The Korean men's basketball team is gearing up for a critical series of matches in the FIBA Asia qualifiers, with high hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in eight years. The team's first foreign head coach, Nikolaas Majulis, expressed his surprise and appreciation for the support they received from fans at the airport before their departure to Taiwan. This camaraderie has bolstered the team's determination to deliver strong performances and reward the fans' enthusiasm.

The upcoming matches against Taiwan and Japan are pivotal as the team currently sits in second place in their qualifying group following victories against China. Recent rankings released by FIBA have placed Korea in a favorable position, emphasizing their improved performance due to the integration of younger players and a successful generational change. Majulis aims to highlight his coaching philosophy while adapting to the unique dynamics of the Korean team, showcasing aggressive changes in the roster since taking on the head coach role.

Star player Lee Hyun-jung remains a focal point for the team, having led the scoring against China in their recent games. The emphasis on understanding teammates' play styles over the short training period reflects Majulis's strategic approach. As Korea seeks to extend its winning streak and solidify its place in the qualifiers, both the players and coach remain intensely focused on achieving their goal of returning to the World Cup stage, profoundly impacting Korean basketball's future.