Head coach Kim Joo-sung wrapped up his first season as a full-time head coach.
The Wonju DB Promy lost 63-80 to the Busan KCC Aegis in the fourth round of the 2023-2024 Jeonggwanjang Professional Basketball League quarterfinals playoffs at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium on Nov. 21.
DB dominated throughout the regular season, but they were stopped by KCC in the quarterfinals, and their challenge for the overall championship was thwarted by the loss.
That was the end of Kim Joo-sung’s first year as head coach. Kim, who served as acting head coach midway through last season, signed a full-time coaching contract with DB ahead of this season, 토토사이트 추천 and the club has been properly anchored.
Despite failing to win the coveted title, there was plenty to be encouraged about in the first year of the Wonju basketball legend’s tenure. He has brought DB back to the top of the table after a disappointing run in recent years.
Kim, who teamed up with coaches Han Sang-min and Lee Kwang-jae, made moves to improve the team’s constitution in the offseason. The No. 1 pick, Derek Lawson, ended the foreign player atrocities and captain Kang Sang-jae took on increased responsibilities and had the best season of his career. His pre-season efforts to avoid the ankle injury that had been plaguing him paid off.
While the team continued its acidic image with a triple-post lineup of Kim Jong-kyu, Kang Sang-jae, and Dedrick Lawson, it also utilized Park In-woong, Choi Seung-wook, Kim Young-hyun, and Min-su Min at the right time to create a lineup that was full of activity. The team averaged 89.9 points per game, thanks to its high-powered offense and potent transition game.
Despite the ups and downs, DB’s regular season was impressive, with Kim securing the top spot for the first time since the 2019-2020 season ended early due to COVID-19.
Kim won the coach of the year award after winning the regular season wire-to-wire. However, he was unable to break through the playoff barrier. In a head-to-head matchup between Jeon Chang-jin and Sajeji, who had collaborated on multiple championships in the past, Kim lost in the best-of-four playoffs, ending his season.
When asked about his plans for next season after Game 4, Kim said, “I’m thinking about rebuilding. I’m thinking about developing a lot of good players and going younger. The word ‘rebuilding’ is something that came to my mind right now, and there is nothing definite.”
It remains to be seen whether Kim is referring to a complete overhaul or a change in tactical direction while keeping the same roster composition. Although he mentioned the word “rebuilding,” it’s possible that it’s just a fleeting thought, and that he’ll keep the current composition and system in place. It’s something to think about during the break and off-season.
The season is over, but Kim has another important period ahead of him. DB will have Kim Jong-kyu, Kang Sang-jae, and Choi Seung-wook become free agents.
How they spend their free agents will change the direction of the team. The team will also have to think about foreign players once the contract of domestic MVP Lee Sun Albano expires. They’ll also need to sort out the status of Doo Kyung-min, who finished the season without a place in the squad. A successful transfer window will give the team a major boost in their bid to repeat as champions.
Despite the sports myth that star players don’t make good managers, Kim has had a successful first season in charge. The playoff loss was also a great asset and experience for him. What will be the outcome of Kim’s second season as head coach?
