TAIPEI CITY (2016 FIBA U17 World Championship) - One of the best ways to improve is by facing the best. That's exactly what Chinese Taipei head coach Wu Cheng-Chieh is hoping for at the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship as his team opens the tournament against three-time undefeated reigning champs United States.

"The US team has won three consecutive titles and they will be looking for a fourth title. It's a very good opportunity for our players to face the best team in the world," said Wu, whose team takes on US on 23 June in their first game in Group A.

"I believe it is a very good chance for them to learn from the USA team."

The Asians will be the underdogs going into the game, but Wu and his players will really be excited about just being in the tournament.

It is our honor to be able to play in the FIBA U17 World Championship. Throughout the event, we hope to bring more passion toward basketball and recognition of our nation to our public. – Wu

The play caller knows his team will be better after that initial game - an important fact in looking forward to the rest of the tournament.

"I hope players can learn the intensity of man-to-man defense and improve their awareness and attitude of defense from the US team," Wu said.

Chinese Taipei's other Group A games will be against Egypt and Turkey.

Wu points to Turkey and their high-level players as another very tough test for his team.

As for the African U16 champions, he singled out center Ahmed Khalaf, who was signed to a long-term contract by Spanish club Manresa earlier this season. But he believes his team has a chance against the Egyptians.

If we can make a good defense plan, we have chance to defeat Egypt. - Wu

Wu said his team will lack height compared to other nations in the competition and might be younger as well. But Chinese Taipei do have strengths which they hope to use in Zaragoza.

"Despite our lack of height, we can focus on our speed and team spirit," he said.

Two of the main players for Wu will be Lin Ting-Chien and Tang Wei-Chieh, who combined for more than 40 points per game at last summer's FIBA Asia U16 Championship.

"Lin is a very smart and talented player. He acts as a leader," the coach said of his shooting guard. "As long as he's on his game, he can bring stability to the team."

Small forward Tang is just as important as Lin, Wu warned.

"He is good at all aspects of the game and can make contribution both on offense and defense," he summed up. "He always executes what the coach says with a good attitude."

Wu will need Lin and Tang to be firing on all cylinders if Chinese Taipei wants to come up with a surprise win in Zaragoza.

FIBA