"I will return as a legend"... South Korea, expected to be last, clashes with China for a semi-final ticket
- Input
- 2025-08-13 13:55:39
- Updated
- 2025-08-13 13:55:39
South Korea, after defeating Guam, faces China on the 14th in the quarter-finals
21st-ranked Japan suffers a 24-point defeat to Lebanon, who lost to South Korea
Unexpected rebellion from South Korea, predicted to be last in the group before the tournament
Coach An Jun-ho "I will return as a legend"
21st-ranked Japan suffers a 24-point defeat to Lebanon, who lost to South Korea
Unexpected rebellion from South Korea, predicted to be last in the group before the tournament
Coach An Jun-ho "I will return as a legend"
[Financial News] In the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup, the South Korean men's basketball team proudly advanced to the quarter-finals, overturning pre-tournament predictions of being in the 'lowest rank'. Coach An Jun-ho declared immediately after the match, "I will return as a legend."
Under the leadership of Coach An, the South Korean team defeated Guam 99-66 in the quarter-final qualification match held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the 12th (local time). Having finished second in Group A with 2 wins and 1 loss, following Australia, South Korea easily defeated third-place Guam from Group B, continuing their 'rapid progress' with 3 wins and 1 loss. The next opponent is China, one of the strongest in Asia. They will compete for a semi-final ticket on the 14th at 8 PM (local time).
In this tournament, South Korea overwhelmed opponents with explosive three-pointers against Qatar and Lebanon, but suffered a severe shooting slump against Guam, making only 8 out of 38 attempts (21% success rate). Although the first 10 three-point attempts in the first quarter all hit the rim and bounced out, they secured victory with strong defensive pressure, rebounds, and fast breaks.
Moon Jung-hyun (kt) was selected as the MVP of the match with a 100% field goal percentage, recording 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals. Lee Hyun-jung (14 points, 9 rebounds), Ha Yun-gi (13 points, 5 rebounds), and Yu Gi-sang (13 points) also performed well.
Coach An Jun-ho emphasized, "South Korea is at its peak in cohesion, concentration, and morale," and stressed, "Based on this atmosphere, we will definitely overcome the Great Wall." He also highly praised the leadership of veterans Kim Jong-kyu (Jung Kwan-jang) and Lee Seung-hyun (Hyundai Mobis), saying, "These two players are both coaching staff and players. They have the ability to solve any situation."
Moon Jung-hyun stated, "China is taller and tougher than us, but we will face them with our unique defensive pressure and team color," and expressed his determination, "If we faithfully carry out the tasks given by the coach, we can win."
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter