SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Korea released their final 12-man roster for the Asian Qualifiers, and there were a few surprises.

Perhaps the biggest - but very welcome - surprise for Korean basketball fans was the inclusion of erstwhile injured center Kim JongKyu. The fleet-footed 2.06m slotman sustained an ankle injury on 27 October, and many felt it would sideline him for the Asian Qualifiers. His recovery went by quicker than expected, though, and he looks fit to play the middle anew for head coach Hur Jae.

Joining JongKyu up front for Korea are old reliables Oh SeKeun and Lee JongHyun as well as versatile forward Lee SeungHyun. SeungHyun was engaged in military service earlier this year, but he has been released to play for the national team at the Asian Qualifiers - a testament to how valuable he is for Korea. For SeungHyun, the goal is singular and clear, and his confidence in Korea's potential is unwavering.

"The final goal is to advance to the Olympics. Since Korea have not been there since 1996, we will try hard to make it," SeungHyun said.

He acknowledges that their first two opponents - New Zealand and China - will be difficult, but he also believes they have what it takes to notch two victories, especially in front of their home crowd.

"New Zealand, who were good at the Asian Cup, are getting stronger, but we can beat them if we play our game," SeungHyun shared. "I think we do not have many wins against China, but I want to win for the fans because we are playing at home in Korea. I also hope that many people come."

Other names to watch are returnees Heo Hoon and Yang HeeJong, along with national team newcomer Kim SiRae, whom many feel will be a suitable replacement for star point guard Kim SunHyung.

"I do not think there is a player who can replace Kim SunHyung," SiRae said. "The rest of the players must try to fill the void and step up."

SiRae has long been considered among the top floor generals in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), but bad timing and injuries have regularly hampered previous attempts to put him in the national squad. That is why his being part of the Asian Qualifiers roster means so much.

"I have not been able to play for the national team in the past due to injuries, but this time, I will do my best for Korea," he said. "The KBL is different from international competition. I do not know how much time I will play, but I would just like to take advantage of this chance and help the team."

Korea are in Group A with Hong Kong, China and New Zealand. They start their Asian Qualifiers campaign against New Zealandin Wellington on 23 November before hosting China at the Goyang Gymnasium on 26 November.

FIBA