"We were told they wouldn't even make the top six..." WonjuDB finished third in the regular season but missed the playoffs; DB coach Kim Joo-sung: "I am grateful to the players who gave 200% or more" [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

Even amidst the pain of defeat, sincere gratitude toward the players was evident. Although WonjuDB coach Kim Joo-sung failed to reach the semifinals, he expressed Yeon Sin (Auditor) to the team that defied pre-season expectations of a lower-tier finish and achieved the miracle of securing third place in the regular season.

On the 17th, DB lost 89-98 to BusanKCC in the third game of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics KBL Playoffs (PO) held at Busan Sajik Gymnasium, ending their season with three consecutive series losses.

Coach Kim Joo-sung said at the post-game press conference, ""I am grateful to the players who fought hard until the very end". ""There were even evaluations that DB would not even make the top six, yet they reached third place in the regular season. They fought very well in these three playoff games. The players gave 150%, 200%, or even more. I am truly grateful", he shared his thoughts.

Coach Kim Joo-sung then added, ""I wanted to win one or two more games and show spring basketball to the fans, so I feel truly sorry", expressing his apologies to the fans.

He also showed proper respect to opposing coach Lee Sang-min and KCC. Coach Kim Joo-sung stated, ""It seems KCC fought very hard and well throughout all three games. I hope they fight hard in the semifinals as well".

On this day, DB pressured KCC early in the game with explosive three-pointers from Lee Yong-woo and Park In-woong. Despite temporarily losing the lead in the middle of the second quarter, they showed resilience by tying the score 55-55 early in the third quarter. In particular, Lee Yong-woo scored 17 points and Park In-woong scored 15 points, highlighting the fighting spirit of domestic players. Coach Kim Joo-sung said, ""After the game, I told the players they poured out 150% of their ability. Although KCC had many excellent players, their ability to keep the game going without being intimidated was truly remarkable. I am very proud", praising his players.

Regarding the condition of Park In-woong, who was substituted due to knee pain during the game, he added, ""I understand it is not a serious injury".

With a disappointing defeat behind him and looking forward to the future, Coach Kim Joo-sung expressed the confidence gained from this playoff series. He said, ""If we can show this kind of fighting spirit in the next season, I feel certain that the players will demonstrate even better skills", conveying his hope.

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*This content was translated by AI.