South Korea's men's basketball team claimed the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, marking their return to the top after 12 years. The team, led by young stars Lee Hyun-jung, Lee Jung-hyun, and Lee Woo-seok, showcased their potential as a new golden generation, with younger players like Moon Yoo-hyun and Eddie Daniel also gaining championship experience.
Under the guidance of head coach Nicolas Majulus, the South Korean team defeated Japan 67-57 in the final held at the Aichi-Nagoya International Arena on September 20. This victory was significant as it was achieved without any naturalized players.
Lee Hyun-jung was instrumental in the win, scoring 27 points and grabbing 18 rebounds for a double-double performance. Lee Jung-hyun contributed with 14 points and 7 assists, while Lee Woo-seok bolstered the team with his perimeter shooting and defense. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, winning all six matches since the group stage, and returning to the top since the 2014 Incheon Games.
However, the path to gold was not without challenges. The team faced concerns after losing two exhibition games against Japan in August, with scores of 88-68 and 95-66. Yet, they turned the tide in the Asian Games, defeating Japan 100-83 in the group stage before their final victory.
This gold medal is particularly meaningful as it was achieved without any naturalized players, following the departure of Ra Gun-ah, who had anchored the team since 2018. Height had been seen as a weakness, but the team compensated with quick transitions, perimeter shooting, and organized defense. Despite Japan utilizing 6-foot-11 naturalized center Alex Kirk, South Korea triumphed with a roster composed entirely of domestic players.
Looking ahead, South Korea will compete in the remaining two windows of the second round of the World Cup Asian qualifiers in November and February, aiming for a return to the World Cup finals for the first time since the 2019 tournament in China.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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