The Korean U18 women’s national team returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2. The Korean team has advanced to the semifinals at the 2020 FIBA U18 Women’s Asian Cup held in Shenzhen, China, and has secured the berth to participate in the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. The Korean team is ranked fourth in the final rankings of the upcoming event.
Unlike a month before the competition, coach Kang Byung-soo (Suwon Girls’ High School), who led the national team, looked comfortable. “People say Korean women’s basketball has weakened, but it was a competition where we felt that we could do it if we did it,” coach Kang said. 토토사이트 추천
“In some years, there is a difference between weak and strong. What we also said we can do is that if there is a change that creates an environment where players invest a little bit, provide them with a little more training time, and focus on their sports, I think we can do it. There is a clear reality, but contrary to the concerns and concerns around them, they are not at a level where they will not worry too much yet. I think it is important from now on.”
The Korean team finished the preliminary round with the second place in its group against Taiwan, Australia, and Malaysia in Group A. It advanced to the semifinals by beating the third-ranked New Zealand in Group B in the semifinals, and secured a berth to participate in the Basketball World Cup, which it aimed to achieve. Although it lost to China in the semifinals and Japan in the third-place match, it also confirmed its possibility.
Coach Kang Byung-soo said, “We are short, but I think we can do it as much as we want if we increase the speed. The players of this national team were similar in height. That was a big advantage in defense tactics. It is true that our speed is slow, but if we make up for this, we will not fall behind in Asia and we can go up once more.”
“If I can lead the national team again next year, I have many expectations,” coach Kang said. “I wonder what kind of basketball players around the world play. Players in the world may be superior in height, but I think they are all the same 19-year-old players. I wonder how world-class players play basketball, what kind of thoughts they have, and what kind of skills they have. I think it’s an opportunity to learn.”
Finally, he said to his students who were with him for a month, “I felt good about the players. I did more than special things.” He said, “Don’t be complacent now, but change yourself based on what you feel at the competition.” As they are the players who will lead the future of Korean women’s basketball, I hope they will not be complacent now and make changes for growth.”
