‘National representative’ Lee Hyun-joong is on the rise… “Even if I’m not the best, I plan to lead the team.” [IS 고양]

Lee Hyun-joong (24, Illawarra Hawks), wearing the Taegeuk symbol, appears at Goyang Sono Arena. It has been three years since I played for the national team, but this is my first time standing in front of domestic fans. Fans are also focusing their attention on his performance as Korea’s best shooter and the only overseas member of the national team, and Lee Hyun-joong is determined to lead the team by claiming to be the ‘ace’.

Lee Hyun-joong met with reporters after completing training for the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifier against Indonesia held at Goyang Sono Arena on the 20th and said, “I am so honored to be able to represent my country once again.” I wanted to run for the national team, and this time the schedule worked out well. “This is my first time in Korea in front of fans, so I’m really excited.”

Lee Hyeon-joong, who went to the United States early in high school and played abroad in American college basketball, the National Basketball Association (NBA) lower G League, the Australian National Basketball Association (NBL), and the Japanese B League, has already received the Taegeuk symbol in 2021 while he was at Davidson University in the United States. There is an enemy. At the time, he received attention as the most anticipated player in Korean basketball, and actually showed a special presence in the 2021 FIBA ​​Asia Cup qualifiers. However, due to the academic schedule at the time, he was excluded from the Asia Cup finals and had no connection with the Taegeuk mark. However, this time, he joined the national team and was able to wear the Taegeuk symbol again after three years.

In particular, there are a lot of injuries in this national team, so the presence of an ace to lead the team is important. And naturally, attention is focused on Lee Hyun-joong, but rather than showing any pressure, Lee Hyun-joong is willing to take on the role of leading the team and only shows his determination to lead the team to victory. It also means that you have confidence.

Lee Hyun-joong said, “It’s sad and disappointing that there are so many injuries, but the other 11 players are all qualified to be a member of the national team. “If we do it right, there will be good results,” he said. “Each person will have their own thoughts and skills. “Although I am not the most senior member of the national team, I plan to lead the team as a vocal leader,” he said confidently. Lee Hyun-joong, born in 2000, is the third youngest member of the national team, following Moon Yu-hyeon (20, Korea University) and Yoo Yu-sang (23, Changwon LG).

Just before the national team was called up, he showed great momentum in his team. Playing 21 minutes against the Sydney Kings on the 16th (Korean time), he scored 16 points, the second most on the team, with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. This is the highest individual score this season. On the NBL stage this season, he is averaging 8.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 16.8 minutes in 11 games. Now, he is ready to continue that momentum with the national team.

However, I have no intention of standing out alone. Lee Hyun-joong said, “Of course, team victory is more important than individual stats,” and added, “I have matured a lot mentally compared to three years ago. Even if the game goes wrong, you can save your teammates. “I think I’ve become a player who thinks more about team victory than personal things,” he said with a smile.

The only goal for the two-game series against Indonesia on the 21st and Australia on the 24th is victory. This is also the mindset that Lee Hyun-joong has as a member of the national team. He said, “I want to win every national team game I play. “Of course, I want to become a winning player,” he said, adding, “I think it would be better if the players had a strong desire to play with me.”

Korea lost to Australia in the first game in the preliminaries of the tournament and defeated Thailand in the second game, and is now recording 1 win and 1 loss. They are ranked 2nd in Group A of the preliminary round, following Australia (2 wins). After this two-game series held at Goyang Sono Arena, the final two-game preliminary round will be held against Thailand and Indonesia in February next year. Only if they finish in second place in their group or in the top four teams out of three in six groups will they be able to advance to the finals to be held in Saudi Arabia in August next year.

Reporter Kim Myeong-seok [email protected]