It was truly a ‘game changer.’ Miguel Andre Okzon saved Ulsan Hyundai Mobis from crisis.
Okzon participated as a bench member in the 2023-2024 Jeong Kwan Jang Professional Basketball regular league home game against Suwon KT held at Ulsan Dongcheon Gymnasium on the 6th, and played an active part with 23 points, 3 3-point shots, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 29 minutes and 41 seconds. Hyundai Mobis came from behind to win 83-82 after a close game with Okzon’s firepower, and ran for 3 consecutive wins and 3 home wins in a row 안전놀이터
Okzon played his debut game against Korea Gas Corporation in Daegu on the 31st of last month. Okzon, who played in the game two days after his arrival, recorded 4 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 8 minutes and 27 seconds. He already had experience playing against Hyundai Mobis players, so there was no need to go through the D-League. “When I went to the Philippines for training last summer, I checked my performance by playing a practice game with the same team as Okzon and the opposing team.” These are the words of director Cho Dong-hyeon.
Okzon dominated his home debut game, leaving a strong impression on Ulsan fans. Okzon, who replaced Park Moo-bin in the middle of the first quarter when Hyundai Mobis was down 10-15, immediately left his mark on the score sheet by assisting Lee Woo-seok’s fast break score and Kebe Aluma’s bottom goal. Jang Jae-seok’s fast break score also started when Okzon passed the ball to Aluma with a quick pass after a rebound.
In addition, Okzon scored his first point with a mid-range shot at the end of the first quarter and also scored a stepback 3-point shot, leading Hyundai Mobis’ pursuit. After catching his breath in the second quarter, Okzon continued to struggle in the third quarter when Park Moo-bin left with a hand injury, scoring 11 points, including one 3-pointer.
The highlight was the 4th quarter. Okzon, who had been steadily accumulating points through breakthroughs, hit a bold 3-pointer from the top 10 seconds before the end of the game, with Hyundai Mobis trailing by 80-82. It was the goal that gave Hyundai Mobis their first comeback since the start of the game and the final score that decided the difference between the two teams.
Director Cho Dong-hyeon expressed satisfaction with Okzon’s performance. “Just being able to hit a shot in the last minute has to be acknowledged. “I would like to give high marks to proactiveness.” These are the words of director Cho Dong-hyeon. Okzon also said to the Ulsan fans who chanted for him after the game, “It was something I had never experienced in the Philippines. He left a firm greeting, saying, “The goal of a professional player is, of course, to win.”
The best lineup that director Cho Dong-hyun ultimately dreams of is to use Okzon and Park Moo-bin simultaneously. The plan is to maximize Choi Jin-soo’s utilization by deploying two stable ball handlers, while minimizing the physical burden on Lee Woo-seok, who has been relieved of ball handler duties. “If we relieve his physical burden, (Lee) Wooseok will be able to put more energy into the fourth quarter,” explained coach Cho Dong-hyun.
Hyundai Mobis created a sensation last season with Ronjay Abarrientos showing off his brilliant offensive ability and passing. He averaged 29 minutes and 11 seconds in 51 games, scoring 13.6 points, 2.7 3-pointers, 2.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals, becoming the first Filipino player to win the Rookie of the Year Award. He was loved by Ulsan fans and called ‘Chunsam’, but he wanted to move to the B. League, so he terminated his contract by mutual agreement and left Hyundai Mobis as a form of retirement.
Okjon appeared in front of Ulsan fans who still have ‘Chunsam’ in a corner of their hearts. With a perfect home debut game, the birth of a new ‘game changer’ was announced. Director Cho Dong-hyun also expressed his expectations, saying, “He showed that he can be used with (Park) Moo-bin.” Can Okzon become Hyundai Mobis’ secret weapon to succeed Avarientos?