KOR - 'Every game will be a struggle' for Koreans

SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - One of the teams that may fly under the radar heading into the FIBA Basketball World Cup at the end of August is Korea.

Having clinched a spot in the 24-team tournament with a third-place finish at last year's FIBA Asia Championship in the Philippines, the Koreans are not in the media glare as numerous other teams.

Korea have yet to announce a preliminary squad and probably will not do so until the end of April or beginning of May.

What Korea national team head scout Steve Han and all of his compatriots do know is the difficult schedule they will encounter in the Group Phase of the tournament.

The Asia team will square off against Slovenia, Lithuania, Australia, Mexico and Angola in Group D, with the games to be played in Gran Canaria.

"The World Cup will be a steep challenge for the Koreans," Han said to FIBA.com.

“(But) We are happy to be in a group of very talented and basketball rich countries.

"Lithuania and Angola have two of the most intense (sets of) basketball fans in the world.

"We hope basketball in Korea can one day be as popular as in those countries.

"Slovenia is led by (Phoenix Suns point guard) Goran Dragic. I went to the States and watched a couple of his games. He was fantastic.

"Australia is developing very nice young players. They have great players playing not just in the NBA but all over the world. Australia has a very bright future.

"Mexico's Gustavo Ayon (Atlanta Hawks) was playing good in the NBA. (I) Don't know if he'll play in the World Cup because of his shoulder injury but nevertheless they'll be a tough team to play also."

There are many uncertainties for all the teams.

Emerging youngsters can catch the eye of senior team coaches and force their way into the reckoning. Players can also pick up injuries that may put their participation in doubt.

One certainty for Han and Korea, however, is that each day will have its own complications.

All of the opponents in Gran Canaria are deep and talented.

Angola are the AfroBasket champions and Mexico the FIBA Americas Championship winners.

Australia also defeated New Zealand to capture the FIBA Oceania Championship title, and Lithuania reached the Final of EuroBasket 2013.

"Every game will be a struggle," Han said.

"We'll do our best to be David against the Goliaths.

"We hope participating in the World Cup can contribute to the popularity and development of basketball in Korea."

FIBA