(Asiad) Forward lifts S. Korea to men's hoops gold with sharpshooting, leadership

NAGOYA, Japan – South Korea's Asian Games men's basketball gold medal victory hinged on star forward Lee Hyun-jung's exceptional performance. Never once in the tournament did any player rack up more points, three-pointers, rebounds, or steals than Lee, making a case for labeling his play the pinnacle of his career. The 25-year-old, standing at 202 centimeters, finished with 27 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 steals, leading South Korea to a 67-57 triumph over Japan.

His individual total of 144 points across six games set a new benchmark. Lee's shooting was impeccable, connecting 25 shots from downtown, the only scorer with over 20 attempts, and delivering 84% accuracy from the free throw line. He maintained a 52% field goal percentage and 47% from beyond the arc. Beyond the numbers, Lee displayed the makings of a leader, navigating physical contests for rebounds and orchestrating quick transitions.

Team captain Lee Seoung-hyun praised Lee's talent and humility, calling him a potential future captain. With this gold medal, Lee secures exemption from mandatory military service, allowing him to continue both his national team and professional careers. Having attended Davidson, home to NBA star Stephen Curry, Lee once posted a 50.8% field goal, 44.2% from three, and 90% free throw combination as a sophomore.

He declared for the NBA draft in 2022 but missed it due to a foot injury. Since then, he's played in Australia, Japan, and a brief stint in the NBA G League. This summer, Lee played for the Spurs in the NBA Summer League and attended mini camps for the Celtics and Pelicans. His recent signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, a one-year, non-guaranteed contract, marks a significant step forward in his basketball journey.