▲ South Korea men's national basketball team head coach Nikolajs Mazurs gives instructions to Eddie Daniel during the quarterfinals match against Jordan at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on September 16.
Head Coach Nikolajs Mazurs, who led the South Korean men's basketball team to the semifinals of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, credited the achievement to the team's established system and vowed to put on a strong performance in the upcoming semifinal match.
Speaking at a press conference following the Asian Games quarterfinals held at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, Japan, on September 16, Coach Mazurs said, "Knowing the importance of this game, we prepared hard and well. The most important thing was whether we could seize the momentum from the start of the first quarter and play our style of basketball, and I am grateful to the players for showing that."
South Korea advanced to the semifinals by decisively defeating Jordan 114-80 in the quarterfinals earlier that day.
Ace player Lee Hyun-jung exploded for 28 points, alongside the returns of Choi Jun-yong, who had been absent due to his pursuit of opportunities in the United States, and Yeo Jun-seok, who had missed games following an injury in the opening match of the group stage. The resounding victory secured South Korea's first trip to the semifinals in 8 years.
"While Yeo Jun-seok and Choi Jun-yong were out, it was important for us to just hang in there, but now it has become important to figure out how to finish strong with both players included," Coach Mazurs said.
At the same time, he emphasized, "While those two players are certainly great, what is more important is our system."
Coach Mazurs evaluated, "Whether specific players are playing or not, or out with injuries, we have practiced so that other players can fill the gaps and we can play our own style of basketball. We underwent many roster changes while training all summer long, and I think creating a system where anyone can fulfill their role well is why we are showing good form in this tournament."
The national team will now compete in the semifinals on September 18, challenging for their first appearance in the finals in 12 years since the 2014 Incheon Games, where they won the gold medal.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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