China Vs. Korea: Height Versus Speed

Basketball stars from Korea and China will meet in the Korea-China All Star Games in Seoul on January 22 and Hunan, China on January 24.

This will be the second round of all-star games between Korea and China, whose rosters contain many players from their respective national teams.

Speed Versus Height-

The average height of the Chinese all-star team is 200.5 centimeters, topping Korea’s average height of 191.4 centimeters. To compare the two tallest players of each team, Seo Jang-hun of Samsung stands 207 centimeters tall, while Tang Xiangdong of the Jiangsu Dragons stands at 213 centimeters.

Koreans will make use of their speed to meet the challenge of China’s superior height. Guards Kim Seung-hyeon (Orions), Shin Gi-seong (KTF), and Yang Dong-geun (Mobis) will form the core of Korea’s speedy attacks.

Experience Versus Ambition-

The average age of the Chinese all stars is 23.4 years, while Korea’s average age on its team is 30. Korean forwards Kim Ju-sung (Dongbu), Hyeon Ju-yeop (LG), Jo Sang-hyeon (KTF), Moon Gyeong-eun, Bang Seong-yun (SK), and center Seo Jang-hun are expected to display superior teamwork.

Another entertaining feature of this game will be a three point shooting contest during halftime.

Sung-Kyu Kim kimsk@donga.com