Basketball captain says criticism brought team closer
As losses piled up for the men's national basketball team in the weeks leading up to the Asian Games, so did criticism of the squad. Fans and pundits alike wondered if Korea, coached by the Latvian Nikolajs Mazurs, had what it takes to reach the podium at the Asian Games in Japan this month. With each passing game here, though, Korea has been authoring a new narrative. Mazurs' team ran the table…
The men's national basketball team of Korea faced mounting criticism in the weeks leading up to the Asian Games. Fans and pundits questioned whether the team, coached by Latvian Nikolajs Mazurs, had the potential to secure a podium finish in Japan. However, as the Asian Games approached, Korea began to rewrite its own narrative.
Under Mazurs, the team dominated the group phase of the competition, with a notable 100-83 victory against Japan in the final match. The team then continued their winning streak by defeating Jordan 114-80 in the quarterfinals. Following the latter victory at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Korean captain Lee Seoung-hyun commented on the team's progress.
Lee stated that it took time for the team to come together and play the style of basketball that Mazurs envisioned. He added that the coach showed immense respect for the players and allowed them to execute their own skills. As a result, the team's confidence has soared. Korea entered the Asian Games in need of increased self-assurance, having lost their first three games while Mazurs was in charge.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Basketball captain says criticism brought team closer koreatimes.co.kr
