Dongguk University showed potential in 3x3 basketball.
The NH Nonghyup Bank 2025 KXO 3x3 Seoul Sinchon Light Quest was held on the 21st at the special court in front of the Hyundai Department Store Sinchon branch. A total of 9 teams were divided into 2 groups, competing in the preliminary rounds on the 21st and determining the champion through the top 6 tournament on the 22nd.
The winning team of the competition will be awarded a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Beijing Tongzhou Challenger 2025, which will take place in October in China.
The Korean teams included Seoul Cosmo, Dongguk University, and Yonsei University. Seoul Cosmo, with 1 win and 1 loss, was the only team to advance to the top 6 tournament. Dongguk University and Yonsei University were eliminated early with 2 losses. Seoul Cosmo's single win came against Yonsei University, with a score of 21-14. Seoul Cosmo also suffered a major defeat against Valencia (Spain), losing 7-21. The Korean teams had no victories against foreign teams.
The most impressive Korean team was Dongguk University (Jang Chan, Kwon Min, Baek In-jun, Park Dae-hyun). Dongguk University was the only team to face foreign opponents in both matches and showed good performance. In their first match against Japan's TGP, Dongguk University lost 9-13. Exhausting the full 10-minute game time in 3x3, where the first team to score 21 points wins, indicates a heated contest.
The second match was an even more thrilling battle. Dongguk University faced the Singapore national team, ending the regular season with a nail-biting tie of 18-18. Although they had a short training period, they demonstrated a high understanding of 3x3 basketball. The three players on the court actively defended and aimed at the rim. The four players rotated, putting in 100% effort while managing their stamina appropriately. Dongguk University fought well until the end but ultimately collapsed after allowing the first shot in overtime.
Dongguk University, which could have advanced to the top 6 with just one more goal, expressed deep regret. They showed a more developed performance compared to the previous tournament, but the results were harsh.
After the match, Kwon Min said, “Although it is the holiday period, I participated upon recommendation of coach Lee Ho-geun. Dongguk University was sincere in every game and worked really hard. I’m not a specialist in 3x3, and there were many areas where I was lacking. We gained the momentum at the end, but we couldn't maintain focus until the end.”
They gained valuable experience by facing foreign teams. Kwon Min noted, “The foreign teams have a fast tempo and great individual skills. Their physicality is far superior to ours. There is a skill disparity. We pushed through with stamina. Experiencing 3x3 as a player is meaningful, and there are many skills that I can use in 5x5. Competing in front of many fans outdoors was also a gain.”
Dongguk University wrapped up the first half of the college basketball league with a disappointing record of 5 wins and 6 losses. They aim for a turnaround in the MBC Cup. Kwon Min stated, “The team performance in the first half of the college basketball league was lacking. We will unite well in the remaining period and aim for a good outcome in the MBC Cup.”
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