SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Korea grabbed a hugely important victory over New Zealand in the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers. Jeon Junbeom knows the Tall Blacks will be out for revenge in the second window, but the sharpshooter says Korea must be "more ready."

Jeon nailed six three-pointers in scoring 22 points as Korea snatched an 86-80 over New Zealand in Wellington in the first game last November. That gave Korea the early inside track over New Zealand for a better position in the group.

"We went there with a calm mind set to play hard and come up with a victory in the end for us," said the 26-year-old Jeon, who could not keep Korea from losing their second game in November, falling 92-81 at home to China.

The Korean victory also created a sense of revenge in the Tall Blacks for the up-coming game at the Jamsil Arena on February 26 in Seoul. But Jeon insists the Koreans know the situation.

"I know New Zealand will be ready for us, but we will be more ready for them," the Seoul native said.

It was actually Korea's third straight victory over New Zealand and picking up two wins at the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 - including in the Third Place Game of the first senior level Asian tournament to include Oceania powers Australia and New Zealand.

Jeon says he enjoys having Australia and New Zealand in their zone, insisting it will help Korea improve long term.

"The players from these two countries for me are considered like European players, with height and strength and speed combined," the 6ft 4in (1.94m) small forward said. "But I take it very positively, though it may be a minus for other countries including ourselves. It is something good for us to see and learn from. It is a good experience with them in the zone."

"I know New Zealand will be ready for us, but we will be more ready for them."Jeon JunbeomJeon Junbeom

The home game versus New Zealand is actually the second of two home games for Korea this week, and they already took care of business against Hong Kong last February 23, 93-72.

The Ulsan Mobis Phoebus forward said he is really looking forward to playing in front of the home fans again.

"I am very excited and ready to play for them," he said. "I hope that many fans can come again and cheer us on."

"(The new Competition System) is a great help. Many young fans will get interested and come to see the games. We have not had many national team games in Korea. So it is a big boost for basketball overall."Jeon JunbeomJeon Junbeom

Jeon also said the Competition System with home Qualifiers will help Korea develop the game.

"It is a great help," he said. "Many young fans will get interested and come to see the games. We have not had many national team games in Korea. So it is a big boost for basketball overall."

Another victory over New Zealand would help as well.

FIBA