*This content was translated by AI.
"In fact, I knew he was crying. I intentionally acted harshly."
Son Chang-hwan (50), who leads Goyang Sono, treated the team's youngest player, Lee Geun-jun (21), harshly throughout this season. There was a reason. It was the commander's affectionate 'push-pull' to help Lee Geun-jun grow to the next level.
Sono, ranked fifth in the regular season, is challenging for the championship for the first time since the club's founding this season. Their opponent is the 'super team' Busan KCC. The opposing lineup is formidable, with all five starters being representative members of the league, but Sono is also in excellent form. In particular, Sono achieved a perfect 6-0 record in the Playoffs. If they secure a perfect 4-0 record in the championship series, they will achieve a historic 10-game winning streak to claim the title.
Earlier, Sono swept Seoul SK with three consecutive wins in the quarterfinals. Even in the semifinals, they defeated the defending champion and regular season winner Changwon LG with a 3-0 record. The role of 'Sono's youngest,' Lee Geun-jun, was decisive. In the Playoffs, veteran Choi Seung-wook suffered an injury, creating a gap, which Lee Geun-jun filled well. In particular, in the third game of the semifinals against LG at home, Lee Geun-jun scored 12 points by hitting four three-pointers in the first half alone: three in the first quarter and one in the second.
In fact, Lee Geun-jun had a difficult time during the regular season this year. Sono had veterans like Choi Seung-wook and Kim Jin-yu firmly established, and Lee Geun-jun took on a supporting role. He did not get many playing opportunities. This season, Lee Geun-jun played 30 regular season games, logging 6 minutes and 38 seconds of playing time.
After the third game of the semifinals, Lee Geun-jun confessed, "It was so tough during the regular season that I often cried secretly." Whenever that happened, he clenched his teeth and endured. After finishing games during the regular season, Lee Geun-jun would stay on the court alone to shoot, dedicating himself to individual training. He reflected, "I cleared my mind. I didn't have any special hobbies, so I decided to exercise."
Head Coach Son Chang-hwan's affectionate leadership also greatly contributed to Lee Geun-jun's growth. Although he often scolded him sharply, these were affectionate pieces of advice.
During a media day interview for the championship series on the 1st, Head Coach Son Chang-hwan told reporters, "Lee Geun-jun was going through a lot, and in fact, I knew he was crying. But I intentionally acted harshly. The other players, such as Lee Jung-hyun and Jung Hee-jae, understood my intention. When I would discipline him, (the other players) would hug him." He added, "I want to raise Lee Geun-jun to be a proper player. He is not yet complete; he is still a work in progress."
Continuing, Head Coach Son Chang-hwan emphasized, "I think I need to consider whether I should continue to be harsh or change my approach now. I cannot say it is all settled based on just one game (the third game of the semifinals)."
Nevertheless, he did not treat him harshly all the time. Unknowingly, Head Coach Son Chang-hwan encouraged Lee Geun-jun so he would not get hurt. When Lee Geun-jun lowered his head, the coach gave direct instructions to other players to offer him comfort. Head Coach Son Chang-hwan smiled, saying, "I asked them to comfort (Lee Geun-jun). I instructed them to hug him."
Even after the semifinals, Head Coach Son Chang-hwan did not offer separate praise, but he approached Lee Geun-jun and patted his shoulder. It was a gesture meaning "Good job." At the time, during an interview with reporters, Head Coach Son Chang-hwan also said, "I have been with Lee Geun-jun for a while, but Choi Seung-wook and Kim Jin-yu played well, so he didn't get much playing time. (In the Playoffs) Choi Seung-wook got injured, so this time he got his chance." He evaluated him highly.
Head Coach Son Chang-hwan also advised Lee Geun-jun on weight training midway through the season. Lee Geun-jun stated, "I suffered an injury midway through the season, so my balance was off, and I fell behind in weight training. Head 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."
Furthermore, Lee Geun-jun said, "Choi Seung-wook 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 chance because of that." He expressed his gratitude.
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*This content was translated by AI.
