Meeting Like Destiny for 30 Years… Mobis Coach Yang Dong-geun and Retiring Ham Ji-hoon Want to Win Together Again
Mobis coach Yang Dong-geun and player Ham Ji-hoon, friends for over 30 years, reflect on their journeys together as Ham approaches retirement.
Yang Dong-geun, the coach of Mobis, and Ham Ji-hoon, a veteran player, have forged a relationship that spans over three decades, beginning from their early days in elementary and middle school basketball clubs. Their bond, nurtured through shared experiences and mutual growth both on and off the court, exemplifies the dedication and hard work they invested in their basketball careers. Yang humorously recalls their first encounter, noting their modest beginnings and contrasting physiques, which laid the groundwork for their future success.
The two athletes have supported each other through the trials of their profession, including the struggles they faced early in their careers. Their commitment to rigorous training routines has been a significant factor in their development as players; with Ham recalling early morning practice sessions with his family and Yang highlighting the late-night training he undertook in high school. As both men grew into their professional roles, their mutual respect and friendship flourished, further solidified by their championship victories together in the Korea Basketball League.
Now, as Ham Ji-hoon prepares for retirement, the duo reflects on their past achievements and expresses a desire to win together one last time, emphasizing the deep emotional connection that has developed over their years together. This impending transition marks not just a new chapter for Ham but also a poignant moment for both as they celebrate their enduring camaraderie and shared history, which has been characterized by perseverance, resilience, and a shared love for the game.