'Declaration of Entry into the U.S.' Choi Jun-yong Excluded from National Team Roster Due to Injury; Song Kyo-chang Also Dropped

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Jun-yong (32, KCC), who recently declared his intention to play in the United States, has been excluded from the men's national basketball team training roster due to complications following recent knee surgery.

The Korea Basketball Association announced on the 31st that Choi Jun-yong and Song Kyo-chang (Osaka Evessa, Japan) have been excluded from the list of players selected for training in preparation for Round 2 of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Association officials stated, "After comprehensively reviewing the injury conditions and recovery progress of Choi Jun-yong and Song Kyo-chang, we determined that they would find it difficult to fully participate in Hyeon Jae (CEO) team training. In consideration of player protection, we have decided to exclude them." The association further added, "Training will continue with a 14-player roster without adding replacement players."

Choi Jun-yong underwent knee surgery in mid-month and is currently undergoing rehabilitation. He recently declared his intention to challenge the U.S. market. He is scheduled to depart next month on the 1st, focusing on rehabilitation for approximately two weeks in the United States before resuming his efforts to compete at full fitness.

Song Kyo-chang, who left KCC last May and joined Osaka Evessa in Japan, was unable to join the team even for the fifth and sixth matches of Round 1 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers earlier this month due to injury complications.

The national basketball team will depart for Japan on the 13th of next month and will play two away exhibition matches against Japan on the 15th and 16th. Following that, they will face Lebanon (away) and Saudi Arabia (home) in sequence during Round 2 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

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*This content was translated by AI.