Doo KyungMin: "We can compete at a higher level with this format"

SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Top Korean shooter Doo KyungMin believes that teams like Korea can compete better given the current Asian Qualifiers format.

"We can compete at a higher level with this format," he said. "As a team, we can focus on only two games to prepare more properly. I also believe that it is such a precious experience for the player to play international games."

It was Doo's first time to play for the Korea senior national team at the continental level during the second window of the Asian Qualifiers last February. The 6ft 1in (1.84m) guard impressed by averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 triples per game, helping his team beat Hong Kong and stay competitive despite losing to New Zealand.

"It was such a great experience and honor to be a part of the team," he said. "I’m looking forward to play at the next window."

Doo is considered one of the top three-point shooters in Korea's professional circuit, the KBL, and he showed why in the second window. He is aware his production will be needed by the team along with the production of another key player - new naturalized player Ricardo Ratliffe. Ratliffe was solid for Korea in the second window, putting up 21.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per contest. Doo knows that for Korea to have a shot of winning their next games, especially the one against China, they will need Ratliffe at his best again.

"He is a talented player," Doo said. "He is the best rebounder in Korea and can also run with the team all the time. This means he can bring more energy to the team."

As good as Ratliffe is, though, Korea's fans are hoping the 26-year-old Doo, who plies his trade for Wonju DB Promy in the KBL and was named regular season MVP two weeks ago, will be available again as Korea need to win at least one game in the third window to be in a better position in the second round. Doo fell hard during Game 1 of the KBL Finals against the Seoul SK Knights and did not play in Game 2, but with the third window fast approaching, fans are earnestly waiting for his speedy recovery. Korea play China and Hong Kong next, with both fixtures on the road. Doo is looking forward to both games, though he admits he loved playing in front of their home fans.

"At this point, it is more important for myself and our team to look back and learn from the previous games and move on to the next round," he explained. "But it was a fantastic experience in the second window, and our home fans were amazing. It’s a whole different experience and feeling to play with our fans, who can now enjoy international competition at our place."

FIBA