[Asia Economy Park Gang-ja, Guest Reporter] The South Korean men's national basketball team won 93-86 against Thailand in the second group stage match of Group A at the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers held on the 23rd at Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul.
Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the game was held without spectators, allowing only the two teams' players, staff, authorized media personnel, and officials to enter.
South Korea started with Kim Nak-hyeon (Electroland), Moon Seong-gon (KGC Ginseng Corporation), Kang Sang-jae (Electroland), Jeon Jun-beom (Hyundai Mobis), and Kim Jong-kyu (DB) as the starting lineup.
South Korea took the lead with Kim Nak-hyeon's three-pointer and Kim Jong-kyu's layup. However, they struggled against Thailand, led by Tyler Lamb who scored 10 points in the first quarter alone, finishing the first quarter 18-16.
In the second quarter, South Korea allowed an immediate tie and then fell behind. They failed to show significant offense afterward. Captain Kim Jong-kyu made bold attacks under the basket, drawing fouls and scoring to tie the game at 32-32, but soon lost the lead again. South Korea ended the second quarter trailing 38-40.
On the afternoon of the 23rd, the Group A match against Thailand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers was held without spectators at Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo by Park Kangja, guest reporter
At the start of the third quarter, Thailand's Watana Suttisin hit a three-pointer, extending the gap to 5 points, but Moon Seong-gon quickly responded with a three-pointer. Then, Kim Jong-kyu and Kang Sang-jae scored and made free throws, turning the score to 46-43 in favor of South Korea. Doo Kyung-min (1 three-pointer) and Jeon Seong-hyun (2 three-pointers) succeeded in three-point shots, overcoming the critical moment and leading 65-59 by the end of the third quarter.
In the early fourth quarter, South Korea showed strong offense, widening the gap to 19 points at 84-65. However, Thailand made a fierce comeback to 93-80 with 1 minute and 30 seconds remaining. Thailand added 6 more points afterward, while South Korea failed to score, narrowly winning 93-86.
The national team achieved two consecutive wins in the qualifiers following the away game in Indonesia on the 20th, but struggled against Thailand, ranked 105th in the FIBA rankings, leaving some regrets and challenges.
After the game, Jang Jae-seok reflected in a press conference, saying, "The players were lacking even in their preparation attitude." He added, "Playing without spectators and the players' somewhat complacent attitude are regrettable. As the senior member, it was a time for reflection."
On the afternoon of the 23rd, the Group A match against Thailand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers was held at Jamsil Students' Gymnasium in Seoul without spectators due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo by Park Kang-ja, guest reporter
Coach Kim Sang-sik also evaluated the game, saying, "Regardless of various reasons, this was a game that requires much reflection. Although it was a no-spectator game, I think the mental attitude was too casual from the start and continued until the end. Even in rebounds, we lost to smaller players, and defensively, we were easily broken through. Standing still and repeatedly allowing outside shots made it a difficult game."
Coach Kim formed the team with young players, implementing a generational change for this Asia Cup qualifier. Regarding this, he assessed the performance: "Although the training was short for three days, the atmosphere was good. The young players showed great spirit and stamina, which was excellent when playing energetically, but they showed a lack of experience compared to veteran players in set offenses and 2-on-2 plays."
The Korean national team must prepare for the final Tokyo Olympic qualifiers to be held in Lithuania in June. Coach Kim Sang-sik stated, "We saw a lot of potential in the young players this time. It does not mean that existing players are excluded. We will compete together to find the best combination. However, the common thought is that the national team needs to become younger."
[Text & Photos by Park Gang-ja]
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