“This offseason, I’m trying to do something new and different, so I’m excited for myself, and I’m going to prepare well and stay injury-free to help the team as much as possible.”
Yang has been training with the Changwon LG after being away for about 40 days while participating in the 31st Chengdu Summer Universiade in China. He played in a scrimmage against Myeongji University at Changwon Gymnasium Auxiliary Stadium on Nov. 17, leading the team to a 92-56 victory.
“I was selected for the Universiade team during the offseason, so I couldn’t work out with (the team), but now I’ve rejoined the team and we’re playing practice games together,” Yang said. “I’m having a lot of fun during the offseason because I’m working with my brothers and playing the kind of basketball that the coach is looking for, and I’m trying to get it right.”
The team finished in eighth place at the Universiade, 13 spots higher than at the last tournament.
“It was a good experience to play with my brother Lee Jung-hyun (Sono) and Park Mubin (Korea University), who I played with before, and it was a really good experience and motivation to play with world-class players,” Yang said.
The first overall pick in last year’s KBL Domestic Player Draft, Yang will have his work cut out for him in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. In 18 games last season, he averaged 8 minutes on the court and posted 2.6 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. This was a year after returning from a knee injury, so it was time to get some game experience. With only 18 games under his belt, he’ll be eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in the 2023-2024 season. Moreover, if Yang Jun-seok can play his part, it will be a great addition to LG’s strength.
“My brothers take care of me so well, and I’m trying to understand the kind of basketball the coach wants to play, and it’s fun to feel like we’re in sync,” Yang said. “There are things I’m lacking, but I’m trying to match the coach as much as possible. I’m trying to quickly understand what kind of basketball he wants to play and adapt to it on the court. I’m also trying to follow the defense as hard as I can, and there is a defense that he emphasizes, so I focus on that.”
We’ve known Yang since high school, and he’s always been a great shooter. While at Yonsei, he shot 42.9 percent (39-of-91) from three-point range in 26 games in the KU and MBC. In the pro ranks, however, he shot just 15.0% (3-of-20) from three-point range due to less playing time and fewer three-point attempts.
“I don’t doubt myself when it comes to my shot, and I can make it anytime,” Yang said, adding, “I’m not really worried about my shot as long as my body gets better and my court balance improves.”
LG will move to LG Champions Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, next week to focus on practice games before traveling to the Philippines in September. After the KBL Cup, the start of the season is just around the corner. 토토사이트
“I joined the team later than my brothers, but I’m trying to adapt quickly, and I felt a lot of inspiration and motivation from last season,” Yang said. “I’m trying to do something new and different this offseason, so I’m excited for myself and the team.