KOREA - Less talent but more chemistry

Korea will not fight with all its weapons at the Olympics with numerous absences undermining the team in Beijing. The fitness woes mean it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to match the rankings achieved in 2000 and 2002.

Korea reached the highest ranking in their history of fourth eight years ago in Sydney and then reconfirmed their standing with another semi-final appearance at the 2002 FIBA World Championship. The country hasn't reached those heights since, though. Korea coach Jung Duk Hwa, whose team beat an under-strength China in the final of last year's FIBA Asia Championship, isn't optimistic about his team's chances in Beijing, either. After watching some of his side's future opponents in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, chiefly Belarus, Brazil and Latvia, he said a "Final Four" finish at the Olympics was too high for his team. The more realistic aim is to win two or three games.

His forecasts are realistic when considering the latest results in major competitions and the notable absences that have affected the team. The first is Jeon Ju Won, the best point guard ever in Korean basketball history who retired as a national team player. Her heir, Lee Mi Sun, is sidelined because of a knee injury, the same problem that has limited the effectiveness of the tallest center, Ha Eun Ju. Fortunately, the 34-year-point guard Kim Yeong Ok is back. She led the team in Athens and is still the fastest woman of the WKBL. She is lacking in one very important area, however. She doesn't apply the defensive pressure demanded of her by Jung. Her back-up is the promising Choi Yoon Ah, a player who rejected an offer from the Washington Mystics of the WNBA to instead focus on Korea's preparation for the Olympics.

This is not up for debate. Now, more than ever, the most potent part of the Korean offense is concentrated on the perimeter. The very experienced Park Jung Eun, a member of the 1996 team at the Atlanta Games, and the best shooter, Beon Yeon Ha, are two excellent starters. The young Kim Jung Eun and the versatile Jin Mi Jung are competitive wings. In the paint, Jung Sun Min has been the leader for many years but the `Queen of basketball' missed the competitions in 2004 and 2006. It was no surprise the team struggled in her absence. Her ability to do so many things well makes her the key to the success of her team. Considering that Ha will not play a lot of minutes, Kim Kwe Ryong will be the only other threat inside. The third leading scorer and rebounder of the WKBL is ready to confirm her good performance at the 2006 FIBA World Championship where she averaged 14.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

On paper, teams like Latvia, Brazil and Belarus are stronger, and the Koreans will find life very difficult against world champions Australia and EuroBasket 2007 winners Russia. There is always hope. Team chemistry, the experience of the veterans and tough-as-nails defense can make a difference. Just as in his playing days, coach Jung is famous for his defensive philosophy. He asks his girls for strong concentration during the entire 40 minutes of games. Progress was notable during the 2008 Beijing Basketball Test Event in April, where Korea took fifth place.

How did they qualify?
2007 FIBA Asian Championship, Final Round
Gold Medal (7 W - 0 L)

1st round
June-3rd 2007    Korea b. Thailand    108-47
June-4th 2007    Korea b. Chinese Taipei    74-65
June-5th 2007    Korea b. Malaysia    97-53
June-6th 2007    Korea b. Japan    90-68
June-7th 2007    Korea b. China    83-80

Qualifying round
June-9th 2007    Korea b. Chinese Taipei    80-70

Final
June-10th 2007    Korea b. China    79-73