“The future is now,” said Yoo Jae-Hak when the press asked him about the two new additions to the senior national team in Moon Seung-Gon and Choi Joon-Young.
Moon is what you call a hybrid forward, quickness of a two guard with ball-handling skills and the size and physique of a Korean forward. “Moon’s fiery demeanor and his all around skills will benefit our perimeter game.” Said Yoo, who admitted that it was hard for him to leave out the younger Moon in favor of his player, Moon Tae-Young as an tryout phase in the concluded William Jones Cup earlier this month.
But when Moon’s name was called, he was up to the challenge. Moon is as versatile as a utility knife, slashing is his primary game, but his emerging shooting range, honed by countless hours of practice makes his shot not respectable, but something that opposing players be fearful about.
Play him too close to leave out daylight from his range, he will get by you. Unlike the classical Korean small forward who are shot savvy, Moon is one of those new breed small forwards that are equipped with guard skills. His quickness on offense is beginning to translate towards defense where man to man, he can stay right upfront. Yoo holds a high regard for this emerging talent and look for Moon to rise even more in the future.
Choi Joon-Young is a tall and lanky forward. Comparisons from namesake to Goyang’s Choi Jin-Soo has been made. Similar frame and wingspan, can shoot the trey. Just like the similarities in the game, Choi JY is humbled by being compared to the once NCAA player and a fixture of the national team.
“Maybe we can be teammates someday.” Said Choi. He is serious. Unlike Choi Jin-Soo, Choi Joon-Young is younger and much more agile. The all around offensive game is something that is going to be more potent in the future. That wingspan and lanky frame can move about with grace and dexterity. Adding more muscle and core strength will help his defense and he will be able to contribute more to the national team.
Choi, who is fresh from participating in the FIBA U19 championships earlier this month admits that playing against national teams of his age made him realize how competitive the western world is compared to the age brackets here in Asia. “It made me realize that I will need to practice more and improve myself.” Choi said in an eye opener tone. “I have watched Serbia and USA and they were unbelievable.”
Choi admitted that he is more confident and better motivated to compete after playing in the worlds. As he returned to camp with the senior national team, Choi hit the weight room right away and began to show a more assertive nature on defense. Despite being overpowered by the likes of Lee Seung-Jun, his stance and using those wingspan helps limit percentage goals. Look for this Yonsei’s product to be included in the years to come.
The future is now according to Yoo Jae-Hak, but the future is even brighter with Moon and Choi getting better.
Sakerland 