[Direct Interview] '21.8 points-20.8 points-17.6 points': Three players will play for DB... Wonju DB head coach Lee Gyu-seop on signing "Hermans": "Opposing teams might even worry about us"

*This content was translated by AI.

“There are concerns about defense. But rather, I think it might be the opposing teams that should be more worried about us.”

Wonju DB head coach Lee Gyu-seop (49) shared his thoughts on the signing of new foreign player Ration Hermans (29).

DB officially announced the signing of Hermans via the club's SNS on the 22nd. The name is familiar to KBL fans. Hermans first experienced the KBL stage with Suwon KT during the 2024-2025 season, then moved to Ulsan Hyundai Mobis last season. Standing at 200cm as a forward, he has clearly proven his offensive capabilities. He appeared in 51 regular-season games in the 2025-2026 season, averaging 20.8 points and 8.9 rebounds. Next season, he will take to the KBL stage wearing a DB uniform.

With Hermans joining, DB now has three powerful offensive options. 'MVP-born' Lee Sun-albano will continue to anchor the team as usual, while key foreign player Henry Ellenson also earned a passing grade and will continue his tenure. Last season, Albano averaged 17.6 points, and Ellenson averaged 21.8 points. Notably, only three players in the KBL last season averaged over 20 points per game, and Ellenson and Hermans were among them.

Head coach Lee Gyu-seop told StarNews on the day regarding Hermans' signing, "Actually, we had many concerns about foreign big-man resources. However, the market situation was not favorable. We happened to hear that Hermans wanted to keep playing in Korea, so we made an offer. Fortunately, Hermans readily accepted. We are grateful that the DB club secured such a good signing."

Now Albano, Ellenson, and Hermans will play on the same team. The head coach decided to weigh the offensive advantages more heavily than defensive weaknesses. Coach Lee said, "It is true that there are concerns about Ellenson and Hermans in terms of defense," but added, "However, I also think it might be the opposing teams that should be more worried about us," expressing confidence in the players.

There is reason for the confidence. Before signing Hermans, the coach studied and reviewed various scenarios. Starting this new season, the KBL's foreign player participation rules have changed. The system has expanded from "2 foreign players on roster, 1 allowed to play" to "2 foreign players on roster, 2 allowed to play." One foreign player can play in the first and fourth quarters, while two foreign players can play simultaneously in the second and third quarters. To prepare for this, Coach Lee referred to Japan's B.League.

Coach Lee explained, "I have watched a lot of recent B.League games in Japan. When I observed matchups between teams using traditional big-man type foreign players and those that do not, I noticed many things. When using an amateurish big man, it can actually negate defensive advantages."

The expected benefits from signing Hermans are clear: spacing that utilizes the court widely and a faster tempo. Coach Lee stated, "With Hermans joining, there will be advantages when we push the spacing and tempo a bit faster. It is still just an idea, but we must strive to implement it. We need to verify this during pre-season training, and as the season progresses, weaknesses may emerge. There will be many areas to improve, but I must refine them well."

There are many positive aspects. DB has forward resources with strong fighting spirit and excellent physical conditions, including Kang Sang-jae, Jung Hyo-geun, Kim Bo-bae, and Lee Yu-jin. Multi-play that can move between inside and outside is also possible. Additionally, Albano possesses various strengths such as shooting, passing, and game management. Coach Lee said, "I consider spacing very important. In that regard, we have Albano and many forwards with good size. If we manage them well, not only will we have a good process, but we will also produce a good outcome."

The coach further emphasized, "The team composition is now complete. Going forward, we must prepare for the season by carefully considering how to best implement our plans and how to quickly respond if weaknesses emerge."

Specific scoring routes and detailed tactics will be adjusted during the off-season. Coach Lee said, "We will make gradual adjustments while working with the players. We will check progress through pre-season training and off-season exhibition games. There is no concern about the offensive side. DB was already among the top teams in the league in offensive metrics last season."

This is also one of the reasons for signing Hermans. Coach Lee stated, "We must continue the strengths that were already working well. However, the biggest variable this season is that two foreign players will play together. Therefore, we have studied this aspect extensively. I believe the ball handlers should be involved in more plays."

This off-season is even more important for Coach Lee. Having newly taken charge of DB, he must quickly imprint his envisioned style on the team.

He promised, "Of course, there may be trial and error in implementing my ideas, but minimizing that is my responsibility. We must continue the parts that were already good. The players have prepared well. I believe we have laid the groundwork to achieve good results this season. We will prepare well to meet the expectations of DB fans."

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

*This content was translated by AI.