The men's basketball team, led by head coach Ahn Joon-ho, finished its two warm-up matches with one win and one loss against Japan held at Ariake Arena in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan on Saturday and Sunday. The team won the first round 85-84 and lost the second round 80-88.
All men's national teams consisted of those who were born in 1996 or younger, and considering the four-day training process, the results exceeded expectations. It was also a more valuable result because Japan faced Japan as the best member at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. 안전한 카지노사이트
"The players did a great job. They did a great job after just four days of training," Ahn said over the phone on Sunday. The players were all determined to give it a try. Captain Byun Jun-hyung also did a great job, and I am very grateful to everyone in many ways. This is the result of their teamwork."
"I wanted to show our one-team Korea and team-first spirit the most. Basketball is a team sport. Teamwork is a must, not an option. It was two games that reminded me of such consciousness. In addition, coach Seo Dong-cheol and other support staff including trainers worked really hard," he added.
Young Korea. Through the two warm-up matches, we have confirmed the possibility. From Lee Jung-hyun (Sono) to Yoo Ki-sang (LG) and Lee Won-seok (Samsung), who were selected for the first time in their careers, they played against Japan fearlessly.
Ahn said, "There must have been a lot of things I felt while bumping into each other. I hope that we can grow further through this experience. I also think we have confirmed the direction we need to move forward through the performance that young players have shown. The result is fast speed and high defensive energy."
He also had to make improvements. In the second game, he gave 34 points and 14 rebounds to naturalized Japanese player Josh Hawkinson. As a result, the team was inferior in rebounding (24–45). Conversely, Korea also felt the need for a naturalized player.
"Since Japan tries so many 3-point shots, I thought it would be better for Hawkinson to score points," coach Ahn said. "However, the team lost too many points than expected. It seems that the team has left a challenge. We need to hurry up on the issue of naturalized players. I felt the importance. Only then will Korean players feel less pressure. Only when Korean players are encouraged, they will be able to display more confidence and performance in the international arena."
Not complacent here, now the men's team is preparing for the FIBA Asian Cup qualifying round in November. Indonesia and Australia are scheduled to face off.
"We still have a long way to go. We need to equip ourselves more. Still, young players have positive experience and confidence. Selection of players is an infinite competition among different positions. We will continue to monitor them," Ahn said.
Finally, it is a four-character idiom that coach Ahn mentioned. "Our players are unfinished gems. They are gems that can be cut, trimmed, broken and polished to see a greater light."