[Direct Interview] Award Ceremony Highlight: Turns Out a Japanese Player Called Me "Lucky Guy"... Eddie Daniel: "I Will Repay You More Than My Military Exemption" [Aichi Nagoya AG]

*This content was translated by AI.

"Lucky guy."

The youngest member of the Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team, 19-year-old Eddie Daniel (Seoul SK), has concluded a memorable tournament. Supporting his teammates with defense, rebounds, and his signature high-energy play, he ultimately capped off an emotional journey with an Asian Games gold medal.

It seemed as though the joy of winning the gold medal had not yet faded.

In a phone interview with StarNews on the 23rd, Daniel said, "I am so happy," adding, "We prepared for three months with my teammates, and I feel good that our efforts paid off."

Led by coach Nicholas Mazulis of Latvia, the Korean Nam Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team defeated Japan 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, claiming the top spot.

This marked Korea's first Asian Games gold medal in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon tournament.

For Daniel, born in 2007, this was a particularly special competition. He experienced victory at his first Asian Games as an adult national team player.

He learned much through this tournament. Daniel remarked, "I think I have grown significantly in terms of mentality and mindset. Having played major games and experienced truly important stages, I believe I can become stronger in even bigger competitions ahead."

He did not hide his personal regrets either. He reflected, "Personally, I feel there were many areas where I fell short. I had a role to play and should have brought more energy and shown better performance. That is what I regret."

Nevertheless, what Daniel valued most was Korea's victory. Although he did not get playing time in the final against Japan, once Korea secured the win, he smiled brighter than anyone else and joined the championship celebration ceremony.

Daniel emphasized, "I may have personal regrets about my playing time, but if the team wins, I am fine. My teammates are all excellent players and superstars. It is more important that the team won."

There was also an interesting moment during the post-game award ceremony.

Yamazaki Ibuka of the Japanese national basketball team was seen talking to Daniel and asking him something. Online speculation arose that Yamazaki might have been checking Daniel's nationality.

However, the actual question was different.

Recalling the situation at the time, Daniel revealed, "Yamazaki asked me whether I received a military exemption and how old I am."

He continued, "I told him I am 19 years old and that I receive a military exemption. Then Yamazaki said, 'You are a lucky guy,' and laughed."

Despite the unexpected conversation, Daniel's gaze toward the gold medal was clear.

He explained, "While receiving a military exemption may have served as motivation, my teammates all focused more on winning the gold medal than on exemptions. Since we won the gold, those aspects naturally followed."

Adding, he firmly stated, "I believe I must repay this well through basketball since I received a military exemption."

Through this tournament, Daniel gained not only the practical benefit of military service exemption but also considered it a great asset to have closely observed the preparation process of his senior teammates on the global stage.

In particular, the performance of "national team ace" Lee Hyun-jung left a strong impression.

Throughout the tournament, Lee Hyun-jung demonstrated overwhelming presence in both scoring and rebounding. In the final against Japan, he led Korea to gold with 27 points and 18 rebounds, including five three-pointers.

Daniel marveled, "Hyun-jung seems like a player who always seeks better things. I think he contemplates deeply what the better options are and how to perform even better."

The senior national team players, including Lee Hyun-jung, also played a role in boosting Daniel's confidence.

Daniel shared, "They always told me not to be nervous and to play my strengths. They kept encouraging me by saying, 'You are good enough, so be confident,' which I am grateful for."

Coach Mazulis also encouraged the team after the tournament concluded. Daniel relayed, "The coach told us he worked hard for three months and urged us to keep working diligently."

Family support was also a great source of strength. Especially his mother watched every game from the preliminary rounds through the final at the venue.

Daniel smiled, saying, "My family, including my mother, are very happy. My grandfather is especially pleased."

He added, "My mother watched all games from the preliminaries to the final live. I am so grateful. It seems I naturally felt a sense of emotional stability."

Now his focus turns to the next goal.

Having experienced both professional leagues and the national team at a young age and growing rapidly, Daniel is looking even higher within the So Sok-tim-gwa (CEO) team.

He stated, "Our biggest team goal is for SK to win the KBL championship. As a national team player, I want to continue performing well and aim to participate in the World Cup."

This tournament also sparked increased interest in Daniel in Japan. Locally, his outstanding athleticism and hustle play have been compared to Kang Baek-ho from the famous basketball manga "Slam Dunk."

Previously, Daniel had expressed his desire to grow like Seo Tae-woong, the ace of the work, rather than Kang Baek-ho.

Nevertheless, he accepted the nickname "Kang Baek-ho" with good humor.

Daniel said, "I am fine with being called 'Kang Baek-ho' since it is meant well. I must work harder to live up to that evaluation."

With the gold medal around his neck, more fans in Korea began recognizing him.

Daniel laughed, saying, "Many people have been recognizing and supporting me lately, so sometimes it feels surreal."

Finally, he promised, "I am truly grateful that basketball fans have shown so much interest since my first season. Next season, I will grow further and show you better performances."

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*This content was translated by AI.