"Pick me for any team": Russell, released before the championship series, expresses desire to return to Korea

*This content was translated by AI.

Kyle Russell (33, USA), who parted ways with Korean Air ahead of last season's championship series, has expressed his determination to return to the professional volleyball V-League.

According to the Korea Volleyball League (KOVO) on the 10th, Russell participated in the V-League tryout held at UNYP Arena in Prague, Czech Republic, and said, "I really love Korea. I want to return there anytime."

Last season, Russell led Korean Air to first place in the regular season with his powerful serves and attacking prowess, yet he ended up leaving Korean Air toward the end of the regular season.

At the time, Korean Air terminated Russell's contract to strengthen their roster for the championship series after his performance declined in the latter half of the season, and signed Jose Maso (Cuba). In the end, Korean Air claimed the championship series title.

Leaving the team with some regret, Russell applied for the V-League tryout to prepare for a return to the Korean stage.

Russell said, "I had a successful season experiencing a championship (KOVO Cup and regular league title) with Korean Air. If I return to the V-League, I want to achieve good results again."

Although he could not participate in the championship series, Russell reflected on the behavior of his Korean Air teammates at the time, saying, "I felt like I would continue to be with the team."

He said, "After the (Korean Air) championship, I was moved to see setter Choi Won-bin come out holding Ryohei's jersey. As soon as the championship point was scored, translator (manager) Jung Jae-gyun called via video."

He added, "Han Sun-soo and Jung Ji-seok also sent messages after the championship to congratulate us, saying 'the achievement we built together.' Just thinking about that moment still gives me goosebumps."

Coincidentally, Korean Air is now in a situation where they must end their contract with Maso after the season and select a new foreign player. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and OK Savings Bank are also looking for new foreign players. Hyundai Capital has re-signed Leo, while Woori Card and KEPCO have re-signed Araujo and Vernon, respectively.

Hearing the words that he is "highly rated in this draft," Russell said, "This is truly welcome news I've been waiting for," and added, "If any team picks me, I want to return to the V-League and keep playing."

Meanwhile, Russell played in 35 regular-season games last season, recording 673 points (6th). His serves (0.55 per game) ranked 1st, and his attack success rate (50.78%) ranked 6th. Hyundai Capital's Heo Su-bong also evaluated, "Russell's serves had such intense spin that even with analysis, it would be difficult to receive. From our team's perspective, Russell's powerful serves were terrifying."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.