*This content was translated by AI.
Kim Sang-sik (58), the new head coach who has taken charge of professional basketball team Seoul Samsung, did not begin with grand promises. He emphasized that escaping the disgrace of 'five consecutive last-place finishes' comes before aiming for playoff berths or championships.
Samsung officially announced on the 16th the appointment of Kim Sang-sik as its new head coach. After parting ways with former coach Kim Hyo-beom in April, Samsung found a new leader just three months later.
Speaking to StarNews on the day of his appointment, Coach Kim said, "I know what needs to be done. The team's performance has been poor for several years." He added, "We must build a foundation together with the players to quickly change the atmosphere and climb upward. I carry that sense of responsibility."
Samsung has long been mired in deep slump. Although it is a traditional powerhouse representing KBL, the team has finished last for five consecutive seasons. It also bears the unique disgrace of recording five straight last-place finishes—the first such occurrence in Korean professional sports history.
Despite efforts by several previous coaches to rebuild Samsung's legacy, results remained unsatisfactory. Current Busan KCC coach Lee Sang-min and former coach Eun Hee-seok stepped down due to poor performance. Kim Hyo-beom, once hailed as a promising young leader, failed to reverse the team's fortunes and retired from coaching at the end of last season.
Now, Coach Kim Sang-sik takes over the baton. After retiring as a player, he built his coaching career starting as senior coach at Anyang SBS-KT&G, then serving as senior coach and head coach at Daegu Orions, followed by senior coach at Seoul Samsung.
Notably, from 2018 to 2021, he led the South Korean men's national basketball team. He also has championship experience. In his first season as the 10th head coach of Anyang KGC Ginseng Corporation (now Jung Kwan Jang) in 2022, he achieved a double crown by winning both the regular league and the championship finals.
The Samsung organization stated, "Coach Kim Sang-sik is a leader equipped with basketball philosophy and tactical expertise accumulated through years of playing experience and extensive coaching background." They added, "He has earned deep trust from within and outside the organization."
However, Coach Kim did not set overly ambitious goals. He repeatedly emphasized that avoiding a repeat of the five-year streak of last-place finishes is the top priority.
He said, "Escaping the stigma of being last is our most urgent task," and added, "After that, we must strive to climb toward higher goals at an even faster pace."
When asked about playoff possibilities, his answer was clear. Coach Kim stated, "Of course, I have ambitions," but explained, "Right now, the most important thing is to change the team's atmosphere and quickly establish a new identity."
The basketball style Coach Kim envisions for Samsung is fast-paced and thrilling. Having watched Samsung as an opposing coach, he said, "Now that I am Samsung's head coach, I intend to discard any preconceptions." He continued, "While I have some understanding of the current players' strengths and weaknesses, from the perspective of instilling a new identity and strengthening teamwork, I believe it is best to start with a clean slate."
He further emphasized, "Although Samsung has been in the lower ranks for a long time, we must quickly develop our own team identity. Implementing fast and thrilling basketball is the priority."
The delayed start to the new season is a burden. While most teams have already largely completed their roster construction and training plans, Samsung now faces the challenge of preparing for a fresh start.
Coach Kim acknowledged, "It is true that we are significantly behind schedule," but added, "Although the remaining time is limited, this is something I must overcome and turn into an opportunity. I will do my utmost for the team."
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*This content was translated by AI.
