I think I would have won if I went all the way to extra time. The last three-pointer keeps ringing in my mind.

Oh Jae-hyun of Seoul SK literally played his life game with 36 points, four rebounds, one assist and two steals in the fourth round of the 2023-24 Jeonggwanjang Professional Basketball against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis at Jamsil Student Gymnasium on the 18th.

In the match against Hyundai Mobis, Oh Jae-hyun recorded the most points 36 points, the most field goals 11 times, the most two-point shots 7 times, and the most free throws 10 times in a game since his professional debut.

As many as four three-point shots passed the rim, which were considered Oh’s weaknesses. His success rate was as high as 44 percent 4/9.

However, Oh could not smile. SK lost 94-97 to Hyundai Mobis. After the game ended, Oh gave up all his energy and lay on the court as if he was collapsing.

In a telephone interview with MK Sports, Oh Jae-hyun said, “I was so sad that we lost and I’m still sad. Many of the main players were already missing, and since Ahn Young-jun was also not there, I only thought about catching the game that I could catch without fail. I was more upset that we lost the game against Hyundai Mobis because it was a game that we could catch.”

Oh Jae-hyun showed off his “hot hand” in the match against Hyundai Mobis. In particular, he focused on 21 points only in the second half when the chase was hot. In particular, the seven consecutive points that started 47 seconds before the end of the game scared Hyundai Mobis.

SK, which was trailing 94-97 by three points, had Oh Jae-hyun, not Jamil Warnie, who had the final right to attack with six seconds left. Warnie, from the world, wanted him to shoot the last shot and was able to throw a three-point shot to tie the score. However, the goddess of fate turned a blind eye at the last minute.

Oh Jae-hyun said, “The last three-point shot is the most regrettable. I wanted to throw it and finish it. If I went to overtime, I would have won. The last three-point shot kept lingering. Wony wanted me to throw it. So I was able to throw it with confidence. But I couldn’t jump. I kept thinking about it until I went to bed.”

The jinx that Oh Jae-hyun had was also broken. On days when he recorded more than three 3-pointers after his debut in the 2020-21 season, the formula for SK to win unconditionally collapsed in the match against Hyundai Mobis. In fact, he won all 12 games in which he recorded three or more 3-pointers and lost for the first time in his 13th game against Hyundai Mobis.

“I wanted to continue this formula laughs. That’s why I wanted to win more when I entered the third round. My record has been broken, but I have no regrets. I actually felt pressured,” Oh said. “After the three-point shooting contest, I had more confidence in shooting. I had never had a chance to prove myself. Still, as I proved it to some extent during the three-point shooting contest, I gained more confidence in the game.”

In fact, Oh’s 3-point shooting success rate this season is not that low at 33.1 percent. It is the highest record since his professional debut. It is the 12th highest success rate among Korean players who have attempted more than 100 3-point shots.

Oh Jae-hyun said, “Last season, I often hesitated even when I had a chance. Now, I’m trying with the mindset of continuing to try even if I don’t go in. I won’t be swayed when the chance comes. I think the evaluation will change one day if I do that.” 스포츠토토

From SK’s perspective, Oh Jae-hyun is like a lucky charm. Kim Sun-hyung’s condition and performance this season are not as good as before. However, Oh Jae-hyun has been remarkably active in offense and defense, which can minimize the gap. Notably, as his offense as well as the best defense in the KBL have been added, he is gradually becoming more and more complete. For SK, which needs to think about Kim Sun-hyung’s next move, Oh Jae-hyun is of course a lucky charm.

Oh Jae-hyun said, “I think I am the best in defense. I have confidence and thoughts that I can block anyone. As the season progresses, I can see the path of defense more and more clearly. I think I am taking steps up in other areas as well. Especially when it comes to guard defense, I am most confident. No matter what kind of guard I block, I don’t feel any pressure at all.”

Oh Jae-hyun, who is enjoying his best season since his professional debut. He is also a nominee for the strongest performance and skills development award of this season. Compared to last season, he is fully qualified as he has played various roles in the SK Wyverns this season. His record has also risen. In addition, he is also a candidate for the Best Defense Award. As mentioned earlier, his defense capability is among the best in the KBL.

“It may be a sudden thought, but I am not thinking about the award at all,” Oh Jae-hyun said. “The skills and development award is an award that proves that we have grown that much. If we can receive that award, I think it will be a successful season. I have always wanted to receive the Best Defense Award since I was a rookie. It is regrettable that the five defense awards have been abolished, but I want to win the Best Defense Award.”

Meanwhile, Oh Jae-hyun could be a very attractive option for the Korean national basketball team, which needs a major generational change. A guard based on solid defense can hardly doubt his international competitiveness. In addition, if Oh Jae-hyun is showing off his offense this season, he is fully qualified to join Ahn Jun-ho’s system.

“If I have a chance to play for the national team, I would definitely like to catch him. I want to wear the national flag. I will work harder to achieve that,” Oh said. “As I have worked with Kim Sun-hyung a lot, I am confident in playing various roles.”