By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Ha Seung-jin, South Korea's first export to the National Basketball Association (NBA) will seek to play again in the U.S., denying rumors he will move to the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
``I think I am still young. My only goal is to play in the NBA,'' the 2.23-meter giant said at the Korea Development Camp in Seoul.
He was invited as a special guest to the four-day NBA basketball clinic where Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs and Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers will teach South Korean prospects.
The 22-year-old was selected as the 46th pick in the second round of the 2004 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
During his two-year stint with Portland, he played in 46 games including four starts and averaged 1.5 points per game (ppg) and as many rebounds per game (rpg).
On July 31, 2006, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a four-man deal including all-star center Jamaal Magloire but three months later, the Bucks waived him.
After being released, Ha signed a one-year contract with the Anaheim Arsenal in the National Basketball Development League (NBDL).
He averaged 2.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 26 games (16 starts)
``I don't care whether I play in the KBL or the NBA but at this time I don't think about playing in the domestic league,'' he added.
``I know my father has negotiated with teams for my re-berth to the NBA. I need to stay in good shape and focus on my workouts.''
Ha has had private training at Kyunghee University and plans to join the Arsenal in October.
He also mentioned the Asia Men's Championship in August, where South Korea came in third, failing to get promoted to the Beijing Olympics.
``I learned a lot from playing on the team. Encouraged by the coaching staff and teammates, I acquired confidence. It will help me play better in the U.S.,'' Ha said.