Can Kang Sung-wook (184 cm, G) 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 Saturday at Sangmyung University’s Cheonan Campus Gymnasium.
In 23 minutes and 11 seconds on the court, Kang scored six points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists. While he didn’t score as much as he normally does, he kept the pressure on Sangmyung University with his defense, and he also had two steals with his trademark sharp hands.
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 defense than on offense,” he said.
Kang has been selected to represent Korea at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary on June 24. He joined the team immediately after the game against Sangmyung University for the national team’s strengthening training, which began on May 26.
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. He averaged 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, leading South Korea to its first title in 22 years.
However, his teammates Lee Ju-young (Yonsei University) and Lee Chae-hyung (Yonsei University) will not be participating in the tournament due to injuries. With their absence, Kang had an even greater responsibility.
“Last year, we went to the international tournament and achieved good results. This time, (Lee) Joo-young and (Lee) Chae-hyung were injured. As they are missing, I will take on more responsibility and work hard to achieve good results,” he said.
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.안전놀이터
Last but not least, Kang also expressed his support for his teammates at Sungkyunkwan University. Kang’s Sungkyunkwan University is currently tied for fifth place with five wins and five losses. The team is in the midst of a fierce battle for the top spot and will have to play most of the rest of the season without two of its 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, but I might miss all four of the remaining college league games,” said Kang. But I think I can trust my brothers to play the U19 tournament because they are so good. I hope they can do well without us and make it to the playoffs.”