"Let's be a player who will leave a name on KBL"... "Two Star Grand Prizes" pledge on the eve of the All-Star Game [Samsil Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Eddie Daniel (19, Seoul SK) and Park Jung-woong (22, Anyang Jeonggwanjang), the winners of the basketball category at the Futures Star Awards, were active side by side, impressing fans.

At the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball All-Star Game eve event held at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul on the 17th, Daniel and Park Jung-woong showed outstanding personal skills by reaching the final round of the 1-1 contest.

The first thing that shone was Daniel, the winner of the 2025 Futures Star Awards. Daniel had 19 points, six rebounds and two assists in the face-off between Team Asia, a team of Asian quarter players, and Team Rookie, a rookie player.

Although Daniel's team, Team Rookie, lost 79-82, Daniel drew cheers from fans with a bold breakthrough and showmanship. The cute dance performed to H.O.T.'s candy in the middle of the game melted the fan's heart.

Daniel's momentum continued in the new one-on-one contest. Daniel, who met Jung Ho-young (Wonju DB) in the preliminary round, gave up the first four points, but he drove down seven points with overwhelming power to win the game from 8-5 and reach the semifinals.

Daniel, who has been attracting attention for his unique potential since his days at Yongsan High School, said, "I definitely feel why the stage of being a professional is a professional. The older brothers' attitude, physicality, and research play itself are different from those of amateurs, he said. "The coach gave me an aggressive role and instilled confidence, so I think I have a good appearance recently. I'm also absolutely trusting the coach and learning about the lack of shooting," he said.

Park Jung-woong, the winner of the 2024 Futures Star Awards, was also certain to have a presence. Park Jung-woong, who participated in the 1:1 contest qualifying round, won 5-3 against Yang Woo-hyuk (Daegu Korea Gas Corporation) and joined the semifinals. He showed off his ability asphyxiation defense against Yang Woo-hyuk with his brilliant individual skills.

"I was nervous because it was my first time playing one-on-one in front of a large crowd," Park Jung-woong said, smiling, "I prepared a lot for defense because (Yang) Woo-hyuk is such a colorful and fast friend, but it worked well."

The two players exchanged warm words and strange war of nerves as winners of the Star News Grand Prize.

Daniel earlier expressed his strong ambition shortly after the award ceremony, saying, "I will prove that I am closer to the grand prize than senior Park Jung-woong." In response, Park Jung-woong praised, "Eddie has been showing good performance recently," but added, "The professional stage is not a place where you are recognized for being good at one or two games. Steadyness is important," he advised.

Park Jung-woong then said, "I'm also in the season to prove my value. I think we should also prove it in the order of the draft (first round). I hope Eddie will also show a good performance with pride," he said.

Daniel, who heard Park Jung-woong's advice, said, "I think I'm definitely getting pushed back because (Park) Jung-woo is doing so well right now," but added, "I'll work hard and try not to be ashamed of receiving the Futures Star Award." I will try to catch up with my brother," he said.

Daniel said, "It's nice to see Jungwoo because he's doing so well. Let's both succeed and become players who can leave their names in the KBL so that they are not ashamed to receive the Star News Grand Prize."

The final stage between the two players, who reached the semifinals of the 1-1 contest side by side, will be held at the main event of the All-Star Game on the 18th.

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*This content was translated by AI.