*This content was translated by AI.
Bava Yudai of Nagasaki Velka, a former teammate of Lee Hyun-jung and well-known to domestic basketball fans, expressed regret for committing a rough foul against Yoo Ki-sang (Changwon LG) during the Korea-Japan match.
Japan's "Sports Hochi" reported on the 17th (Korea time) that "Bava stated his unsportsmanlike foul was due to 'my desire to block coming first'."
The media further highlighted that Bava maintained a stern expression despite Rui Hachimura of the LA Lakers making a playful gesture mimicking an ejection.
The Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team lost 66-95 in the second international exhibition match against Japan held at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on the 16th. Having also lost the first match the previous day by 68-88, Korea surrendered both legs of the two-game away series in Japan.
In Japan, Kawamura Yuki, a point guard for the LA Clippers of the NBA, led his team to victory with a game-high 24 points shared between both teams. Bava also started both consecutive games, scoring 7 points over 19 minutes and 3 seconds.
However, during the second quarter, Bava collided heavily with Yoo Ki-sang and received an unsportsmanlike foul.
Here is what happened: As Yoo attempted a perimeter shot, Bava jumped high to block it. However, Yoo did not shoot immediately but performed a fake move, causing Bava to lose his balance while already airborne.
In the process of urgently controlling his body, Bava's extended foot collided significantly with Yoo. Yoo immediately fell to the court and expressed pain.
The referee team reviewed the scene via video replay and ultimately declared an unsportsmanlike foul against Bava.
After the game, Bava reflected on his play, saying, "My desire to block came too early, leading to that kind of play," and apologized to Yoo, stating, "I feel sorry."
Sports Hochi also noted that "although Bava's action was not intentional, he conveyed his apology to the opposing player he collided with."
During the video review, an unexpected scene unfolded at the Japanese bench.
Hachimura and Watanabe Yuta of Chiba Jets, who did not play in the game due to reasons of conditioning control, were captured on the arena's large scoreboard.
At that moment, Hachimura pointed his index finger toward Bava, making a gesture as if commanding an ejection. The playful action caused laughter not only among the Japanese players but also from the spectators.
However, Bava himself maintained a stern expression while waiting for the ruling. There was a reason.
Regarding Hachimura's prank, Bava said, "I saw it too," but added, "I thought that if I got too caught up in his cheerful atmosphere, the game itself could become loose."
He further explained, "As players actually on the court, I believe we must clearly distinguish ourselves and focus on the game."
Veteran Bava is also a familiar name to domestic basketball fans. Last season, he shared a meal with Lee Hyun-jung at Nagasaki Velka in Japan's B.League and led the club to its first-ever championship together.
After the Korea-Japan match held in Goyang last month, Bava also sent a message of support for Lee Hyun-jung's challenge to join the NBA. At that time, Bava said, "I think Lee Hyun-jung can go to the NBA," supporting his former teammate's challenge.
Korea national team 'ace' Lee Hyun-jung is currently continuing his challenge toward the NBA stage. After participating in the NBA Summer League, he joined minicamps with the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics FC, aiming for entry into the major leagues. Because of this, he could not join the recent Japan away trip.
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*This content was translated by AI.
