Team Korea seeks redemption after missing out on Olympic spot in 2023
Key players Park Ji-su and Kang I-seul to play decisive roles in crucial group matches
The South Korean women's national basketball team has embarked on their journey to qualify for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, beginning with the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China. The tournament, which kicks off on the 13th, will see eight nations compete, with a coveted World Cup berth or a spot in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament awaiting teams that finish within the top six.
Since making their debut in the competition in 1965, South Korea has claimed the title a record 12 times, sharing the distinction with China. However, the squad's last triumph dates back to 2007. In recent years, the Asian basketball landscape has shifted, with Japan winning five consecutive titles from 2013 to 2021, before China reclaimed the crown in 2023. South Korea finished fifth in the previous edition, narrowly missing out on Olympic qualification.
For this year’s Asia Cup, South Korea finds itself in Group A alongside New Zealand (match scheduled for the 14th), China (15th), and Indonesia (16th). Topping the group grants a direct ticket to the semifinals, while the second- and third-placed teams must compete in the playoffs for a semifinal spot.
Having stumbled in their opening match against New Zealand two years ago and fallen short of the semifinals, Team Korea is highly aware of the importance of a strong start. Much attention is on the return and form of star center Park Ji-su, who recently had her playing time limited at the William Jones Cup due to conditioning issues. Whether she can return to her best and influence the team’s prospects is a key question going into the competition.
Additionally, consistent performances from domestic league standouts such as Kang I-seul, Shin Ji-hyun, and Park Ji-hyun will be critical to South Korea's ambitions.
Meanwhile, at the same time in Brno, Czech Republic, the U-19 women's national basketball team led by Coach Kang Byung-soo will face off against the United States, Israel, and Hungary in the group stage of the FIBA U-19 Women's World Cup. Rising stars like Song Yun-ha and Lee Min-ji, who made a splash in the professional league last year, are expected to play pivotal roles for the younger squad.
Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo=Yonhap News, FIBA
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