"Lee Hyun-jung could make it to the NBA" — Japanese representative continues cheering even after the Korea-Japan match ends... 'Former teammate' Baba's heartfelt sincerity

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korea-Japan match was a fierce battle, but warm support followed after the game concluded. Japanese national team veteran Baba Yudai (31) sent a sincere message to his "former teammate" Lee Hyun-jung (26, San Antonio Spurs), with whom he played last season for Nagasaki Velca in Japan's B.League.

On the 6th, the Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team defeated Japan 81-79 in the final sixth match of Group B in Round 1 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers held at Goyang Sono Arena.

Korea secured a crucial victory against their "eternal rival" Japan, finishing with three wins and three losses for nine points. They advanced to the second round of World Cup qualifiers as the second-place team in Group B. Although Japan lost to Korea, they finished first in the group with four wins and two losses for ten points. China also advanced to the second round with three wins and three losses, placing third in the group. Only Taiwan, finishing last with two wins and four losses, was eliminated.

After the intense match, Baba mentioned Lee Hyun-jung. In an interview with reporters, he said, "Lee Hyun-jung keeps challenging himself in the NBA Summer League every year. I want him to make it to the NBA, and I believe he can play there. That's why I hope he will shine in the NBA."

Lee Hyun-jung, the "ace" of the Korean national basketball team, is currently playing for San Antonio in the NBA Summer League. This marks his third attempt at the NBA Summer League. Previously, Lee participated in the Summer League twice but did not achieve the desired results. However, this year's atmosphere is different. Even before the Summer League began, San Antonio showed active interest in him.

The early momentum has been promising. Lee Hyun-jung has made his presence felt while wearing the San Antonio jersey. In the first game of the Summer League against the Miami Heat, he played about 15 minutes and recorded five points, three rebounds, and two assists. Against the Golden State Warriors, he played 17 minutes and 11 seconds, scoring 11 points with two three-pointers and grabbing two rebounds.

In the final game of the California Classic Summer League on the 7th against the LA Lakers, Lee played over 20 minutes and recorded seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Lee Hyun-jung has also drawn attention in the United States. According to the American media outlet Sports Illustrated (SI), San Antonio teammate Jakobi Gillespie said about Lee, "He's a player who really makes shots. He showed that during mini-camp. We definitely believe in him."

Head coach Corliss Williamson praised Lee, saying, "Lee Hyun-jung can make shots well. He moves effectively without the ball and strives to be in the right position defensively. He is a player who can make shots for our team. He expands the court and makes sound decisions."

SI also reported, "Lee Hyun-jung, known as the ace of Korean basketball, recorded a total of 16 points and five rebounds in his first two games with San Antonio. His field goal percentage was 50%, and his three-point shooting percentage was 38%."

The media further explained, "Brian Wright, the general manager, played a key role in Lee joining San Antonio. It is reported that GM Wright offered Lee a Summer League contract last month. Lee stated that Wright 'really wanted to see him.' For 25-year-old Lee, who is trying to challenge the NBA again, this was an offer he could easily accept."

In this context, Baba also encouraged Lee by saying, "He can play in the NBA." Baba is a top-tier player in Japanese basketball who has won the B.League championship three times. Last season, he and Lee formed Nagasaki's powerful duo, leading the club to its first-ever B.League title. After securing the championship, the two players shared an emotional embrace, showcasing their strong camaraderie.

At that time, Japanese media outlet Basketball King highlighted, "The aces of Korea and Japan led Nagasaki to their first championship. Baba received the Finals MVP award, while Lee was named Playoffs MVP."

Baba has previously sent encouraging messages to Lee. Earlier, Lee said, "Baba always told me, 'Next is the NBA.' He gave me a lot of confidence. That part meant so much to me," expressing his gratitude.

During this Korea-Japan match, Lee Hyun-jung was participating in the NBA Summer League, so he and Baba did not meet on the court. However, even after the intense competition ended, Baba once again conveyed his heartfelt support. Although he had just faced Korea while wearing the Japanese national team jersey, he genuinely cheered for his former teammate's attempt to reach the NBA.

After completing the California Classic schedule, Lee Hyun-jung will now head to Las Vegas, where the main Summer League games are held. What he shows on this stage, watched by numerous NBA scouts and officials, is crucial. If he delivers strong performances and leaves a lasting impression, his chances of reaching his long-held dream of playing in the NBA will significantly increase.

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*This content was translated by AI.