From 1 win and 6 losses to a 'three-game winning streak' against Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and the Philippines... A dramatic turnaround ahead of the Asian Games, but the coach says, "It's not 100% yet" [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

The South Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO)team, which once fell to 1 win and 6 losses, has created a clear upward trend ahead of the Asian Games. However, head coach Nicolas Mazur (Latvia) remained cool-headed.

On the 6th, South Korea defeated the Philippines in a home game at the Hana Bank Invitational 2026 Men's Basketball National Team Evaluation Match held at Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena, winning 69-42.

After defeating the Philippines by a large margin of 81-55 in the first match on the 4th, South Korea concluded both evaluation matches against the Philippines with victories. The combined score of the two games was 150-97, an overwhelming result with a massive 53-point difference.

This evaluation match served as a practical mock exam to finalize game performance and condition ahead of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. South Korea secured a pleasant two-game winning streak against the Philippines and headed toward the Asian Games.

Looking only at recent trends, this is clearly a turnaround.

The start under coach Mazur was not easy. After taking command, he once fell to 1 win and 6 losses, struggling to produce results. Concerns about the national team grew, and harsh criticism poured onto Coach Mazur.

However, the recent atmosphere has definitely changed. South Korea defeated Saudi Arabia in the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers on the 31st of last month and then secured both evaluation matches against the Philippines. They succeeded in turning the tide with three consecutive victories in their last three games.

Coach Mazur attached significance to the changes in the Choi Geun (CEO)team. He said, "Looking at the two games against the Philippines as a whole, I am satisfied with our defensive aspects," and added, "We showed good performance in terms of defense and pressure not only in the evaluation matches against the Philippines but also in the previous matches against Saudi Arabia and Lebanon."

Indeed, defensive strength was noticeable in the two games against the Philippines. South Korea held the Philippines to 55 points in the first match and allowed just 42 points in the second match. The total points conceded across both games were only 97.

The players' dedication also stood out. Lee Hyun-joong, a key scorer for the national team, grabbed no fewer than 15 rebounds in the first match against the Philippines. He recorded another 15 rebounds in the second match as well. A player who plays a problem-solver role on offense did not spare his body in the battle under the basket in both consecutive games.

Players who had not been in perfect condition until now also came alive. 'Ace' Lee Jung-hyun exploded for 27 points in the first match against the Philippines, and Yu Gi-sang, overcoming a missed appearance in the first match, scored 15 points in the second match to record the team's highest score. It appeared that players' roles were beginning to align on both offense and defense.

Especially what Coach Mazur emphasized was not individual effort but "defense fought together as a team." He said, "The most important thing is to act together as a team," and added, "Everyone must fight for each other in every position."

The two games against the Philippines were the matches where this defensive philosophy, which Coach Mazur has emphasized, was best reflected.

South Korea is a relatively short team on the international stage. It is Coach Mazur's view that weaknesses arising from height cannot be left to just one or two big men.

He said, "We are not a tall team. Therefore, all players must actively participate in box-outs and rebounds," adding, "Tall wing resources like Yeo Jun-seok and Lee Hyun-joong need to provide help, and other players must all join in."

However, despite the recent three-game winning streak, Coach Mazur does not believe the national team has reached a completed stage.

There were clear problems even in the victory process. As with previous matches, the lack of concentration in the fourth quarter appeared again in the match against the Philippines.

Coach Mazur admitted, "In the final quarter, the point difference widened significantly, causing players to lose focus and the offense did not flow well."

Yeo Jun-seok pointed out the same part. He said, "There were moments where we collapsed a bit in the fourth quarter," adding, "If we improve those parts, I think we can show even better performance at the Asian Games."

Rather than getting carried away by the result of a three-game winning streak, the common thought within the national team is that problems revealed during the process must be resolved.

Fortunately, although time is tight, there is still time to make improvements. South Korea is in Group A at the upcoming Asian Games, facing Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Japan, and will challenge for a spot in the quarterfinals. They will play their first group stage match against Saudi Arabia on the 10th, followed by matches against Indonesia on the 11th and Japan on the 13th.

Coach Mazur emphasized, "I do not think what we have shown so far is 100%," adding, "We must continue to work hard to improve any shortcomings."

He further stated, "We are well prepared tactically on what kind of basketball we can play and what kind of basketball we should showcase," and declared his resolve, "We have carefully prepared even which players' strengths to utilize in offensive situations, and we will head to the Asian Games ready."

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*This content was translated by AI.