More experienced Yeo Junseok makes much awaited return to Korea

    3 min to read

    Bigger role awaits former youth star

    JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - The wait took a bit longer than expected, but Yeo Junseok is nonetheless filled with so much gratitude now that he's given another chance to represent Korea in the international scene.

    The former youth standout is all set to wave the Taegeukgi once again after being named part of Korea's official 12-man lineup for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, marking his return to the national team after four years.

    The versatile 2.02 M (6'8") forward last played for the men's squad during the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers and posted averages of 12.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in the three games he saw action.

    In fact, that year was one for the books for him personally, highlighted by a stellar showing in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021 in Latvia in which he stood out in a tilt loaded with a bevy of future stars.

    Yeo was its best scorer with 25.6 points per game, finishing as the lone player to average more than 20 points in a tournament that featured the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Zach Edey, to name a few.

    He shot 44.4-percent from the floor and also collected 10.6 rebounds - second-best in the meet, by the way - alongside 1.7 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks to lead all players on efficiency with 24.7 per outing.

    But even before going to Latvia, Yeo already had a taste of senior competition when he suited up for a pair of matches in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lithuania before rejoining the junior unit.

    Yeo Junseok shoots amidst Chet Holmgren's defense

    Then came the Asia Cup Qualifiers, where Yeo would go on to give their faithful more reason to be optimistic of Team Korea's future with a talent as good as him around after posting commendable performances.

    It took some time for him to return to NT duties but the wait is over, at last, and the 23-year-old is expected to take on a more significant role as part of a team intending to usher in a new era for the program.

    And that should be a challenge he's more than willing to accept - and fulfill.

    Yeo is no stranger to making the big leap. Just last April, he decided to take his talents to Seattle University after playing sparingly for two seasons in Gonzaga University - yes, the same school Rui Hachimura came from.

    That, of course, is a gamble on his part in pursuit of better opportunities than what he had with the Bulldogs. But whatever may happen, the fact that he was brave enough to do so speaks volumes on his character.

    And so, there should be no question whatsoever about his capabilities of helping lead the Koreans' charge in the August 5-17 showpiece, where they hope to bring the country back to the podium after eight years.

    Yeo and Korea have been drawn in Group A in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025, together with reigning two-time champions Australia, 2022 runners-up Lebanon, and Qatar. To know more about their campaign, click here.

    FIBA

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