“Excuses Are for Losers” ... Asia’s Top Shooter Lee Hyun-jung Set to Face Saudi Arabia [Nagoya Asian Games]

[Financial News] Lee Hyun-jung, 26, the “absolute ace” of the South Korea men’s national basketball team, takes the court with the formidable mission of reclaiming the Asian Games title after 12 years. Even with the major personal boost of a move toward the NBA, his focus is solely on tomorrow’s group-stage opener against Saudi Arabia on the 10th.
Lee Hyun-jung recently thrilled basketball fans by signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the 2026–27 season. An Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth roughly the NBA minimum salary. It offers a valuable opportunity to pursue a spot on the regular roster through a potential conversion to a two-way contract. Although he has moved one step closer to the “dream stage,” Lee Hyun-jung remains unfazed. What makes his heart race right now is not his personal future, but the Taegeuk mark on his chest and the “gold medal.”
The South Korea men’s national basketball team, led by head coach Nikolaos Mazlis, begins its 2026 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya campaign on the 10th against Saudi Arabia. At the center of the team, which arrived in Nagoya on the 7th, is Lee Hyun-jung.
Lee Hyun-jung’s mindset is stronger than ever ahead of the tournament. In a friendly against the Philippines on the 6th, he led South Korea to a dominant 60–42 victory with an all-around performance of 11 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Although his shooting touch was not perfect, including a 1-for-7 performance from three-point range, he controlled the game through his willingness to do the dirty work and his dedication.

Lee Hyun-jung said, “It is true that things feel unfamiliar because the rim looks a little closer when I shoot, and the court and ball are different from those in the NBA Summer League. But these are all just excuses.” He added, “When things were not working, I tried to help the team in other areas, such as rebounding. If I rely on excuses, I will end up making excuses for my dream as well.”
Lee Hyun-jung’s “No Excuses” philosophy is helping reset the mood throughout the national team. The squad is determined to overcome every variable that can arise in a short tournament—including differences in the court environment and official game ball, as well as fatigue—with skill and fighting spirit. His synergy with teammates such as Lee Jung-hyun is also becoming more evident with each game.
Men’s basketball at the Asian Games begins its competition earlier than most other events, starting on the 10th. It would not be an exaggeration to say that South Korea’s hopes of returning to the top of Asia after 12 years will effectively be decided in the Saudi Arabia game, the first step of the campaign.
Even at a crossroads in his NBA career, where he must prove his ability, Lee Hyun-jung has cast aside excuses and called for “only the team’s victory.” The ace with the hottest heart on the court is taking aim at Nagoya’s court tomorrow, the 10th.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter