[2026 Asian Games] SBS commentator Tony Akins shares victory strategy for Korea-Japan match and advice for Lee Jung Hyun

‘Straight-shooter guard’ Tony Akins declares his intention for the Korea-Japan match commentary

“The Korea-Japan match with SBS,

Japan cannot beat us! I believe in our national team players 100%”

Tony Akins, from his first terrestrial commentary with SBS, says regarding the Korea-Japan match, “If I take on a challenge, I go 100% into it”

“Guys, just play like you normally do! I want to give them confidence rather than pressure”

“With SBS commentary, I will unconditionally cheer for our country during the Korea-Japan match. If the referee makes a mistake, I will complain”

“Lee Jung Hyun must balance offense and team leading. As a point guard, I expect more from him”

Tony Akins, who is in charge of the Korea-Japan match commentary as an SBS basketball commentator at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games, expressed his determination ahead of his first terrestrial commentary.

Regarding the difference between his time playing on the court as a player and now holding the SBS commentary microphone, Tony Akins began with a laugh, saying, “To be honest, I thought about wanting to return to being a player. I want to play too.” He then shared his unique feelings about stepping up as an SBS commentator, saying, “It feels good and amazing because I can give good advice to fans and explain things from a player's perspective.”

The most important aspect he looks for when commentating is undoubtedly the 'flow.' Tony Akins explained, “In basketball, flow is the most important thing. I look at the flow when defending and the flow when attacking. If it seems like the opposing team has a tactic in the middle, we must change our tactics too. I will focus on those parts.”

In particular, regarding being tasked with the Korea-Japan match, which is drawing great interest as his first commentary with SBS, he expressed anticipation instead. Tony Akins said, “I am the type of person who goes 100% into a challenge if I decide to take it. If it goes well and the reaction is good, wouldn't I be able to develop quickly? It seems fun.”

As much as he drew attention during his active career for his honest and direct way of speaking, interest is also focused on his 'straight-shooting' during SBS commentary. In response, Tony Akins confessed, “That is what I am most worried about. I am not good at lying. I think I should think for about 2 to 3 seconds before speaking.” He drew laughter by adding, “Since it is my first commentary, my tone might be a bit light, so I want to apologize in advance. Please understand.”

During the Korea-Japan match broadcast live through SBS, he plans to be even more active in voicing his opinion whenever the Korean national team is in a disadvantageous situation. Tony Akins candidly stated, “While commentating, I will unconditionally cheer for our team. If the referee makes a mistake, I will complain.”

He also expressed his unreserved thoughts on the strength of Korea and Japan ahead of the Korea-Japan match. Tony Akins showed confidence, saying, “Japan has improved a lot over the last 10 years. In my view, Japan has become a stronger opponent than China. But if main players like Choi Jun-yong and Lee Hyun-jung all appear, we can truly win the gold medal. Japan cannot beat us.”

Above all, he emphasized 'confidence' over 'victory' for his juniors. Tony Akins said, “I believe in our national team players 100%. Rather than giving them the pressure that they must win, I want to tell them, ‘Guys, just play like you normally do. Do what you normally do, follow the tactics well, and if you have the space, take the shot, and when you need to drive, drive.'” He added, “The players already know how important playing against Japan is to the Korean people. I just want to give them confidence. I want to say, ‘Guys, you are already doing well, so just do your thing.'”

He also shared his special feelings for the national team jersey. Tony Akins said, “There are some regrets, but that is already in the past. If I can show a sense of representing the national team through SBS commentary, I will be satisfied.” He expressed his sincerity toward the national team, adding, “If the kids win the gold medal while I am commentating, I feel like I am winning it with them.”

He picked point guard Lee Jung Hyun, who plays the same position, as the player to watch particularly in the Korea-Japan match. Tony Akins said, “Since I am also a point guard, I am looking forward to Lee Jung Hyun.” He continued with advice, “Jung Hyun seems to focus too much on leading. There are parts where he focuses more on passing than offense. Jung Hyun, it will be hard for you too, but you must know how to balance offense and team leading.”

He cited the youth system as something to learn from the recently rapidly growing Japanese basketball. Tony Akins emphasized, “Our youth system is completely different from Japan's. Japan's youth system is almost similar to the US. Our youth system also needs to change a bit.” Conversely, regarding the strengths of Korean basketball, he laughed, saying, “Our players are much more handsome,” and then confidently stated, “In terms of team play and defense, we are better than Japan.”

Finally, to the viewers watching the Korea-Japan match through SBS, Tony Akins expressed his determination, saying, “I am basketball player Tony Akins. This is my first time commentating a representative match like the Korea-Japan game. I want to apologize in advance if my tone is a bit light. I will do my best to show the fans interesting commentary and try my hardest to teach them a bit more about basketball.”

Meanwhile, the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games will open on September 19 and will take place for 16 days until October 4. The Korea-Japan match between South Korea and Japan in the Men's Basketball Group A 3rd round, which is broadcast live on SBS, will be aired on the 13th (Sunday) at 7 PM.

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◆ At a Glance

· Issuing Organization : SBS

· Category : Asian Games

· Distribution : September 14, 14:48

Source : SBS Press Release

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