Yonse University, which entered the 3x3 basketball tournament unprepared, faced a major setback.

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 two groups and played the preliminary rounds on the 21st, with the final winner determined through the semifinals on the 22nd.

The first match of Group A was a showdown between the Korean team Seoul Cosmo and Yonse University. Notably, it was even more special for Yonse University since the game took place in their home ground of Sinchon. Passing Yonse University students and many passersby overwhelmingly cheered for Yonse University.

Seoul Cosmo, composed of Lee Dong-yoon, Kang Byeong-jin, Yoon Seong-soo, and Choi Yang-seon, is a strong team with experience participating as Korea's representative in international 3x3 tournaments. Yonse University fielded elite players Lee Byeong-yeob, Gu Seung-chae, Kang Tae-hyun, and Jang Hyuk-jun, who aspire to enter the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

Composed of players in their early 20s, Yonse University had the height and stamina expected to give them an advantage. However, when the competition commenced, Yonse University's performance fell short of expectations. They were wholly unprepared for 3x3 basketball and their understanding of the game was significantly lacking. Seoul Cosmo defeated Yonse University 21-14.

Although it is the same basketball, 5x5 and 3x3 are entirely different games. 3x3 has an offensive shot clock of only 12 seconds, half that of 5x5. Yonse University stubbornly adhered to one-on-one offense and frequently found themselves unable to shoot due to shot clock violations, forfeiting possession.

In 3x3 basketball, possession changes immediately after a basket is made, which means defense must be maintained continuously. A Yonse University player was seen performing a celebration after making a basket, only to allow the opposing team to score a 2-pointer, demonstrating a comical lack of awareness. They were not properly familiar with the rules and were more conscious of the audience’s gaze.

In 3x3, if you grab a defensive rebound, you must pass the ball outside the three-point line. However, if you grab an offensive rebound, you can attack immediately. Yonse University seemed to lack even the basic study of the rules, as they grabbed offensive rebounds and then passed the ball outside.

In contrast, Seoul Cosmo, with players in their late 30s, fully utilized the rules of 3x3 basketball. They exploited the loose perimeter defense of Yonse University, and Yoon Seong-soo focused on attacking with 2-pointers, successful in doing so. As players began to tire in the latter part of the game, Seoul requested a timeout to manage the pace. Their experience was the key to outmaneuvering the youthful energy.

Ultimately, the game ended in a disappointing victory for Seoul. Many professional 3x3 players prepare extensively for a single tournament. Yonse University, not making 3x3 their main focus, gave the impression that they were not fully committed. Although the game was intense through the first half, as the gap widened in the second half, Yonse University seemed to abandon the fight. Regardless of the outcome, the Yonse University students certainly did not get the performance they desired from their team.

The second game was different. Yonse University faced Valencia from Spain and fought until the end but lost 11-21. After suffering two losses, Yonse University was eliminated early. Many fans overwhelmingly cheered for Yonse University, but the significant gap in skills was insurmountable. Valencia, with superior physique and strength, along with the savvy of professional 3x3 players, easily outplayed Yonse University.

In the second game, Yonse University showed a greater adaptation to 3x3. Especially, Jang Hyuk-jun executed successful individual skills followed by drives, earning him much popularity from fans. The potential of the young players was evident.

Yonse University finished the first half of the university league with 11 wins and no losses. While they are the strongest in Korean university basketball, the global competition remains daunting. Yonse University's challenge in the unfamiliar 3x3 basketball just before the July MBC Cup provided valuable motivation for the players.

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