Yang Jong-yoon and Korea’s Top Collegiate Talent Set for 49th Lee Sang-baek Cup in Sapporo

The Korea University Basketball Federation (KUBF) has officially finalized the national select teams for the 49th Korea-Japan University Basketball Representative Tournament, commonly known as the Lee Sang-baek Cup. Among the standout selections is Yang Jong-yoon of Korea University, who joins a powerhouse 12-man roster designed to compete against Japan’s finest collegiate players this May.

The tournament, which serves as a prestigious friendly competition between the two nations, will be hosted in Sapporo, Japan. This year’s event continues a long-standing tradition of alternating venues between Korea and Japan, fostering athletic exchange and honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Lee Sang-baek, who dedicated his life to contributing to the sports cultures of both countries.

Roster Breakdown: A Balanced Attack

The men’s national select team is built around a versatile core of players from the top universities in Korea. The selection process focused on a blend of perimeter shooting, defensive tenacity, and interior presence.

The guard rotation is headlined by Yang Jong-yoon (Korea University), who will be joined by Hwang Ji-min of Dankook University, Jang Ji-min from Myongji University, and Son Yu-chan of Hanyang University. This group is tasked with managing the tempo and providing the necessary playmaking to unlock the Japanese defense.

In the forward positions, the KUBF has opted for agility and scoring versatility. The roster includes Go Chan-yu (Chung-Ang University), Baek Kyung (Konkuk University), and the duo of Lee Je-won and Gu Min-kyo from Sungkyunkwan University. Baek Kyung, a 190cm guard/forward, has already expressed his determination to represent Konkuk University and the national team with pride, noting that his selection as a third-year student is a significant honor.

The interior will be anchored by a formidable frontcourt consisting of Choi Jun-hwan (Sangmyung University), Seo Ji-woo (Chung-Ang University), Woo Sung-hee (Dongguk University), and Kim Su-oh (Kyung Hee University). These four centers will be critical in controlling the glass and defending the paint against the Japanese select team.

Coaching Leadership and Strategy

Taking the helm of the men’s team is Head Coach Seok Seung-ho of Dankook University. This appointment marks Seok’s return to the Lee Sang-baek Cup leadership role after two years, having previously led the squad in 2024. His familiarity with the tournament’s dynamics and the specific challenges of facing Japanese collegiate styles makes him a strategic choice for the federation.

Coach Seok will be supported by a seasoned coaching staff, including Coach Ko Seung-jin of Sangmyung University and Coach Moon Hyuk-ju of Konkuk University. The synergy between the head coach and his assistants will be pivotal in integrating players from various universities into a cohesive unit in a short timeframe.

On the women’s side, the team will once again be led by Dankook University’s Coach Baek Ji-eun, who returns for her second consecutive year as head coach. She will be assisted by Coach Jang Sun-hyung of Suwon University.

Tournament Context and Logistics

The 49th edition of the Lee Sang-baek Cup is scheduled to take place in Sapporo, Japan, with the primary competition window falling between May 15 and May 17, 2026. While some reports indicate a broader event window from May 14 to 19, the core matchups are expected to be concentrated in the mid-May period.

For those unfamiliar with the format, the Lee Sang-baek Cup is not a standard league game but a series of high-stakes friendly matches. The tournament typically features a three-game series between the Korean and Japanese select teams. The event follows FIBA rules, ensuring that the collegiate athletes are exposed to international standards of play.

This follows the 48th edition held in May 2025, which took place at the Seo-Suwon Chilbo Gymnasium in Korea. That event saw a significant surge in public interest, drawing large crowds and attention from professional league coaches, underscoring the tournament’s role as a scouting ground for the professional ranks.

Key Takeaways for the 49th Lee Sang-baek Cup

• Venue: Sapporo, Japan.
• Dates: May 15–17, 2026 (Main competition).
• Men’s Head Coach: Seok Seung-ho (Dankook University).
• Key Player: Yang Jong-yoon (Korea University) leads a deep guard rotation.
• Women’s Head Coach: Baek Ji-eun (Dankook University).
• Format: Three-game series following FIBA rules.

As the players prepare for the trip to Sapporo, the focus remains on cohesion and execution. For players like Yang Jong-yoon and Baek Kyung, this tournament represents more than just a friendly; It’s a platform to showcase their skills on an international stage and pave the way for professional careers.

The next official update is expected to be the release of the full game schedule and specific tip-off times for the Sapporo series. Stay tuned to the Korea University Basketball Federation for official announcements.

Do you believe the current roster has the depth to sweep the series in Sapporo? Share your thoughts in the comments below.