KU’s charge leader Moon Yoo-hyun (181 cm, G) exuded confidence.
The 2024 KUSF College Basketball U-League resumed on Sunday with a matchup between Myongji University and Korea University, after a brief hiatus due to midterm exams. Korea University defeated Myongji 93-61, extending its winning streak to five games.
While Yoon Ki-chan (14 points, 7 rebounds) was the team’s top scorer, Moon Yoo-hyun recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.
After the game, Moon said, “I played as usual. I injured my finger during a practice game two or three days ago, so I played with painkillers. It didn’t affect my game too much, but I was disappointed with my shooting, and I’m thinking about that a lot.”
“In the last game, we didn’t communicate well and allowed a lot of shots on defense. Coach (Kim Tae-hyung) told me that there was no leader in the team, so I decided to be that leader and become an indispensable player on the court.”
Moon is averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game this season. His scoring ranks first on the team and seventh overall, while his assists are first on the team and fourth overall. He’s only a sophomore, but he’s the No. 1 target on other teams’ radar.
“I definitely feel that there is more pressure and pressure from the defense to stop me than last year, so I’m eating a lot and doing a lot of weight training. I’m also practicing to create space and score by myself while playing 2-on-2. I’m trying to be a player who feels comfortable,” he said.
Moon Yoo-hyun chose ‘balance’ as his strength. “My strength is that I am a guard who can shoot, pass, and defend. I’m proud of my balance. My clutch ability and boldness are second to none,” he emphasized.
However, he also pointed out areas for improvement. “I need to improve my ability to develop fast breaks,” Moon said. I need to improve my ability to develop fast breaks, and sometimes I miss when I shouldn’t, and I need to be more focused and alert,” he said.
When asked what kind of player he wants to be, he said, “I hope there are many players who can look at me and develop their dreams (of basketball). I want to go pro and become a guard representing the KBL. I want people to say, ‘This player is fun to watch. I want to make people say, ‘I’m happy to see this player,’” he said.
He cites Ulsan Hyundai Mobis coach Yang Dong-geun and the NBA’s Jaylen Brunson as his role models. “People around me call me ‘Little Yang Dong-geun’,” Moon said. I’ve watched him a lot in the past and liked him, and Brunson has dynamic play 토토 and the power to lead the team. That’s what I want to learn,” he explained.
As for advice from his older brother, Moon Jung-hyun of Suwon KT, Moon said, “When I was a freshman, he told me a lot of things, but now he has his nose in the air. I sometimes get calls from him, but nothing substantial,” he laughs.
“I thought it was a talk show, but it turned out to be a survival program for school honor,” he said. “It was a good experience, and I didn’t even realize it. It was a good experience, and I remember working hard without realizing it. Some people came to see me through this program. I feel honored to have appeared on MBC,” he said.
In conclusion, Moon Yoo-hyun said, “As a junior, I want to bring energy and enthusiasm to the team. The goal is to win not only this college league, but also the playoffs and the regular season (against Yonsei). I’m confident that we won’t lose to anyone, so I’d appreciate your support. Also, I’m always asking (KU junior) Shim Joo-un to ‘go work out’ at night, and he’s very supportive. It would be annoying, but he always asks me to go first. I want to say thank you to him,” he concluded the interview.