KOR - Injuries open national team door to Chan, Yang

SEOUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Injuries to key players have forced Korea to make a couple of additions to their training camp squad ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and the Asian Games in Incheon.

Yoo Jae Hak, the coach, has welcomed point guard Chan Hee Park and forward Yang Hee Jong back into the squad.

The former, who played at the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, missed last year's FIBA Asia Championship while fulfilling his mandatory military service but injuries suffered by Kim Mingoo in a recent car crash created a need in the backcourt.

According to media reports, Mingoo, the team's leading scorer in Manila last summer, suffered injuries to his hip and head.

It's not known when he'll be able to resume basketball activities.

"We are praying for his recovery and well-being," Yoo said in a statement.

"He is excused from all practices until we get a medical confirmation that he can resume training."

In Chan, the Koreans have a player that has competed at the highest level in Asia.

The 27-year-old first appeared with the national side at the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.

He was a first round pick in the Korean Basketball League draft back five years ago.

Yoon Ho Young, meanwhile, has had to stop playing because of a toe injury and that has led to the return of Yang.

The coach said: "Yoon Ho-Young is currently out with a severely swollen toe and the committee allowed me to invite Yang Hee-Jong back."

Yang now has a chance to make the World Cup squad that will compete in Gran Canaria's Group D against Slovenia, Lithuania, Angola, Mexico and Australia.

The tournament tips off in 81 days.

Yang is also looking to impress in training to enhance his chances of playing at a third Asian Games.

The 1.94m forward, who was forced off the court last year by injuries himself, said: "It would be a great honor to be playing at home, in front of the nation.

"So many great Korean players had this honor."

As it is, there are 14 Korean players in training.

Korea 14-player squad for 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup: Kim Sun-Hyung (Seoul SK Knights), Yang Dong-Geun (Ulsan Mobis Phoebus), Park Chan-Hee (Anyang KGC), Cho Sung-Min (Busan Sonicboom KT), Yang Hee-Jong (Anyang KGC), Kim Joo-Sung (Wonju Dongbu Promy), Moon Tae-Jong (LG Sakers), Lee Seung-Hyun (Korea University), Choi Joon-Young (Yonsei University), Choi Jin-Soo (Goyang Orions), Kim Jong-Kyu (LG Sakers), Lee Jong-Hyun (Korea University), Oh Se-Keun (Anyang KGC) and Jang Jae-Seok (Goyang Orions).

FIBA