Handsome Tigers (2020)

MOON SUINN IS THE MAN

I came for Lee Sangyoon and Yoo Seonho but stayed for the team. As someone who isn't fond of watching sports anime after I grew out of my anime phase, I was surprised to be so invested in the team and their development.

Seo Janghoon, the national treasure center, did his best in teaching and coaching the team. The start may have been quite rocky but they pulled through and we can see how much the team has improved in such a short span of time. As a long time fan of Knowing Bros, it was nice to see SJH in his area and see how passionate he is in basketball. I was bawling when he said he was happy because the team made him feel like he was the one playing on the court.

I enjoyed Cha Eunwoo in MIIGB but aside from that, I've never really actively followed his works. I know he was added to increase the ratings but I was surprised at how dedicated he is to the project. He is easily the most improved player in my opinion. Considering that he's an idol with a packed schedule (he even went to Italy for a photoshoot), I admire the work he put in to improve his skills. Like you can see how he doesn't really get his shots in during the beginning but by the end, we can see that he's someone the team can trust to get some points in and decrease the gap. I also admire that he gives his 100% in the game even throwing himself to get those rebounds and steals. I love that we can all learn from him and his perseverance ("Hardwork doesn't betray" is one of the captions for him in the show and it is so apt).

The older members are also great to watch: Lee Sangyoon, the reliable captain; Seo Jiseok, the experienced point guard; Kang Kyungjoon, the quiet defender (I love how they always tell him that he did a "good foul" lol); Kim Seunghyun, the lucky shooter (He irked me in the beginning with his whining but he's okay); and Julien Kang, the steadfast center are great in court and shows that experience is also important in playing this sport. KKJ really surprised me; I love watching him block those shots beautifully. JK grew on me with his easy camaraderie with the members along with LSY. It makes their teamwork and friendship all the more special. JK also makes some beautiful plays with MSI; I specifically like that JK told MSI he has him supporting him in the backcourt during the last ep when UTP were double teaming on MSI.

The breakout act is undeniably Moon Suinn whose skills shone in this show. Where do I even begin with this guy? I didn't know him prior to this but damn I came out being such a big fan. His skill, footwork, and plays are something I always look forward to in each game and something I would even repeat (even when the show has repeated it 2-3x already). He plays gracefully and makes basketball look so easy that even the commentators and opponents often commend his abilities. He showed his dedication when he continued to play even when his feet was bleeding during the fight with Owls. He's swift and agile and I specifically enjoy watching him break through the defense that the opponents set on him especially when he's guarded by 2-3 people because that's how quick he is on his feet. I get kinda sad when they don’t cheer for him when he shoots because they expect him to get those shots in. I’ve re-watched HT thrice already and Coach Seo told him he did a great job just around two times? The bar is higher for him but it wouldn’t have hurt to tell him he does well especially when he does his very best to carry the team. Plus he probably wants the approval of Coach Seo as someone he admired for a long time. He’s the main shooter, one of the best defenders and rebounders, and the key player whenever they do court press. Man can’t catch a break lol He's such a great player and it helps that he's also handsome (I've become suuuuch a big fan).

Kang Insoo was a great addition to the team after the tryouts. I always look forward to the SuInSoo plays that would come out during the games. Yes, he made a lot of mistakes during the games (quite a number of turnovers and steals and missed shots when he was unmarked) but he added greatly to their team play. I do hope he practices his shooting more before he joins another sports variety so he doesn't feel burdened and incompetent. (Side note: I kinda felt for him when SJH told him to not shoot during their early games.)

Yoo Seonho was one of my picks in PD101 (baby chick is unforgettable lol) but I was afraid he would be underwhelming. How glad was I to be proven wrong. His 3 points and rimless shots were things I enjoyed seeing in the team. Jeon Jihoon was benched after he got in the team but I am glad his hard work and dedication showed during the end. I wish he was able to show it earlier but at least he proved himself late than never at all. His message to SJH during their trip was the most heartfelt for me and his tears of regret at the end got me crying so bad. Shorry and Lee Taesun were mismatched for me. They didn't add to the team. I'm sure they did their best during training but it didn't show results. I did however enjoy hearing Shorry cheer consistently during the game.

People often discount the role Joy played in the show but I think she did well as the team's manager. I can see how comfortable the members were with her and she always manages to get a smile out of them when it matters. The moments between Joy and the younger members (Suinn, Seonho, Insoo, Eunwoo) were fun to watch and it made me root for their friendship. I hope to see them hanging out sometime again.

I think I enjoyed HT more that LG!DT because the players are fixed. I wasn't that invested in LG!DT because some members would just appear for some eps then disappear (hence why I just mostly watched the episodes with my bias groups). If they ever plan to make a season 2, I hope majority of the cast sign up again because their teamwork and friendship is already there and it would be great to see it grow and blossom some more.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. So much so that I re-watched it immediately after finishing the entire season... and then again. Now, I'll be off to binge on the KCBL videos in YouTube to get some more Moon Suinn :))

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