'Home Team' SK Alleged Intentional Loss: Choi Jun-yong Responds Directly, "Even If I Were Coach, I'd Want to Avoid KCC" [Busan On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

This is the confidence of Choi Jun-yong (32, Busan KCC), who capped off the explosive firepower of the super team. Immediately after leading his team to the quarterfinal playoffs (PO), Choi Jun-yong continued with bold determination and candid remarks.

On the 17th at 7 p.m., KCC defeated WonjuDB 98-89 in the third home game of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball 6-Team Playoffs at Busan Sajik Gymnasium.

Choi Jun-yong has proven his top-tier ability since advancing to the PO. Sidelined by injury during the regular season and appearing in only 22 games, Choi averaged 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across the three PO games. In particular, he showcased exceptional class with 29 points (13-of-20 shooting), three 3-pointers, six rebounds, and six assists in both the second game (26 points) and the third game.

After securing a series sweep with three consecutive home wins and confirming their advancement to the quarterfinals, Choi Jun-yong was met with the following remarks: ""I wanted to win unconditionally, and fortunately, the result came through. I tried to act like it wasn't hard, but it was really tough. " "I'm glad we could finish the 6th-Team PO quickly and conserve some of my energy. Even though my knee swelled, the playoff stage strangely made me want to play again. I'll pour everything into the remaining seven wins and rest next year." "he shared with a touch of humor.

Even addressing the controversy surrounding Seoul SK's "'Avoiding KCC'" during the final regular-season game, which became a major topic throughout this series, Choi Jun-yong offered his characteristic candid opinion. At the time, there were allegations that SK manipulated the outcome of the final game to avoid the difficult matchup against KCC, and the KBL indeed imposed a 5 million won fine and a warning on SK through its financial committee. In response, Choi Jun-yong stated, ""If I were on SK, such an incident would never have happened. I could have faced any opponent." "yet he added, ""As a basketball player, I find such controversies regrettable, but on the other hand, I can understand why it might have happened." "

Choi Jun-yong continued, ""Our team is incredibly strong and unpredictable, isn't it? From the opponent's perspective, facing KCC must be difficult. Even if I were the coach, I think I'd want to avoid KCC. Doesn't that mean we are a team that instills fear in our opponents?" "he expressed with confidence.

Regarding the criticism he faced during the regular season due to injury, Choi Jun-yong credited his teammates. ""I received a lot of criticism during the regular season. It felt like I could hear the insults even at home, so I felt very sorry. But when I came to the playoffs and saw Heo Woong playing defense so hard, I felt I had no choice but to do the same," "he said, adding, ""Since our ace, (Heo) Woong, was playing defense like crazy from the start of the first quarter, the team's overall energy level rose. Without Woong, such an atmosphere would have been impossible." "

When asked about the secret to his particularly strong performance in short series, Choi Jun-yong mentioned endorphins. ""The playoffs are a stage where players jump 2cm higher. It seems the concentration level rises because players who know how to enjoy that tension are gathered here," "he noted, emphasizing, ""KCC players already know all the basketball details. As long as they stick to the basics like backcourt defense and rebounding, winning the championship is entirely possible." "

Having closed the series with three consecutive home wins, Choi Jun-yong and KCC will continue their challenge against Anyang Jung-gwanjang starting on the 24th. Choi Jun-yong left behind his confident ambition: ""In my five-year FA contract, I believe winning twice means success. I will pour everything into this season." "

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*This content was translated by AI.