Korea counting on competition from a strong candidate list
SEOUL (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - Korea are hoping they can find a roster to make an impression at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup after revealing a 24-strong list of candidates
SEOUL (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - Korea are hoping they can find a roster to make an impression at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup after revealing a 24-strong list of candidates.
Newly installed play-caller Seo Dong Chul will be counting on intense competition for places to ignite a challenge when his team face Australia, Japan and Philippines in Group B.
| Korea 24-player squad for FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017 | |||
| Go Ahra | Jin An | Kang Ajeong | Han Chaejin |
| Kim Danbi |
Choi Eunsil | Kim Gyuhee | Kim Han Byul |
| Park Hana | Lee Haeun | Park Hyejin | Bae Hyeyoon |
| Park Jihyun | Park Jisu | Kim Jiyoung | Kwak Joo Yeong |
| Lee Kyungeun | Kang Leeseul | Lee Seon Hwa | Kim Sodam |
| Sim Sunyoung | Hur Yoon Ja | Kim Youn Joo | Yung Hui |
The spine of the team is set to be strong and much of the side will be made up from those who took the last podium step in Wuhan two years ago.
That means the bulk of the work is set to be done by the likes of Park Hyejin, Park Jisu, Kang Ajeong and Kim Danbi - although it promises to be tougher than ever with the addition of Oceania sides into the mix.
"I am happy with the draw as it doesn't actually matter what teams are in our group," revealed Coach Chul.
"To be on the top in FIBA Women's Asia Cup, we have to defeat any team that is our opponent.
"When I got information about the new format, I was a bit surprised, but I think it is better than the previous one.
"Teams in Division A will be more highly motivated to keep staying there, while teams in Division B will try to step up."
He added: "But, to be honest, there could be more disadvantages [for us] in the new system which contains Australia and New Zealand - simply because they are much bigger and physically stronger."
Korea open their campaign against Australia on Sunday 23 July.
FIBA