Korea is the team that tells the history of the FIBA Asia Cup. Korea is among the first seven teams who played in the first edition of the championship. On top of that, Korea missed not a single edition of the event. Except for five editions, Korea has finished in the top three teams in the championship. Although they finished third in the previous edition, they are coming with a full-strength squad.
FIBA World Ranking
Korea has been ranked 30 in the world. On an interesting note, Korea’s position in ranking has changed neither in the world nor in Asia and Oceania. They have been ranked five in Asia and Oceania and 30 in the world. However, in 2021 their ranking moved up to 29, but by the end of the year, they moved down again to 30.
Korea’s Asia Cup Debut
Korea is among the countries that played the maiden edition of the championship in 1960. Korea’s debut was a total dismal run compared to what they have done after that. They finished at four in the final standings, struggling against the Philippines, Japan, and Chinese Taipei. Since then, Korea ended every season in the top three in the final standings for 35 years.
Total Asia Cup Appearances
Including the upcoming edition, it will be Korea’s 30th appearance in the championship. This means that Korea hasn’t missed any edition, and neither will do in the future, as we are witnessing plenty of talent coming from there. They will definitely keep the legacy intact.
How did their Recent Appearance Go?
The previous edition in Lebanon in 2017 went pretty well for Korea, as they claimed their 12th Asia Cup bronze medal. Despite a staggering start to their trot, they ended 3rd in the final standing. They crushed the Philippines in the quarter-final but lost the semi-finals to Iran. Nevertheless, they thwarted Tall Blacks in the game for the third spot and grabbed the bronze medal.
What is Korea’s Best Position in the Final Standing?
Korea has won the championship twice, in 1969 and 1997. In 1969 Korea remained invincible, beating every team they faced with huge margins. Only Japan and the Philippines provided some resistance to the wrath of Koreans. Meanwhile, 1997 was a bit memorable with intense clashes to recall. Korea, as usual, cruised through the preliminary round and into the quarter-finals. But in the semi-finals and finals, they went through the eye of the needle. They thrashed China in the semi-finals and grabbed their second championship defeating Japan in the finals by 78-76.
Notable player
Korea had appeared in 29 editions, including this year becomes 30. So there could be numerous star players on the list, but Yang DongGeun is the finest player of all. He participated in five Asia Cups and played 40 games with an average of 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. On top of that, he has been part of the teams who won three bronze medals. Certainly, he was one of the best players in the Koreans’ history in the Asia Cup.
Road to Asia Cup
Korea managed to qualify successfully, beating Thailand and Indonesia and got placed second in group A. they never struggled during the qualification against any team, but twice they lost to the Philippines. They struggled severely against them, but they are looking promising to take revenge in the upcoming mega edition.
Current Form
Koreans are already one of the potential contenders for the title this season, with the likes of Ra GunA, Lee DaeSung, Kim JongKyu, and the Heo brothers. Korea is enjoying good times as the NBA drafted Lee HyunJung can flare up things with the veterans. Lee has left everyone in awe during the qualifying round, and now his availability increases the chances of Korea lifting the title.
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