[470 Interview] Teamwork, Passion and Ambition

   Lee Sang-hyeon is a senior at Dongguk University, majoring in Sports and Culture, and also serves as the dedicated captain of the university’s basketball team. As an amateur athlete, he plays a central role on the court, quietly fulfilling his responsibilities and working hard to unite his teammates. Beyond practice, he actively communicates with team members, fostering a positive and cohesive team atmosphere. With plans to enter the annual KBL (Korean Basketball League) draft, this year marks a particularly significant and pivotal chapter in his journey. Balancing both academics and athletics with dedication, he sets a strong example for his peers and young athletes. As the leader of Donnguk University’s basketball team, The Dongguk Post  hopes his hard work and commitment lead to great success.

Q: Please introduce yourself. 

   Hello, my name is Lee Sang-hyeon. I am the captain of the Dongguk University basketball team, and I play the shooting guard position, also known as position 2. The shooting guard is typically one of the primary scorers on the team, often responsible for making perimeter shots, including three-pointers, and driving to the basket for layups. As the shooting guard, my main role is to be a reliable scorer, but I also have to be agile and defensive, guarding the opposing team’s perimeter players. I also take on the responsibility of secondary ball-handling, often referred to as secondary playmaking or secondary ball-handling. In basketball, secondary ball-handling means supporting the primary ball handler, usually the point guard, in directing the offense and making sure the ball moves effectively around the court. While the point guard is typically responsible for setting up plays and distributing the ball, the shooting guard’s secondary playmaking role involves helping with ball movement, setting up offensive opportunities, and assisting in running the plays when needed.

Q: What made you start playing basketball?

   I am originally from Daegu. While I was participating in a local sports club during my childhood, one of the teachers there noticed my potential and recommended that I transfer to an elementary school that had a basketball team, since my original school did not have one. Following that advice, I ended up transferring to a school with a basketball program, joined the team, and began playing basketball seriously in the fifth grade. That was the beginning of my journey in the sport, and I have been playing ever since.

   When it came time to choose a university, I considered several options. After careful thought, I decided to join the basketball team at Dongguk University. That decision brought me to where I am today, continuing to grow both as a student and as an athlete.

Q: As someone who also played basketball in middle and high school, what does playing at the college level mean to you?

   Back in middle and high school, I thought college players were really cool and someone to look up to. At the time, they seemed much bigger and faster, and their speed and size left a strong impression on me. But now that I am playing at that level, it does not feel as big or special as I once imagined. Instead, I am even more eager to experience and challenge myself on a bigger stage.

Q: How did you become the captain of the team?

   When we entered our fourth year, the senior players of the Dongguk University basketball team had a consultation with the coach to discuss team leadership. During that conversation, there were several recommendations made by our teammates, and I also expressed my willingness to take on the responsibility. As a result of that discussion and mutual agreement, the captaincy was ultimately assigned to me.

Q: What is the atmosphere like within the Dongguk University basketball team? What does the training process look like, and what makes your team unique?

   Our team has a friendly and harmonious atmosphere, where players get along well regardless of their year. One of the key characteristics of Dongguk basketball team is that we are known for “big men playing fast basketball.” Since our taller players run the court well, it creates more opportunities for the rest of the team. Tactically, we focus on fast breaks, and in set offense, our coach emphasizes 2-on-2 plays, 1-on-1s with cutting patterns during training.

Q: How is the team atmosphere and teamwork this season? As captain, what do you pay the most attention to?

   After the season opener, we unfortunately faced three consecutive losses, which understandably brought the team’s overall mood down for a while. However, as home games started coming up on our schedule, the atmosphere within the team gradually improved, and now things are going much better. As the team captain, I do not focus on just one specific aspect, but rather try to create an environment where players from all academic years can get along harmoniously. I put effort into maintaining a healthy balance and setting appropriate boundaries among teammates. 

Q: What is the daily training routine of the team? 

   We wake up at 7:40 A.M. in the morning, eat breakfast, and take a short rest before starting our morning training at 9:30 A.M., which continues until 12P.M. After having lunch and taking another break, we begin our afternoon training around 2:30 P.M. or 3 P.M., and it usually finishes by 5 P.M. In the evening, we attend our classes starting at 6 P.M. We have training sessions every day except on Monday. On Mondays, we only have morning training.

   At first, it was quite challenging to manage both training and studying at the same time. However, since we have been living this way for a long time, we have become used to the routine.

Q: What is your goal for this season?

   First and foremost, we want to continue winning in the upcoming games. Our goal is to bounce back with consecutive wins in the remaining games and finish the season ranked 4th or higher in the league this year. We are determined to build momentum, stay focused on our strategies, and support each other as a team to achieve this goal.

Q: Some say that university basketball is not as popular as it used to be. Do you feel that as a player?

   I have heard that back in the era of the “Basketball Festival,” which took place from the 1990s to the early 2000s, college basketball in Korea was at its peak in terms of popularity. The crowds during that time were massive, and the energy inside the arenas was absolutely incredible. People from all over would come to watch, and the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding each game created an unforgettable atmosphere.

   While it may not be quite the same nowadays, we are still very fortunate to have strong support from our fans. Our home games continue to draw large, enthusiastic crowds, and we truly appreciate every single person who comes out to cheer for us. Their presence and encouragement mean a lot to us, and it gives us a tremendous amount of motivation. Feeling the energy from the stands, even if it is different from the Basketball Festival era, still inspires us to give our best effort in every game.

Q: What changes or efforts do you think are needed for college basketball to connect with more fans?

   In home and away games, only the home team’s ball is used, which I believe gives a certain advantage and maximizes the benefit of playing at home. I believe it would be fairer and more balanced to use the away team’s ball during home games. In addition, although there are other leagues and tournaments, I still believe that the current 16-game U-League schedule is not quite enough. Even though the U-League expanded from 14 to 16 games, I personally think that having more games would be better. 

Q: What does fan support or encouragement through social media mean to the players?

   It is a huge source of strength. Since we are amateur players, we do not have as many fans as professionals, but each and every message or word of encouragement means a lot to us. I remember one fan who asked me to sign on their iPad case, and it was such a unique and memorable experience. I had signed autographs on other materials before, but this was the first time I had ever been asked to sign on a digital device, making it even more special.

Q: Do you have any future plans, whether in basketball or beyond?

   Right now, my main goal is to enter the professional draft. No matter which team selects me, I will give it my all. I do not think the draft ranking is that important. Many players who were drafted late have gone on to earn high salaries and become stars, while some high picks do not always succeed. What matters most is getting the opportunity. My first goal is to be drafted by a professional team.

Q: Do you have a role model? What kind of player do you want to become?

   My role model is Lee Woo-seok of Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus. He is a tall main guard, just like me, and he is an excellent shooter and a versatile player. I hope to become a player like him.

Q: Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

   We often see international students coming by when we have training sessions, and it is always great to have them around. We would love for even more people to come and watch our games in person and cheer us on. As fellow students of Dongguk University, your support would mean a great deal to us, not only in terms of motivation but also in creating a stronger sense of community within our school. Your presence at our games would be a huge source of strength, and we truly appreciate the energy and encouragement that you bring. Thank you very much for being a part of our journey!