Chen Ying-Chun finds great value to playing at Asian Qualifiers

TAIPEI (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Chen Ying-Chun believes that for Chinese Taipei to be successful at the Asian Qualifiers, they must not be intimidated by any foe.

That is something he and his teammates imbibed when they played powerhouse Australia in the second window, and despite losing, 88-68, Chinese Taipei still managed to be competitive against their bigger, stronger opponents.

“IT IS A PROUD MOMENT EVERY TIME I CAN REPRESENT THE NATIONAL TEAM, IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY SHOW PEOPLE THAT WE CAN COMPETE WITH OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD, BUT ALSO MAKE THE WHOLE COUNTRY PROUD.” – CHEN YING-CHUN

"We have a lot of respect for Australia because we know they are a world class team," Chen said. "We just tried to play our best, challenge ourselves, and play as hard as we could. We knew it would be tough, but we fought till the end and did not give up. They are taller, stronger, and shot better."

Chen looked back at that game and recognized how they were much more competitive here compared to when they first played the Boomers in the first window. One reason for this, Chen observed, was that they refused to be intimidated even if they knew the Aussies had nearly every conceivable advantage on the court.

"There was some time in the game when we were able to hang with them because we used great intensity on defense and were on attack mode on offense," he explained. "We just didn't want to be afraid or intimidated even if they were a very strong team."

Chen, of course, was one of Taipei's sparks in the second window. He shone in their game against Australia with 22 points, but more importantly, he helped the team get their breakthrough first win at the expense of Japan, 70-69, on 22 February. He did not shoot too well, making just 4 of her 12 field goals, but he still managed to end up with 15 points while also hauling down 9 rebounds and getting 1 steal.

"That was a big win for us against Japan," he said. "We all knew it was maybe the most important game for us, especially after losing two games in the first window. We just came out with fire and a lot of aggression. We really wanted it, and we played really hard."

Chen acknowledges that the victory against Japan put Taipei closer to clinching a second round berth, but he also knows that the mission is by no means accomplished yet. That's why he implores his teammates to continue having the needed focus and energy for their future fixtures.

"But we still need to watch a lot of film and try to get better," he shared. "So we just need to stay ready and aggressive at all times."

In all, Chen turned a lot of heads and served notice that even if it was his first tour of duty with Chinese Taipei's senior national team, he was all but ready to deliver. Chen is a promising young player all basketball fans in Asia should really watch out for, and he promises to continue making the most of his chance to play for his country.

"It's a great opportunity for me and the entire team," he said. "Of course, it's my first time playing at the senior level. I got hurt before, but now I cherish this chance to play. It is a proud moment every time I can represent the national team. It is a great opportunity to not only show people that we can compete with other countries of the world, but also make the whole country proud."

Chinese Taipei have two home games in the third window, and as Chen said, that is something they will fully take advantage of as they try to secure their place in the second round. They next take on the Philippines on 29 June and then follow that up by hosting Japan in a pivotal affair on 2 July.

"I'm extremely excited about the upcoming two games at home," he said. "However, we need to focus on improving team chemistry and making necessary adjustments before the games. I'm looking forward to facing our two tough opponents, Japan and Philippines."

FIBA