BEIJING (China) - Eighteen players have been summoned to a training camp by China as the Far East giants begin their preparations for the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Twin towers Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin, along with Zhou Peng, Zhao Rui and Sun Minghui are headline names in the group.

The Chinese Basketball Association has set up a camp that tips off June 23 at the Qingdao Guoxin Basketball Training Base that will run until July 6.

Other players could still be added to the squad after this training camp, which is also in preparation for the Asian Games.

While some of the veteran players would seem to be near certainties for the World Cup, like Zhou and Wang, China coach Aleksandar Djordjevic wants to make it clear that everyone needs to be fully focused at camp and prove their worth.

"The logic I want to convey to the players is that in the team, only two people are guaranteed to go to the World Cup - Chairman Yao (Ming) and Coach Djordjevic," he said.

"Each player must strive to earn his place. Of course, this is just a playful expression, but in a way, it holds true. This is also what I believe to be the right way to form a team, seeking and creating a healthy atmosphere of internal competition within the team while establishing strong team values for the national team.

"That's how I formed the list of 18 players. Through the roster, I want the players to realize that each has overcome difficulties and done positive things in the league. Each player's invitation to the national team training camp is well-deserved, and I also hope they can prove our choices right. Everyone has a good opportunity.

"For the rookies that have been selected, they must show their qualities and abilities as members of the national team from the very beginning.

"For those players who were selected and worked with me this year, they know what we pursue: hard work and teamwork. Based on these elements, we will continue to look for internal synergy and conduct competition in the right way."

Sun Minghui is one of the veterans called to China's World Cup training camp from June 23 to July 6

Djordjevic could not emphasize enough the need for players to hit the ground running when they arrive at the training camp.

"I expect the players to be in a state of preparation from day one, both physically and mentally," he said. "We have had conversations with each player, and they will receive training plans tailored to their physical abilities.

"In my system, the player's physical condition and athletic ability are extremely important. It is also a key factor in selecting players and building the Chinese national men's basketball team."

If China are going to make strides this summer and be the team that former Serbia coach Djordjevic wants, they must guard better and do so as a team. Djordjevic calls it "our top priority."

"Combining our players' ability to read the game, their basketball IQ, and creating a distinctive team defense will be our pathway to success. In my view, team defense is currently our main reliable asset.

"Each player will have his role, and I'll explain this to the players before and during the training camp. I personally look forward to starting this training process a lot, and believe that everyone will be excited for such an important international event."

China will play in Group B, in Manila, against his former team, Serbia, Puerto Rico and first-timers South Sudan. 

"I was, am, and will definitely continue to be an ambitious person," the coach said, referring to the goals of the summer.

"I'll convey the positive attitude to the whole team and make everyone understands that the 'sky has no limit'. At the same time, we should neither dwell solely on past tournament results nor focus solely on the uncertain future. Our attention should be on each day in the present."

Djordjevic also wants to make it clear that players need to be able to "freely express themselves" within the concept of the team.

He wants to "make them feel that they are an integral part of the strong collective. This is the only way we can stand out against significant challenges."

As for the warm-up games this summer, Djordjevic thinks China's opponents will ensure ideal preparation for the Philippines.

"We wanted to face truly strong national teams on the road to the World Cup, such as Slovenia, Germany, Italy, and of course, Serbia," he said.

"This approach will help us better prepare for the actual battles. Through this series of friendly matches in Europe, I believe it will provide us with a good answer to our World Cup preparation."

FIBA