777 games in total, how Ham Ji-hoon, an indelible forward, survives
Nov 11, 2024
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He made his professional debut with Ulsan Mobis (previous body of Hyundai Mobis) as the 10th overall pick in the 2007 domestic draft. The order at the bottom of the first round. However, even though all of the players who joined the team have retired from active duty, there are still players who are running around on the court. Ham Ji-hoon (40), a veteran forward of Ulsan Hyundai Mobis who is recognized for his sincerity and team play as his career goes deeper. It's like the 'always green pine tree' of KBL.
The first showdown of the season between Ulsan Hyundai Mobis and Daegu Korea Gas Corporation was held at Daegu Gymnasium on the 10th. It was Ham Ji-hoon's 17th KBL season and 777th career game.
Born on December 11, 1984, he is still 39 years old, but in our way, he is already 40 years old. All of his colleagues retired and turned into professional and amateur coaches or broadcast commentators, but Ham Ji-hoon is still an active player and the center of Hyundai Mobis.
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His physical strength was comparable to that of his juniors, who were more than 10 years apart, as well as his sense of basketball from experience. He played 22 minutes and 30 seconds, the fourth-most in his team. Ham Ji-hoon won the rebound and crossed the court when Nicholson's 3-pointer from Korea Gas Corporation was released 1:40 before the 62-62 tie. However, he was stolen by Nicholson, and the Korea Gas Corporation launched a quick attack.
At this moment, Ham Ji-hoon, who sprinted all the way from the opposite court to the bottom of the goal, blocked Shin Seung-min's shot under the basket. In the end, Korea Gas Corporation failed to score in this attack, but rather, Hyundai Mobis succeeded in turning the tables for the first time on the day with Park Moo-bin's two-point shot 52 seconds before the end. Ham Ji-hoon's physical ability was still strong enough to run to the other side of the court and make a block even after 20 minutes of play time.
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Even if it's not as good as it is at its peak, it means it's still the top level in the team and the league. Foreign colleague Gage Prim praised "I originally like a two-man game with a guard, but Ham Ji-hoon has a good sense, so even if he plays Big Two Vic, the pass comes in well."
The secret of Ham Ji-hoon's ability to maintain such competitiveness is also thorough preparation and training. In particular, he reportedly fixed his mindset that almost became loose after hearing Cho Dong-hyun's outcry. "I was thinking of playing for an average of about 10 minutes even during the off-season training," he said. However, the director said harshly, 'Not with that mindset.' I don't think so at all now."
If this pace continues, Ham Ji-hoon will be the second to appear in 800 games after Korea University coach Joo Hee-jung, who has the record of most KBL appearances (1,029 games) in the second half of the season. We are looking forward to how far Ham Ji-hoon's steady performance will continue.
wman@sportschosun.com
