*This content was translated by AI.
Busan KCC, a team of superstars, was united into a true 'one team' by the power of dedication.
On the 1st, the KBL held the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Pro Basketball Championship Finals Media Day at the KBL Center in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Busan KCC and Goyang Sono will compete in the championship finals for the title. Attending this media day were KCC head coach Lee Sang-min, Sono head coach Son Chang-hwan, and players Heo Hoon and Choi Jun-yong (both KCC), along with Lee Jung-hyun and Kevin Kambo (both Sono).
There has never been a championship finals like this. For the first time in KBL history, the fifth- and sixth-ranked teams from the regular season will face off in the finals. Sono is on a perfect 6-0 run in the playoffs. They swept Seoul SK in the quarterfinals with three consecutive wins, and even defeated defending champions and regular season titleholders Changwon LG in the semifinals with a 3-0 record. Sono is now challenging for the title in their first-ever championship finals appearance.
KCC had a somewhat sluggish regular season, finishing sixth, but performed differently in the playoffs. After defeating Wonju DB in the quarterfinals, they recorded a 3-1 victory against second-ranked regular season team Anyang Jeonggwanjang in the semifinals, continuing their title challenge. KCC also reached the championship finals in the 2023-2024 season after finishing fifth in the regular season and went on to win the championship ring. This marks the first time in KBL history that a fifth-ranked team has won the championship finals. KCC is now dreaming of repeating the same scenario.
Heo Woong and Heo Hoon, Choi Jun-yong and Song Kyu-chang, and Sean Long. If judged solely by reputation, this is a 'super team' featuring players who represent the league. However, the driving force that propelled KCC to the championship finals was nothing other than 'dedication.' Heo Hoon displayed heroic spirit by playing in the game after receiving an IV drip and painkillers at a hospital, despite suddenly suffering from severe abdominal cramps in the fourth game of the semifinals. He also chose to focus on defense rather than his strength in offense, opting for team victory over personal spotlight.
At the media day, Heo Hoon said, "Just because I have abdominal cramps doesn't mean I shouldn't play. It's my fault as an athlete for not managing my body properly. And no player is pain-free." He added, "I think I performed well as an icon of dedication in the quarterfinals and semifinals. I will strive to create good results in the championship finals."
Choi Jun-yong, often called the 'guaranteed check' for victory, played a significant role. Beyond scoring and assists, he constantly shouted for fighting spirit, rallying his teammates together. Earlier, Choi Jun-yong explained, "Unlike the regular season, every game in the playoffs is extremely important. We are players with strong competitive spirits. Our desire to win is strong, which gives us excellent focus. Even though everyone looks tired, many are pretending not to be. There are eyes that refuse to lose."
At the media day, Choi Jun-yong also stated, "It would have been better if I had performed well during the regular season so the team could have advanced comfortably. Instead, I shone briefly in the spring and made things difficult for my teammates. In the championship finals, I will do my best to help the team win." He added, "Actually, I felt more confident two years ago. But as the weather has improved and we've started winning games, my body doesn't feel as sore. The opposing teams are young and play a lot, so I intend to remain calm."
Heo Hoon said, "Our opponent is not Sono; it is ourselves," and confidently added, "If we can gel well together, we can certainly achieve good results."
Head coach Lee Sang-min praised the team multiple times during the playoffs, stating, "Five players have come alive as a whole, creating synergy effects. All players are playing responsibly on the court, and their desire to win is strong."
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*This content was translated by AI.
