'From the Pain of Release to No. 1 Draft Pick' Russell: "Korean Volleyball Level and Fans' Passion Are Special; I Will Help OK Savings Bank Win the Championship"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kyle Russell (USA), who joined OK Savings Bank as the overall No. 1 pick in the new season's foreign player draft, expressed his feelings, saying, "I am truly happy to return to the V-League," and added, "I believe the level of Korean volleyball and the passion of the fans are truly special."

According to OK Savings Bank on the 12th, after being selected by OK Savings Bank at the 2026-2027 Korea Volleyball League (KOVO) men's foreign player draft held at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic, Russell said, "I am very excited to be able to compete on this stage for another season. I am thrilled to have received a new opportunity."

Russell first entered the V-League by joining KEPCO in the 2020-2021 season, and since then has continued his ties with Korea, playing for Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance in the 2021-2022 season and for Korean Air in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons.

However, he received a release notice from Korean Air late in the regular season last year and was unable to participate in the championship finals. At that time, Korean Air parted ways with Russell, whose performance declined in the latter half of the season, and replaced him with foreign player Jose Masso (Cuba).

Despite the pain of being released just before the postseason, Russell applied for this year's V-League foreign player draft, showing his desire to continue playing in Korea. Ultimately, Russell was selected as the overall No. 1 pick by OK Savings Bank, allowing him to continue playing on the V-League stage next season.

Russell stated, "It is truly amazing that I am wearing the uniform of my fourth team in Korea. Each team and city offered different experiences and memories, and I am grateful for all the times. Now, I am truly excited to start a new chapter with OK Savings Bank."

He continued, "Being selected as the overall No. 1 pick is truly significant. It means the team trusts and expects a lot from me, which is an honor. To repay that trust, I will work even harder and want to do everything I can for the team's success."

The support from OK Savings Bank fans, whom Russell faced last season, will now be received directly by him in the new season. OK Savings Bank, in its first season after moving to Busan, drew an average of 3,334 spectators, ranking first in attendance. Coincidentally, the opponent in OK Savings Bank's first home game in Busan, held at Busan Gangseo Indoor Gymnasium, was Korean Air, the team Russell played for.

Russell said, "The support from Busan fans last season was truly amazing. Not only when the team was doing well, but even during difficult moments, I could always feel the fans' energy. They were very passionate, loud, and made the game atmosphere enjoyable. Now, I am excited to become part of that support."

He added, "My biggest goal this season is to help the team win as many games as possible and challenge for the championship. Personally, I want to go through the season in good health, become a good leader for my teammates, and consistently show high-level performance in every game."

Meanwhile, in this draft, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance selected Felipe Hoki (Brazil), and Korean Air selected Zander Ketjinski (Canada). KB Insurance named Linus Weber (Germany) as its new foreign player. Hyundai Capital re-signed Leo, Woori Card re-signed Araujo, and KEPCO re-signed Vernon.

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*This content was translated by AI.