A Veteran’s wisdom: Jihoon Ham leads Hyundai Mobis to Victory at 40
Jihoon Ham, a seasoned veteran of teh Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, is defying age expectations in the 2024-2025 professional basketball season. At 40 years old, Ham, who debuted in the KBL in 2007, currently holds the title of the league’s oldest active player.
Despite his age, Ham’s skills remain sharp. This season, he has participated in 23 games, averaging a respectable 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game,while maintaining an impressive 52.5% field goal percentage. these statistics are even more remarkable considering his limited playing time of just 21 minutes per game.
Ham’s veteran presence was on full display during the highly anticipated “Basketball Youngshin” match against Daegu Korea Gas Corporation on December 31st. Playing for 27 minutes, he delivered a stellar performance, racking up 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while shooting an impressive 64% from the field. His contributions were instrumental in leading Hyundai Mobis to an 88-81 victory.
In a thrilling fourth quarter, with the score tied at 66-66, Ham stepped up, scoring four consecutive points to break Korea Gas Corporation’s momentum. He continued to dominate, scoring six more points himself and assisting Park Moo-bin for another basket, accounting for all eight of Hyundai Mobis’ points during that crucial stretch.
Hyundai Mobis, fueled by Ham’s leadership, never relinquished the lead after regaining it in the fourth quarter. They ultimately secured victory in the packed arena, showcasing Ham’s impact on the team’s success.
hyundai Mobis coach Cho Dong-hyun expressed his admiration for Ham, stating, “He’s a player who truly understands the game. He can elevate the performance of foreign players, balance the team’s dynamics, and provide invaluable mental support to his teammates.”
Ham’s basketball IQ, honed over years of experience, is evident in his ability to read the game and make strategic decisions. This “mental help,” as coach Cho Dong-hyun described it, was further emphasized by Park Moo-bin, a teammate 17 years Ham’s junior. Park highlighted Ham’s guidance on the court, saying, “I rely on him heavily during games. He acts as a mentor, offering insights and instructions that often lead to positive outcomes.”
Jihoon Ham’s story is a testament to the enduring power of experience and dedication in professional sports. As he continues to defy expectations, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a valuable asset to the Hyundai Mobis franchise.
The Enduring Presence of Ji-hoon Ham on the Court
Ji-hoon Ham’s impact on the Hyundai Mobis team this season has far exceeded initial expectations. While he initially projected a playing time of around 10 minutes, his contributions have been significantly more substantial.
“My role has evolved differently from the coach’s preseason plan,” Ham acknowledged,attributing this shift to the team’s offensive strategy. “Our foreign players primarily operate near the basket, creating more space for me to contribute.”
This strategic spacing is just one factor in Ham’s increased playing time.Hyundai Mobis is actively seeking a balance between the dominance of Sean Long and Gage Prim under the basket and the dynamic two-on-two attacks led by Lee Woo-seok and Park Moo-bin. Ham, with his deep understanding of tactics and versatile skillset, has emerged as the ideal player to bridge these different playing styles.
A veteran presence on the court, ham has shared the court with Hyundai Mobis legend Yang Dong-Geun, who now guides the team from the sidelines as coach. Observers often remark on Ham’s enduring talent,speculating that he could continue playing for several more years.
When asked about his future plans, Ham remained focused on the present. “I’m not dwelling on whether this will be my final season or if I’ll continue playing,” he stated calmly. “My sole focus is on performing well in each game.”
Coach Cho Dong-hyun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Ham’s personal decision. “Ultimately, it’s up to Ji-hoon,” he said with a smile. “But it would be fantastic if he continued to grace the court for many years to come.”
Ulsan’s Housing Market: A Closer Look at Rising Prices
The cost of housing in Ulsan is on the rise,mirroring a national trend. This surge in prices is causing concern among potential homebuyers and raising questions about affordability in the region.
While specific data on Ulsan’s housing market fluctuations isn’t readily available, national statistics paint a clear picture. According to the Korea Real Estate Board, nationwide apartment prices have increased by an average of 5.7% in the past year. This upward trajectory is attributed to a combination of factors, including low interest rates, increased demand, and limited housing supply.
The impact of these rising prices is felt acutely by first-time homebuyers and those on lower incomes. For example, a young professional looking to purchase a modest apartment in Ulsan might find themselves facing monthly mortgage payments that consume a notable portion of their income. This financial strain can make homeownership seem unattainable, forcing individuals to consider renting for longer periods or relocating to more affordable areas.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Local authorities could explore initiatives to increase the supply of affordable housing units, such as incentivizing developers to build more apartments within a specific price range. Additionally, government policies aimed at stabilizing housing prices, such as adjusting interest rates or implementing stricter regulations on real estate speculation, could help mitigate the impact of rising costs.
The situation in Ulsan highlights the broader challenges facing South Korea’s housing market. Finding solutions that ensure housing affordability for all citizens is crucial for the long-term economic and social well-being of the nation.
The Ageless Wonder: Jihoon Ham’s Leading Role in Hyundai Mobis’ success
Jihoon ham isn’t just playing in his 17th season wiht the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis – he’s defying expectations and leading by exmaple. at 40, the veteran guard, and the KBL’s oldest active player, is proving that age is just a number.While reserves might potentially be expected to settle for limited minutes and bench support, Ham is making a critically important impact on the court and serving as a guiding force for his younger teammates.
His impressive stats – 6.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 52.5% from the field in just 21 minutes per game – speak volumes about his efficiency and effectiveness. But numbers only tell part of the story.
ham’s leadership was most evident in the Hyundai Mobis’ thrilling victory against Daegu Korea Gas Corporation on December 31st. In a tense fourth quarter with the score tied, Ham took charge. He scored four consecutive points, sparking a crucial 8-0 run that secured the lead for Hyundai Mobis, ultimately leading them to an 88-81 win.
This performance is not an anomaly. Coach Cho Dong-hyun praises Ham’s strategic brilliance, emphasizing his ability to elevate the performance of foreign players and his invaluable mental support for team morale.
“He’s a player who truly understands the game,” Coach Cho stated.
This sentiment is echoed by teammate Park Moo-bin, who is 17 years Ham’s junior.He recognizes Ham’s invaluable mentorship on the court, stating, “I rely on him heavily during games. He acts as a mentor, offering insights and instructions that frequently enough lead to positive outcomes.”
Ham’s success underscores the importance of experience and basketball IQ in a sport often defined by youth and athleticism. His ability to read the game, make strategic decisions, and offer guidance to his younger teammates is a testament to his lasting impact on the Hyundai Mobis franchise.
It’s clear that Jihoon Ham is more than a veteran presence; he’s an active leader and a key component in Hyundai Mobis’ pursuit of victory. His story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes, showing that dedication, knowledge, and a love for the game can transcend age and continue to have a profound impact on the court. Ham’s enduring presence is a valuable asset, and his contributions will undoubtedly be pivotal as Hyundai Mobis navigates the rest of the 2024-2025 season.
