"Are you Korean?" A sudden question from a Japanese player... Even Japanese media focused on Eddie Daniel, "The 19-year-old Korean player who torments Japan" [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Are you Korean?"

Eddie Daniel (19, Seoul SK), who won the gold medal at the Asian Games after 12 years, received unexpected attention even during the award ceremony. A Japanese player, who had fiercely competed against Korea in the final, suddenly asked Daniel a question.

The Korean team Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO), led by coach Nicholas Mazulis of Latvia, defeated Japan 67-57 in the men's basketball final at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held on the 20th at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, securing the gold medal.

Korea reached the summit of the Asian Games for the first time in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon tournament and its fifth overall. Korea previously won gold medals in 1970, 1982, 2002, and 2014.

The tournament became an unforgettable experience for Daniel, the youngest member of the national team.

Born in 2007, Daniel experienced his first international multi-sport event as a senior national team player at this tournament. As a young energy source supporting the core players, he roamed the court. Winning the gold medal also granted him military service benefits, providing significant advantages for his future career.

However, an amusing scene was captured during the award ceremony held after the game.

A Japanese player was seen asking Daniel something like "Are you Korean?" while conversing with him. It appears Daniel's actual status as a Korean player had piqued their curiosity.

Daniel, born to a British father and a Korean mother, has been a top prospect since childhood. His Korean name is Sung Ha-rang.

He is also the first case of a player joining a professional team through the KBL local player system. He wore the Seoul SK uniform without going through the rookie draft.

Last year, he received the Star Award at the "2025 Futures Star Awards," an award given to the top player across basketball, soccer, and volleyball, established by StarNews to promote Korean sports development and activate amateur athletics.

Interestingly, Japan has shown considerable interest in Daniel's name, background, and performance even before this tournament.

The Japanese basketball specialty site "Last Buzzer" previously focused on Daniel with the headline: "Japan's 19-year-old tormentor, nicknamed 'Sakuragi Hanamichi (Kang Baek-ho)'."

The media advised Japanese basketball fans that "it might be good to remember Daniel's name once more," and provided a detailed introduction of his playing style.

It further explained, "He is not just a player who moves the game with scoring. His characteristic hustle play involves reaching out to intercept opponent passes, taking possession, and finishing the play himself, while also actively participating in rebounds."

It then evaluated him as "the type of opponent that makes Japan concede points in the most disliked manner."

Last Buzzer provided a detailed introduction of Daniel's growth background, from his youth days to his performances at the high school level.

The media also introduced that Daniel was born to a British father and a Korean mother, noting that "many people have paid attention due to his name being different from typical Korean names."

It then explained, "Daniel's Korean name is Sung Ha-rang, and his nationality is Korean."

At this Asian Games, Daniel also demonstrated the strengths that Japanese media had focused on.

Especially in the third group stage match against Japan, he recorded 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal in just about 12 minutes of play. Despite the short playing time, he contributed to the team with active rebounding and strong defense. Korea decisively defeated Japan 100-83 at that time.

Last Buzzer also focused again on Daniel's performance in this match. The media evaluated, "Daniel showed his strength of activity."

Another Japanese basketball specialty media outlet, "J Basket," introduced Daniel as a player who plays the role of a "game changer" capable of completely altering Korea's flow with a single play.

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*This content was translated by AI.