National team member Yeo Jun-seok (24, Seattle University) played his final game as a college athlete.
Seattle University was eliminated after a narrow 58-61 loss to the University of the Pacific in the third round of the WCC tournament held March 8 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Starting forward Yeo Jun-seok played 31 minutes 51 seconds and led the team with 16 points, adding 7 rebounds and making 3 of 6 three-point attempts, but could not prevent the team's defeat. With 4 minutes 4 seconds remaining in the second half, Yeo Jun-seok drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 52-56.
Thus ended senior Yeo Jun-seok's final college game. Seattle University, which finished seventh with an 8-10 record in the WCC regular season, needed to win the WCC tournament to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
However, the WCC tournament structure heavily favors higher-seeded teams, making it difficult for No. 7 seed Seattle to win the title. Gonzaga, where Yeo Jun-seok spent his sophomore and junior seasons, captured the regular-season title at 16-2 and advanced directly to the tournament semifinals, making it the clear favorite to win the championship.
Yeo Jun-seok was a regular starter at Seattle, averaging 11.9 points and 4 rebounds per game. As a result, he was named to the WCC honorable mention list, meaning he performed well despite narrowly missing an All-WCC team selection.
After finishing his amateur season, Yeo Jun-seok now appears to be preparing to turn professional. Upon graduating from an American university, Yeo will automatically be eligible for the 2026 NBA draft. However, his realistic chances of being selected by an NBA team are very slim.
Realistically, Yeo hopes to join a team where he is guaranteed significant playing time. That does not mean KBL entry is being considered. Yeo is still known to be intent on pursuing opportunities overseas. Japan's professional B.League, where Lee Hyun-jung has excelled, could be an option.
National team duties also matter. After losses to Taiwan and Japan, Korea will seek to respond at home in July. Yeo Jun-seok's inclusion is important. Korea will aim for gold at the Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya this September. For overseas-based players such as Lee Hyun-jung and Yeo Jun-seok to continue playing in foreign leagues, military service exemption is essential.
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