LG guard Yoo Ki-sang (23, 188 centimeters) of Changwon LG is the Rookie of the Year award in the 2023-2024 season. He played an average of 23 minutes and 34 seconds in 52 games, scored 8.1 points and 2.2 rebounds, and has established himself as an indispensable player in his team. Notably, he has emerged as a hope for Korean basketball, which has been suffering from “shooter famine” by rewriting the record of 95 three-point shots per rookie season.
That potential was also revealed in two friendly matches with the Japanese men’s basketball team held in Tokyo on May 5 and 7. It is very welcome not only to improve one’s confidence but also to show competitiveness against the Japanese national team participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Yoo Ki-sang scored a total of 25 points in two friendly matches against Japan. In the first game (85-84 win), he played 15 minutes and 28 seconds to score eight points including two 3-pointers, and in the second game (80-88 loss), he played 33 minutes and 1 second to score 17 points, three rebounds, and one assist including five 3-pointers. 파워볼사이트
The record alone is commendable, but it is even more remarkable that he showed off his strengths to the fullest without being intimidated. In particular, in the second game, he boldly attempted a three-point shot in front of Josh Hawkinson (208cm, Sunrockers Shibuya), a naturalized player, and blocked Japan’s scoring route with active defense. It was largely due to the abandonment of the game that caused Japan’s bloodshed by narrowing the gap that had widened to 14 points at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
LG is facing major changes ahead of the new season. With the transfer of Lee Kwan-hee (Wonju DB), Lee Jae-do, and Jung Hee-jae (Kyang Sono), Yoo Ki-sang performed LG’s “team defense” with great performance last season. It seems that he will be able to play with newly joined veterans such as Doo Kyung-min (33), Jeon Sung-hyun (33), and Heo Il-young (39).
He constantly moves to find space even when attacking. Such amount of activity not only affects his score but also the creation of opportunities for other players. As he proactively attempts shots even ahead of defense, he cannot afford to relax as an opposing team. On top of that, he has demonstrated his competitiveness in the international arena, which has further boosted his confidence. This is why he is looking forward to the 2024-2025 season, which he said would become a player who grows steadily.
