HONG KONG (EABA Championship 2017) - When Duncan Reid first played at the continental level, it was in Manila in 2013 in front of roaring Filipino crowds drunk with basketball frenzy. Hong Kong made it to the second round in that competition, and they eventually finished in the top 10.

The team returned to the FIBA Asia Championship in 2015, tumbling their way to 12th place, and now they have their sights set on earning a berth in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, which will be held in Beirut, Lebanon later this year

Before that, though, they will have to do well in the EABA Championship 2017, where the top five teams will book tickets to the FIBA Asia Cup. Aside from Hong Kong, the other teams competing will be China, Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Macau.

In all their tournaments so far, Duncan Reid has been a key contributor, anchoring them in the middle with his inside scoring and rebounding. Having him will be important for Hong Kong, and he is locked in on helping carry the squad back to the biennial continental joust.

Reid talked about the team and the development of Hong Kong basketball with FIBA.

How does it feel that Hong Kong will be competing in the EABA and quite possibly in the FIBA Asia Cup this year?
Representing Hong Kong is always an honor for me, and I'm focused on doing everything that I can to help us qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup.

Hong Kong last played at the Asian level in FIBA Asia Championship 2015. What can you say about how your team performed then and what adjustments you guys have to make this year?
Even though we finished in the top 12, the 2015 tournament was quite disappointing as there were a few crucial games that we lost by only a narrow margin, especially against India where we led all game only to give up the lead in the final minute. Adjustments from tournament to tournament are tough due to the high turnover of players on the national team because of the amateur status of the basketball association in Hong Kong.

How has Hong Kong basketball evolved or changed these past few years, especially with tournaments like the Super Kung Sheung Cup and now a Hong Kong team in the ABL?
Hong Kong basketball is in a unique situation as there has been a push for change and development of the Hong Kong league. Especially over the past several years with Eastern Long Lions becoming professional and doing well in the ABL, as well as the success of the national team at the Super Kung Sheung Cup. Despite this, the Hong Kong national team and league maintain their amateur status, and because of this, preparation for overseas tournaments is often lacking. Hopefully, changes will occur within the basketball association to allow the sport to continue to grow and develop within Hong Kong.

Who are the players you are looking forward to play against in EABA and FIBA Asia Cup?
The EABA tournament is a lot of fun because there are so many high level players and teams. Hopefully, we get to compete against the best that each country has to offer.

What would be Hong Kong's main target or goal this year and what are your chances to achieve this?
Our main goal is to qualify for the Asia Cup. It's definitely a challenge, but we will do everything in our power to make it.

Any thoughts on the new home-and-away format that will be implemented in FIBA starting this year and how it may benefit the fans of Hong Kong basketball?
I'm very excited for the new format for internationals ,and I know that the Hong Kong basketball fans will definitely embrace it and come out and support international basketball.

FIBA