[Interview] Jeonju-won, Head Coach: "Signing Kang I-seul was an act of sincerity; we will create synergy with Kim Dan-bi"

*This content was translated by AI.

"I think she understood our team's desperate desire."

Jeonju-won (54), the new head coach of Asan Woori Bank, expressed his gratitude toward 'new acquisition' Kang I-seul (32).

Coach Jeon, who has led Woori Bank since last month, received a 'blockbuster gift' in his first year. The protagonist is national team shooter Kang I-seul. Previously, Woori Bank officially announced the signing on the previous day (8th), stating, "We have signed free agent Kang I-seul to a four-year contract worth a total of 420 million won."

Kang I-seul, regarded as the league's top '3-point shooter', was evaluated as the biggest prize in the FA market along with Cheongju KB's Park Ji-su. Among them, Kang I-seul chose her destination first. She left KB and is starting anew at Woori Bank.

Coach Jeon told StarNews on the 9th, "(The signing of Kang I-seul) was an act of sincerity. I think Kang I-seul understood our team's desperate desire. When we met, I explained our strengths and the team situation well. I think Kang I-seul made a good judgment." He added, "In fact, I did not think signing Kang I-seul would be easy from the beginning. Moving to a new team is not easy. However, our team had no suitable shooter. I think Kang I-seul also thought she could show more of her capabilities in that regard. On the day of signing, I thanked her."

In fact, on May 1, the day FA negotiations became possible, as soon as 0:00 AM arrived, Coach Jeon went to Kang I-seul to persuade her to join. Kang I-seul also told StarNews, "Coach Jeon came exactly at 0:00 on May 1. It felt like my address was exposed." She added, "Our meeting solidified my feelings. He explained how he would use me in detail and said he would do even better, so my heart was completely moved."

Kang I-seul entered the professional league as the first overall pick in the 2012 rookie draft. She played for Bucheon Hana Bank (formerly Bucheon Hana Woori) before transferring to KB in 2021. In her first year with KB, the 2021-2022 season, she contributed to the team's second all-time championship.

Kang I-seul also showed outstanding performance in this season when KB secured its third all-time championship. In 29 regular-season games, she averaged 15.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. She made 69 three-pointers, the most in the league, with a 3-point shooting percentage of 35.8%. Especially, Kang I-seul took charge of the team in the spring playoffs, including the championship series, when Park Ji-su was out due to injury. In six playoff games, she averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, bringing the championship to KB.

With Kang I-seul's arrival, Woori Bank has also gained its best weapon. Coach Jeon said, "Last season, we had no players. Kim Dan-bi was alone, and Lee Myeong-kwan was injured. It is better to have even one more player. I am so grateful that Kang I-seul joined us." He explained, "Kang I-seul played so well last season. So, while there is a burden to perform well, I will work hard and find ways to make it fun."

Regarding the harmony with 'existing ace' Kim Dan-bi, he said, "I think both Kim Dan-bi and Kang I-seul need to thrive. Kim Dan-bi and Kang I-seul have played together for a long time in the same Gi Gan (CEO) team. How much synergy they can create is important." He added, "Kang I-seul's offensive ability is recognized even in the league. Also, unlike in her younger days, she has grown into a player who excels in various aspects, not just shooting. I want to fit the last puzzle. (With Kang I-seul's arrival) having multiple routes in clutch situations is positive," expressing his expectations.

Woori Bank's strength for the next season is not 100%. Han Eom-ji and others are expected to return around the middle of the season due to injuries. However, signing Kang I-seul has relieved a significant burden. Coach Jeon conveyed his determination, saying, "There may be difficulties at the beginning, but we will do our best with the players we have."

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*This content was translated by AI.