HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - The 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship continues to be a great learning experience for Hu Jinqiu as the Chinese big man has squared off against some of Europe's best low post players. 

And it would seem that the 17-year-old is passing the test thus far. 

Hu collected 18.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks while shooting 58 percent from the field and committing just 1.7 turnovers in 35 minutes per game in three Group B contests.

And the 2.10m big man put up those numbers against some pretty good teams with strong big men opposite of him. Hu had 22 points and 11 rebounds against Spain, who have Yankuba Sima patrolling the middle. After collecting 16 points and 14 rebounds versus Argentina, Hu then picked up 18 points and 13 rebounds against Turkey and the likes of Egemen Guven and Ege Arar. 

"The other teams are very strong and big and play at a high level. So we still have a lot to learn for our team, everyone on the team," Hu said. 

When asked what he thinks about his personal performance thus far, he offered: "I think I can still do better."

Hu is putting up those numbers even though he is a 1997-born player in a 1996 age group tournament. Last summer at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship, Hu averaged 17.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 56 percent from the field. 

But now he is going against older players, which is also giving him lessons to learn for the future.

"They are good rebounders and they can dribble and pass the ball," Hu said when asked what he thinks about Sima, Guven and Arar.

A passing game, however, is something that Hu has not really developed with zero assists in three games this summer and one assist in 225 minutes over seven games at the U17 Worlds. 

Hu said he is looking to work on protecting the ball on his rebounds and be more patient in general. He also wants to work on improving his defense. 

When asked what he thinks about his name being mentioned by international scouts about being a possible NBA Draft candidate, he answered: "I don't care. I am more focused on these games. Maybe in the future if I get better."

After some more lessons against European big men - the next one coming up in the Round of 16 against Croatia.

FIBA