ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - For a country that ranks among the top 20 in the world in area, Mongolia has a population of only just over three million. Despite not being densely populated, Mongolia has been able to develop interesting basketball talents for the future.

"We are good! But It is not enough. We have bigger dreams and we are still trying. It never ends!" - Gantsolmon

 This was evident after they conquered the recent FIBA U17 Skills Challenge by setting the competition's best score in the Final against Bulgaria. Skilled youngster Bolor Erdene Gantsolmon was named the TISSOT MVP for his stellar performance that led the national team to a historic victory.

The 16-year-old has been on cloud nine ever since, but he's not going to let his individual success go to his head.

"It's been fantastic lately," said Gantsolmon. "To be honest, I never thought that I would be named MVP. Basketball is a team sport and it's not only me."

Gantsolmon has had the benefit of being surrounded by a loving group of supporters. He is quick to credit them for his (and Mongolia's success) throughout this event which is his first time ever representing the country.

"I've been inspired by my parents, brother, teachers, and friends. They all support me a lot. I really appreciate all of them, especially all my teammates."

 
In particular, the Gantsolmon family has been the main driving force for young Bolor Erdene to continue his development.

"My parents are really proud of me," he said. Both of his parents are avid basketball fans. "But they said this is just the beginning. There are a lot of opportunities so keep on practicing and never give up."

Aside from the motivation from his mother and father, Gantsolmon also takes inspiration from his brother, Gan-Erdene. The elder Gantsolmon is a national team player as well.

"My big inspiration is my brother. He is the only reason that I have kept playing the game," Bolor Erdene said. "He used to live with me and always taught me basketball skills and we practiced together."

"Now, my brother is in the US but he is still on the Mongolia national team. He always says that this is not enough. He is my only MVP and is the greatest inspiration in my life."

The FIBA U17 Skills Challenge might still be new and is not a traditional FIBA competition, but winning a global event of such is a major accomplishment for Mongolia basketball. It is an achievement that the entire nation can take pride in along with the players themselves.

"Nowadays, everyone says 'Look! There are the world champions!'," Gantsolmon said. "The elders are really happy because we have only 3 million in population and it is the first time to have success in team sports and we'll keep on going."

Nonetheless, Gantsolmon keeps himself grounded by acknowledging that this great success is only the beginning for him and for Mongolia basketball.

"We are good! But It is not enough. We have bigger dreams and we are still trying. It never ends!"

FIBA