"The place I've always dreamed of."
Lee Jung-hyun (24, 187 cm) of Goyang Sono has played in 22 games this season, scoring 20.8 points (6th in the league), 3.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists (2nd in the league), and a success rate of 40 percent. Lee is the only Korean player with 20+ points on average. His shoulder injury couldn't stop him either. At the 2023-2024 professional basketball league home game between the Anyang Chung Kwan-jang and the Chung Kwan-jang at the Sono Arena in Goyang on Sunday, he recorded seven 32-point, three-point shots, four rebounds and 12 assists, and led his team to victory (93-86) with his best performance since his return. With such a unique presence, all eyes are on the national team. The men's basketball team will play the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifying round (Window 1) on an away match against "Kangho" Australia on Feb. 22, and will face Thailand at Wonju Gymnasium on Feb. 25. Lee Jung-hyun was selected for the adult national team for the first time in his life at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, but he did not have many opportunities and averaged 5.0 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in seven games. Things have changed, however. As national team's main guards, including Huh Hoon (KT) and Kim Sun-hyung (SK), have been sidelined due to injury, chances are high that Lee's performance will become important. In response, Lee said, "I'm still worried (laughs). Super good players got injured. It hasn't been long since I recovered from my shoulder injury. I'm proud to be part of the national team." "I am a national team member that I have always dreamed of. If I get selected, I will definitely do my best. I heard that they will play at home and away games once each. I have never played at home while wearing national team uniform. If I have a chance, it would be really special," he expressed his expectation. Lee Jung-hyun, who has emerged as the "best guard in the league" after developing every season, will soon play as he plays as a member of the national team.