captain Badr, also 35, has represented the country for over a decade. He played a crucial role for Egypt at last summer's continental championship in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, and is now stepping away, but not without leaving a message for the new generation.

"Young players must work harder and change our practice habits in order to help the national team achieve higher goals," he said.

"Off court habits have to change, like having a good night sleep. As for the game itself, we must spend many more hours practising shooting, dribbling and weight lifting."

I hope the next generation to qualify for the next World Cup. - Badr

Khedr points to Moustapha Elmekawi as a good example that tenacity pays off.

"He is a good player, and plays extremely hard," he said.