Okinawa, Japan – Despite a stellar performance from Lee Hyun-jung, the South Korean men’s basketball team fell to Japan 78-72 in a closely contested match of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The loss brings South Korea’s qualifying record to 2 wins and 2 losses.

Lee Hyun-jung’s Double-Double Not Enough

Lee Hyun-jung showcased his skill, recording a double-double with 28 points and 11 rebounds. He also connected on five 3-point shots. However, his efforts weren’t sufficient to overcome Japan’s strong offensive showing.

“I am proud of my teammates and coaching staff. Although the result was not good, Japan is a great team. We did not shoot the rebound properly and missed an easy scoring opportunity. These things led to Japan’s rapid break score. Nevertheless, I would like to say that I am proud of my teammates who fought well.”

Lee Hyun-jung

New Leadership Under Coach Majulis

The game marked only the second outing for new South Korea head coach Nicolas Majulis, who was appointed in January. This series against Taiwan and Japan represented Majulis’s debut at the helm of the national team. He incorporated three rookies – Eddie Daniel, Moon Yoo-hyun, and Kang Ji-hoon – into the lineup.

The team suffered a loss to Chinese Taipei in Majulis’s first game, and now faces a challenging path forward in the qualifying stage.

Looking Ahead: Qualification Path

South Korea must win their next two games to secure a spot in the second round of the qualifiers. The top three teams from Group B, along with the top three from each of the other three groups, will advance.

Coach Majulis’s Impact

Despite the recent setbacks, Lee Hyun-jung expressed a positive outlook on the team’s progress under Coach Majulis.

“Coach Nicolas is very meticulous. He checks even the smallest details that Korean players were unaware of. It was a short period of time, but I knew what the coach wanted during the two games. We communicated well with the players. We necessitate more time. As time goes by, we will become a more fearsome team.”

Lee Hyun-jung

FAQ

What is South Korea’s record in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers?

South Korea currently has a record of 2 wins and 2 losses.

Who is the head coach of the South Korean men’s basketball team?

Nicolas Majulis is the current head coach.

How many points did Lee Hyun-jung score against Japan?

Lee Hyun-jung scored 28 points and had 11 rebounds.