“Court Calls Me….”

`I am a hippo`, Hyun Ju-yub (27.Sangmu) is waiting for an early new year nowadays.

Misfortune finished and new start begins. Recovery from injury, demobilization and magnificent comeback…. He feels like running towards court as soon as possible.

“I think it is a good opportunity to take a leap.”

Hyun Ju-yub got operation for joint in the left knee at Samsung hospital, Seoul on 20th. It was the second time this year. He played Busan Asian games leading team to victory after 20 years; however, his injury relapsed when he played at national sports games in October. Due to the operation, Hyun Ju-yub will not be able to play in 2003 basketball festival (starts on fourth of January), which will be the last game for him for Sangmu.

“I am sorry as I wanted my start and end to be constant. I regret as I wanted to wind up well.”

Hyun Ju-yub, after entering military service in June last year, won all 23 games successively, except national sports games this year. Now, he wanted to decorate the end of his military life by two successive wins for Sangmu in basketball festival, but the dream broke.

He went back to Sangmu from army hospital in Bundang, Sungnam, and Gyeonggi province on 30th. Though he wasn`t able to play, but he left the hospital in order to help juniors.

Hyun Ju-yub is scheduled to be discharged from military service in August next year as corporal and plans to concentrate on rehabilitation till August. As he can take care of himself due to ample amount of time, it will be a good opportunity for him.

Hyun Ju-yub at the end of demobilization watches pro basketball games, which he tried to avoid before, for knowing the mood in advance. He is excited since Korea tender, which he belongs to, has played well this year.

“I like two players in the team. If I join and guarding is reinforced, it is possible to target the top. I hope the team is handed over to good firm fast. ”

Hyun Ju-yub who plays again has matured through the pain he endured.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com