U19s without Lee Ju-young and Chae-hyung: Kang Sung-wook says he’ll play with more responsibility
Will Kang Sung-wook (184cm, G) be able to leave his mark on the world stage once again?
He led Sungkyunkwan University to a 67-46 victory over Sangmyung University in the 2023 KUSF University Basketball U-League on 26 November at the gymnasium of Sangmyung University’s Cheonan campus.
In 23 minutes and 11 seconds on the court, Kang scored six points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists. While his scoring was a little lower than usual, he kept the pressure on Sangmyung University with his defence and his sharp hands, recording two steals.메이저놀이터
After the game, Kang Sung-wook said, “I missed the first two games due to injury, so it feels good to win my comeback game. It’s been a long time since I’ve played, so I think the main thing was that I focused more on defence than on offence,” he said.
Kang has been selected to represent Korea at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary on 24 June. He joined the team immediately after the game against Sangmyung University for the national team’s strengthening training, which began on 26 May.
This is not the first time Kang has participated in an international competition. He played for Korea at the FIBA U18 Asian Men’s Basketball Championship in 2022. With 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists, he led South Korea to their first title in 22 years.
However, his teammates from that championship, Lee Ju-young (Yonsei) and Lee Chae-hyung (Yonsei), will miss the tournament due to injury. With their absence, Kang had a greater responsibility.
“Last year, we went to the international tournament and achieved good results. This time, (Lee) Joo-young and (Lee) Chae-hyung are out with injuries. As they are missing, I will take on more responsibility and work hard to achieve good results.”
He also talked about facing different players from around the world, saying, “When we go to competitions, we will meet players who are taller and stronger than us. I want to overcome all of them and win.” He said.
Last but not least, he expressed his support for his teammates at Sungkyunkwan University. Kang’s Sungkyunkwan University is currently in fifth place with five wins and five losses. The team is in a tight race for the top spot and will have to play most of their remaining matches without their two mainstays, Kang Sung-wook and Kim Yoon-sung, as they have both been called up to the U19 national team.
“I’m not sure yet,” says Kang, “but I might miss the remaining four games of the University League. “I’m not sure, but I might miss all four remaining collegiate league games. I hope they can do well without us and make it to the playoffs.”