No More Fame for Korea University`s Basketball Team

Lee Choong-hee (45), one of the best star basketball players in Asia, got to take the helm of his alma mater, Korea University.

Once coaching pro team LG, Lee`s got designated Korea University`s new basketball team coach after Chung Kwong-suk, announced Korea University yesterday. Chung led the team for past two years, and will work for the team as a manager for the next one year. Lee will have all the authority to appoint staff members.

Lee has declined Korea`s courting due to various reasons. First, Chung was his college senior and coach in the club team (or Hyundai). In addition, Lee had wanted to lead a pro team. Lee, however, could not brush off the persistent persuasion and courting of his alma mater and friends. Lee is considered a perfect coach who could lead the team and reclaim its past fame.

Graduating from the school in 1977, Lee comes back to his school in 22 years. But he feels burden rather than happiness. The fame of Korea University`s basketball team has fallen due to its failure to scout excellent players, and occurrence of many injuries among its players. On the other hand, its rival, Yensei University has been commanding its pinnacle. Last year, Korea University failed to advance into the tournament in the 2002-2003 basketball season.

Lee played in Songdo High School, Korean University and Hyundai club team. In college days, he led his team to the legendary 48 winning streak, and served on the national team for 13 years, making himself one of the star players in Asia. After retiring in February of 1992, he moved over to Taiwan and coached a Taiwanese team for five years.

Then, in 1997, he took the helm of the newly born pro team LG, and led the team to the playoff two times in a row, proving himself as a "star coach." Since he left the team in May of 2000, he has worked as a TV commentator and columnist.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com