Nagoya: Latvian-born coach Nikolajs Mazurs has silenced his critics by leading the South Korean men's basketball team to a historic gold medal win at the Asian Games. After being appointed last December, Mazurs faced skepticism following a string of losses, but his perseverance paid off as the team clinched victory in the final match against Japan with a score of 67-57.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean team showed significant improvement throughout the tournament held in central Japan, thanks to their solid defense and efficient offensive strategies. Lee Hyun-jung emerged as a standout player, delivering a stellar performance with game-high totals of 27 points and 18 rebounds. However, the team's success was a collective effort, with players like Lee Seoung-hyun and Jang Jae-seok contributing through selfless plays and defensive prowess.

The South Korean squad embraced the style of play that Mazurs had envisioned, focusing on physical defense and teamwork on the offensive end. This approach, combined with Lee Hyun-jung's individual brilliance, propelled the team from underdogs to champions at the Asian Games.

This triumph marks South Korea's first gold in men's basketball at the Asian Games since 2014 and their first victory at an away event since 1982. Looking ahead, Mazurs aims to lead South Korea to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and secure a place at the 2028 Olympics.