Can this season’s captain, Kang Sang-jae (28, 200 cm), lead the team to the playoffs?
Wonju DB Kang Sang-jae recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the team’s 91-84 victory over Suwon KT of the 2023-2024 Korean Basketball Association at the 온라인카지노 Suwon KT Sonic Boom Arena on Tuesday.
In the postgame interview, Kang said, “We lost to KT in the last cup tournament (on Dec. 12), and after that game, the coach emphasized the importance of training hard and being focused and determined. Before we came out today, we talked to each other about the tough loss (in the Cup), so we tried to play a gritty game, and I think it worked out well.” He shared his thoughts on the victory.
After taking the lead (54-48) at the end of the first half, DB dominated the third quarter with a 25-13 run. However, KT took the lead in the fourth quarter and found themselves trailing 83-82. In this situation, the captain strongly reprimanded the team.
Kang Sang-jae said, “We talked about it in game time and in the locker room, but even if the first five players foul out, we have to play without being pushed back. I reprimanded them because I know that basketball is a battle of moods and it’s not easy. We have to prepare well so we don’t have games like that in the future.”
As mentioned earlier, the DB captain this season is Kang Sang-jae. The player himself felt the weight of the captaincy. “It’s a very important season for the team and for me personally, and I have a desire to do well because the coach has given me the role of captain. I’m just the middle of the team, but I’m grateful that my older brothers and juniors are following me well.”
A ‘big season’ he says. There is an urgency to make the playoffs. The Wonju DBs have missed the playoffs for three seasons, five to be exact. In the 2019-2020 season, the league ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the team was unable to make the playoffs despite finishing in first place.
That’s why players and fans alike are eagerly anticipating spring basketball. “I don’t have any personal goals for this season, and if the team can play spring basketball, I think it will be positive for me personally. Right now, I’m just looking at the team,” said Kang Sang-jae.