Lee Won-seok, who has high potential, also had his limitations clear.
Seoul Samsung lost 87-90 in the first round of professional basketball in 2023-24 against Suwon kt at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium on the 4th.
It was so fierce that there were 10 ties and 5 turnovers. It was less than the last minute of the 40-minute game, and Lee Won-seok was at the center of it.
Samsung got a chance to attack in the fourth quarter when it was losing 87-89. Twenty-one seconds before the end of the game, Lee Jung-hyun passed to Lee Won-seok as soon as he had 10 seconds left to limit the attack. Lee Won-seok was on the free throw line. In front of him was Paris Bath and Lee Du-won was facing Coffey Coburn.
There were many options for Lee's many options. However, he could not afford to look at the rim once, but rather looked at the guards standing outside the three-point line. The guards, who were not ready for the ball, faltered. In the end, Samsung's chance to tie ended with Coburn's failed attack.
Bath, standing in front of Lee Won-seok, held four fouls. He recorded four block shots, but it was difficult to defend normally because he was Lee Won-seok, who was burdensome in size. Lee Doo-won was holding out together, but if he somehow tried to shoot, there was Coburn, who caught as many as 12 offensive rebounds. The second attack was also highly anticipated.
But Lee turned away from Lim. He had no confidence and was not willing to solve it himself. It was a perfect mid-range jumper opportunity and could break through depending on the situation. All it took was a score or a foul. He clearly had a choice, but the result was pass, worst choice. And the pass meant Samsung's defeat.
Lee Won-seok played 35 minutes and 9 seconds against kt and recorded 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks. His performance was impeccable just by looking at Stat. As he was equipped with shooting, Samsung's spacering game could be used properly even with Coburn. As a result, kt had no choice but to play gambling defense, which is why the close game continued.
Lee Won-seok also played a good role as a trailer in a transition situation. There was also an impressive scene where he grabbed the rebound himself and ran in to get a foul. In addition, when he had a chance to shoot a three-point shot, he boldly tried and succeeded in two.
Despite the defeat, it was not the content and result of the game that could criticize Lee Won-seok. Only one thing was unfortunate. Samsung's de facto last attack opportunity, or lack of confidence in the clutch situation, was a part of why he was losing ground to Ha Yoon-ki and Lee Jung-hyun (Sono).
Unlike Lee Won-seok, Ha Yoon-ki and Lee Jung-hyun are at the center of the team's offense and defense. Ha Yoon-ki has grown to be the best big man in the KBL, and active participation in attack and stable defense exist in the background. No explanation is needed for Lee Jung-hyun. Currently one of the best guards in the KBL. The two players have become aces who can even take responsibility in clutch situations while showing constant performance throughout the game.
On the other hand, Lee Won-seok had a number of bad factors, including a number of injuries and stagnant growth. Nevertheless, he was evaluated as the No. 1 overall pick over Ha Yoon-ki and Lee Jung-hyun for his outstanding physical conditions and good athletic ability, but he has not shown even half of his talent so far.
The only reason Lee Won-seok is behind Ha Yoon-ki and Lee Jung-hyun is confidence. Leaning only on veterans such as Kim Si-rae and Lee Jung-hyun in the clutch situation means that he is still stopped in "promising stocks."
He is a young player entering his third professional season, but the title of No. 1 overall is heavy. And the talent is clear. It's a pity that he doesn't have the first confidence he needs to be the best. 먹튀검증
In a cold professional world, a player without confidence cannot succeed. And there are no successful players. It is a match against kt that saw both hope and limitation for Lee Won-seok.