BENGALURU (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - The future of Korea is bright with Park JiSu leading the way, but can she also carry them to glory in today's battle with powerhouse Australia?

JiSu was splendid in Korea's masterful win over New Zealand on Day 4, scoring 19 points and collaring 11 rebounds. She actually had a bit of trouble in the first period, getting tagged for three fouls, but she didn't let that dampen her confidence. JiSu diligently looked for seams in the Tall Ferns' interior defense, and her teammates did a great job of locating her and getting her the basketball.

"I was in foul trouble early in the game, but decided not to think about it and concentrate on what I am good at and do it," JiSu said.

That ploy worked against the Kiwis because Korea's guards easily lobbed the ball over New Zealand's smaller frontline, but against an Australian squad featuring bigger and more seasoned players, JiSu will definitely face a much stiffer challenge.

JiSu knows the physicality will probably be intensified in this game, but she is prepared for it.

"Coming out of high school, the game became more physical, and I had to strengthen my body and do weights," she explained.

Still, there's no mistaking that Korea will be embroiled in an uphill battle against the Opals. JiSu will need to find a way to produce the numbers against the likes of Marianno Tolo and Sara Blicavs.

Apart from that, however, the 18-year-old JiSu is all too happy to finally qualify to next year's Women's Basketball World Cup in Spain. Prior to the Women's Asia Cup, there were doubts about whether the Koreans still had enough talent to be among the top four teams, but they've all but eradicated all those apprehensions.

"I am very excited and happy about qualifying to FIBA World Cup," JiSu shared. "There was a lot of pressure on us, but now we can relax and play the rest of our games without too much pressure."

As for facing the Aussies, who are ranked fourth overall in the world, JiSu is brimming with confidence. She knows that they have a golden opportunity to not only avenge their opening day loss but also return to the Women's Asia Cup Final, which they were not able to do in 2015.

"If we prepare well, we can beat them."Park JiSuPark JiSu

FIBA