South Korea recorded one win and one loss in the away game in Japan.
The Korean men’s basketball team led by coach Ahn Jun-ho lost 80-88 in the second warm-up match against the Japanese national team at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Sunday. Although the Korean team lost the second round unfortunately, it pressured Japan with its performance that never gave up.
“Compared to the first round, the players had muscle pain and were physically disappointed. If the training period had been longer, we would have played better games. However, I am very grateful for the part where young players did their best without giving up until the end, and I think they have shown hope for the future of our men’s basketball through these two warm-up matches. We encouraged and comforted each other, and did our best,” Ahn said.
On the day, Korea lost 34 points and 14 rebounds to Josh Hawkinson. Ha Yoon-ki, who needed to defend under the basket, showed poor condition, and Lee Won-seok was disappointed by his opponent’s power.
Yang Jae-min and Moon also dedicated many rebounds to their opponents due to their small stature compared to their positions. Competitiveness in positions 4 to 5 is essential for Korean basketball to make progress.
Coach Ahn Jun-ho also agreed on this point. 에볼루션 바카라사이트
“Basically, positions 4 and 5 are all inferior to each other. Even if we allow taller opponents the right to provide, it is important to have skills to compete with techniques from the outside. Anyway, I think positions 4 and 5 are the most lacking points and areas that need to be grown in our men’s basketball,” Ahn said.
When asked about Lee Won-seok’s performance in the attack, Ahn said, “The status of Korean men’s basketball can change depending on how much Lee and Lee grow under the basket. We have to rely on them and they should be able to share the game time.”
Of course, the preparation process for the upcoming exhibition game was quite difficult. However, Korea did not easily lose ground against Japan, which has risen to the world level, giving impression and hope to Korean basketball fans.
“Our men’s basketball team has not met the fans’ expectations. We cannot give our fans the results of the international competition right now, but we will do our best and pour our energy into One Team Korea as in this warm-up match,” coach Ahn Jun-ho said. “Our team will continue to grow. We ask for your love, interest and support.”
“The players did their best in today’s game, more than the coaching staff wanted. I am very grateful and thankful that they showed their heart, willpower and mental strength without showing any signs of being in a very bad condition and there were many players with muscles after the first game,” coach Ahn said to the players who had suffered.