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South Korean Basketball Star Choi Jun-yong Declares U.S. Ambitions

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Choi Jun-yong, a key player in Busan KCC's championship win, has declared his intention to pursue a career in the United States.
  • The 32-year-old forward aims to challenge himself in the U.S. professional basketball scene, including potentially the NBA's G League.
  • Despite recent surgery and being in his 30s, Choi expressed excitement and a lack of fear about this new endeavor, calling it a "heading into the unknown."

Choi Jun-yong, a pivotal forward for the Busan KCC basketball team and a key contributor to their championship victories, has officially announced his decision to pursue a career in the United States. The 32-year-old made the declaration at a press conference held on July 29 at the Conrad Seoul hotel.

"I felt that if not now, then never, so I made up my mind. I will challenge myself in the American league," Choi stated, expressing his long-held ambition. Drafted second overall in 2016, Choi has established himself as a top-tier forward, averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 329 regular-season games. He is recognized for his court vision, passing ability, dribbling skills, and shooting prowess.

I felt that if not now, then never, so I made up my mind. I will challenge myself in the American league.

— Choi Jun-yongAnnouncing his decision to pursue a basketball career in the United States.

Choi acknowledged that while winning championships and receiving significant attention have been fulfilling, a part of him has always aspired to play in the NBA. "I had a diary entry that said 'Let's go to the NBA.' It's been a dream since elementary school," he revealed.

I had a diary entry that said 'Let's go to the NBA.' It's been a dream since elementary school.

— Choi Jun-yongExplaining his long-standing aspiration to play in the NBA.

Currently recovering from recent knee surgery, Choi understands that immediate entry into the NBA is unlikely. His immediate plan is to travel to the U.S. in early August to focus on rehabilitation and conditioning before attempting to join the NBA's G League, the league's developmental system.

"I've won championships, earned a lot of money, and received a lot of attention," Choi reflected. "I was afraid before making this decision, but now I feel only excitement and no fear. I'm heading into the unknown." He also expressed his desire to participate in the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya in September.

I've won championships, earned a lot of money, and received a lot of attention. I was afraid before making this decision, but now I feel only excitement and no fear. I'm heading into the unknown.

— Choi Jun-yongDescribing his feelings about embarking on his U.S. basketball journey.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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