The youngest member who secretly cried becomes the hero of Game 3.. A surprising performance? It was the result of 'hidden' hard work. [Goyang Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

The protagonist who laid the foundation for the 'miracle team' Goyang Sonos' first-ever championship final appearance was none other than the 'youngest' Lee Geun-jun (21). It was not something he simply obtained. It was the result of hard work.

On the 27th, Sonos secured a decisive 90-80 victory over Changwon LG in a home game at the Goyang Sonos Arena during the third match of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics KBL semifinals playoffs. With this win, Sonos advances to the 'dream stage' of the championship finals to challenge for the title. This marks the second time since the 2023-2024 season that a fifth-ranked regular season team has reached the championship finals. At that time, KCC claimed the championship title. Sonos now dreams of the same scenario.

Sonos, which succeeded in winning 10 consecutive games at the end of the regular season, continued its incredible upward momentum in the playoffs. After sweeping Seoul SK with three consecutive wins in the quarterfinals, Sonos this time crushed LG, the top-ranked regular season team. This is the first time a top-ranked regular season team has been eliminated from the playoffs without securing a single win.

On this day, Sonos' 'ace' Lee Jung-hyun and Kevin Kambeo led the team with 17 points each, but the performances of other players also stood out. First, veteran Lee Jae-do scored 14 points and stabilized the team. In particular, he sank consecutive three-pointers early in the fourth quarter, dealing frustration to the opponent. Big man Kang Ji-hoon also scored 12 points, moving seamlessly between the inside and outside.

Lee Geun-jun's sharp scoring ability could not be overlooked. He made three three-pointers in the first quarter and one in the second quarter, sinking four three-pointers in the first half alone. Thanks to this, Sonos broke the tight early atmosphere and succeeded in taking the initiative. They then maintained the lead and secured the victory. On this day, Lee Geun-jun scored 12 points in just 7 minutes and 33 seconds of playing time, hitting 4 of his 5 three-point attempts.

After advancing to the championship finals, Lee Geun-jun expressed his joy, saying, "Since joining the playoffs, I have aligned my opinions with my teammates and had many conversations with Coach Son Chang-hwan. Creating a good result is meaningful."

In fact, the competition for a starting spot this season was not easy. Sonos had veteran players like Choi Seung-wook and Kim Jin-yu securing their positions, and Lee Geun-jun took on the role of supporting them. He had no choice but to have limited playing opportunities. This season, Lee Geun-jun appeared in 30 regular season games, recording an average playing time of 6 minutes and 38 seconds.

Lee Geun-jun confessed, "It was too hard during the regular season. I cried secretly many times."

But he did not give up. Every time, Lee Geun-jun picked up the basketball. Even after games ended, he dedicated himself to individual training by shooting. Lee Geun-jun explained, "I cleared my mind. I didn't have any special hobbies, so I decided to exercise."

He also immediately accepted the advice from the head coach. Lee Geun-jun stated, "I suffered an injury in the middle of the season, which threw off my balance, and I fell behind in the weight training area. Coach Son Chang-hwan told me to balance my weight training and overall balance. I paid for my own weight training and also received separate physical training. I am grateful to the coach. My muscle mass has increased."

Lee Geun-jun's efforts bore fruit in the playoffs. Although Sonos was expected to suffer a blow due to Choi Seung-wook's injury, Lee Geun-jun filled the gap excellently. Lee Geun-jun expressed his gratitude, saying, "Choi Seung-wook hyung was out due to injury, so I had a strong desire to fill that spot. I worked hard on individual training and showed determination in team training. I think the coach gave me the opportunity because of that."

In fact, Coach Son Chang-hwan praised him, saying, "Lee Geun-jun has the ability, but he has the muscles of a young person, so I thought we needed to train him. We had been keeping him with us for a while, but Choi Seung-wook and Kim Jin-yu played well, so he didn't get much playing time. Choi Seung-wook got injured, so this time he got his chance."

Now, Lee Geun-jun's focus shifts to the championship finals. Sonos will face Anyang Jeonggwanjang or Busan KCC in the championship finals. Jeonggwanjang and KCC are currently tied with one win and one loss in the semifinals playoffs. Lee Geun-jun said firmly, "I may not be the absolute youngest, but no matter which team comes up, I will help my teammates and play hard."

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*This content was translated by AI.