'How on earth' so relaxed even in the championship series... The secret revealed by Choi Jun-yong [Goyang on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Even in the championship series, there is an abundance of ease. Choi Jun-yong (32, Busan KCC) seems to enjoy the game more as the stage grows larger.

On the 5th, in the first game of the 2025-2026 LG Electronics Professional Basketball Championship Series held at Goyang Sono Arena, Choi Jun-yong played 37 minutes and 12 seconds in an away game against Goyang Sono, recording 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading his team to a 75-67 victory.

This is the peak level of spring basketball. Choi Jun-yong, who played only 22 regular-season games this season due to injury, showcased his fitness by averaging 35 minutes and 9 seconds, 19.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists over seven playoff games. In the first game of the championship series, he once again displayed his characteristic mature game management and defensive skills, leading KCC to their first win.

Even after the game, Choi Jun-yong approached the interview with his signature confident demeanor. When teammate Sean Long seriously answered that "it was my first championship series, so I really wanted to win," Choi Jun-yong, sitting beside him, burst into laughter, saying, "First time?" thereby helping to ease the somewhat tense atmosphere.

Regarding his thoughts on the victory, Choi Jun-yong said, "Fortunately, we won the first game. We will prepare well for the second game with the mindset that it is also our first game."

When asked if he showed no signs of nervousness despite it being the championship series, he gave a confident answer: "I have never taken the game lightly. However, I believe the game flows well when you enter thinking you are better than your opponent. I think having that mindset is sportsmanship."

He was strict with himself. Choi Jun-yong said, "If I had been a bit more cold and calm, I could have gone further more easily. I missed a few easy shots and committed turnovers. I regret those parts," and added, "While reviewing today's game, I will consider ways to handle the next game, such as passing the ball more to the outside."

Regarding the matchup against the opposing foreign player, Kevin Cambo, known as the 'Philippines' Choi Jun-yong,' he said, "I had no special thoughts. I always focus only on winning," and expressed trust in his teammate, "Song Gyo-chang defends so well, so I can trust him without any worries."

In particular, he expressed great satisfaction with playing alongside Heo Hoon under coach Lee Sang-min's system this season. Choi Jun-yong praised, "I think Heo Hoon is the best guard in Korea. I have thought so for a long time," and added, "Since we play basketball focused on the point guard, I fit well with Sean Long, and it is very comfortable to run the game."

Meanwhile, Sean Long, who dominated the paint with 22 points and 19 rebounds, said, "Sono is a difficult team, so the remaining series will not be easy, but I am happy to win first in an away game," and added, "There are many players in the team with strong competitive spirit, and everyone tries to score. I will focus on sacrificing myself to boost the team's morale."

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*This content was translated by AI.