The Cruel Winter for Rookies of Basketball

The directors of professional basketball were very happy with the draft for domestic players before on, because there were many prospective players compared to the first domestic draft in 1998 that produced many players together such as Hyun Ju-yup (SK Knights at that time, Sangmoo at present), Kim Teak-hoon (Samsung), Yun Young-pil (SBS), Lee Eun-ho (SK Bigs).

However, the reality was very disappointed when the 2002-2003 season began. New players were not impressive except ‘Special rookie’ Kim Joo-sung (TG).

Kim Joo-sung (2m 5) has played average 36 minutes 30 seconds per game for last 11 games and recorded average 16.8 points (ranking 18th), rebound 8.27 (ranking 16th), matched to his name.

The matter begins from the second nominee, Jung hoon (2m1, Mobis). He was very the first point guard of 2m level when he played at Seungkyunkwan University was very excellent ball control. So Mobis nominated him with expectation of the team leader for the next generation. However, Jung hoon has played average 20 minutes and recorded only 3 points per game for last 11 game. On the other side, the third nominee, Jin Kyung-suk (Korea Tender) has recorded 7.5 point per game under the circumstance the team suffers difficulties.

The forth nominee, Park Jee-hyun is on thorn cushion. Director Kim jin of Dongyang nominated Park Jee-hyun in draft considering Kim Seung hyun`s military service. However, Kim Seung-hyun became exempted the service because of the championship in Busan Asian game. So Park Jee-hyun has no opportunity to play in the court.

The fifth nominee, Lee Han-kwon (SK Knights) became wounded on the ankle in the game against KCC and it is not known if he can play the rest of this season. Shon Jun-young (KCC) already has joined military service.

It seems to be very clod winter for the 20 rookies having made debut in professional basketball in this year.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com