From Pro Coach to Youth Mentor: lee Si-joon Champions the Next Generation of Basketball Talent
Jeongseon, South Korea – in a heartwarming display of dedication to the sport’s future, former Shinhan Bank director Lee Si-joon has transitioned from the professional league to nurturing young talent. Lee was recently spotted at the NH Nonghyup Bank 2025 Jeongseon Global Youth Basketball Super Cup, a burgeoning international event that this year welcomed 70 teams and 1,200 athletes across nine age divisions, from U9 to U18, including a women’s elementary school category.
Lee, who coached Shinhan Bank until the previous season, is now lending his expertise to the Bundang Samsung club youth team. His presence at the Super Cup underscores a growing trend in basketball progress, where club programs are increasingly playing a vital role in identifying and cultivating promising players.
Reflecting on his recent career shift, Lee shared, “I worked as a college basketball commentator. I knew kim Jung-hwan.” His tenure with Shinhan Bank was marked by an unexpected challenge when he stepped in as interim head coach following Kunathan’s sudden health issues. Despite a strong effort, the team narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing tied with KB Stars with a 12-18 record.”There were a lot of scenes in the middle of the season. It was hard but I had a good experience,” Lee commented on the demanding period.Kunathan has since recovered and is now coaching youth players in Wonju YKK.
A significant highlight for Shinhan Bank during Lee’s time was Hong Yu-soon‘s selection to the national team. “Hong Yu-soon went to the national team and I congratulated him,” Lee stated. “He is also doing his role as a backup center.”
Turning his attention to the club level, Lee expressed his enthusiasm for the young athletes he’s now coaching. “The player was impressed that the player was better than the elite,” he observed. “The players are good at learning. Bundang Samsung’s system is so good. Parents are also good at supporting.” This sentiment highlights the crucial support system that surrounds young athletes, from coaching philosophies to parental involvement.
The impact of club basketball on the elite pathway is undeniable, with many players transitioning from club environments to professional careers. Lee,who himself benefited greatly from his time with Samsung,feels a sense of fulfillment seeing young players don the same uniform. “There is a nomination system in the pro,” he noted, hinting at the direct pipeline that well-structured club programs can provide.
When asked about his coaching philosophy for youth development, Lee emphasized a balanced approach. “In youth basketball, the basics are not overly emphasized.The key is how fun you can teach hard exercise,” he explained. “The basics are important when you first learn basketball.we will study and teach how children can be faithful to the basics and make basketball captivating.” this focus on making essential training engaging is key to fostering a lifelong passion for the sport.
