[On-site Interview] "If I gain strength, I can make the top 5" — The coach's confidence... Choi Ye-seol also vows, "I'll eat more protein, do weight training, and eat plenty of rice."

*This content was translated by AI.

"I plan to consume protein, work hard on weight training, and eat more rice."

Choi Ye-seol of Yongin Samsung Life declared her determination to grow into a stronger player.

On the 6th, Samsung Life lost 54-79 to Japan's Aranmare in the 2026 ticketLINK WKBL Futures League Finals held at Bucheon Indoor Gymnasium.

Samsung Life, which had aimed for its first championship since the 2022–2023 season after a four-year gap, failed to clear the final hurdle. Despite playing hard until the end even with insufficient recovery time after facing Cheongju KB Stars in the semifinals the previous day, it lacked the strength to overcome Aranmare of Japan's W-League.

Choi Ye-seol expressed regret over missing the championship but showed pride in reaching the finals alongside her teammates.

After the game, Choi Ye-seol shared her thoughts on the tournament: "Although we lost unfortunately, I am proud that all the players reached this stage together."

This tournament was an opportunity for Choi Ye-seol to identify both her strengths and areas needing improvement. She reflected, "I think I'm gradually learning when to be more aggressive," but also noted, "When opponents played aggressively, I should have pushed harder myself, yet there were moments I held back."

She continued, "The area where I am most lacking is strength. I need to engage in more physical battles and avoid becoming a weak point on defense. To build strength, I plan to consume protein and work hard on weight training."

Choi Ye-seol recorded 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the game. She engaged in intense battles near the basket against Kumba Diassan, the opposing big man who won the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and is known as the "Senegalese special," aiming to bolster her team.

Lee Mi-seon, Samsung Life's head coach, highly evaluated Choi Ye-seol's growth potential and identified physical improvement as her most critical task.

Coach Lee stated, "Choi Ye-seol has great instincts and the ability to score. However, she is still physically weak. If she can improve her physique, I believe only upward progress remains for her."

She further praised, "Choi Ye-seol plays basketball with joy. If she builds her body well, she will continue to grow even more."

Regarding physical improvement, Coach Lee also shared her own experiences from her playing days. She said, "In the early stages of my career, I lacked strength, so I took protein supplements and did extensive weight training. I have been emphasizing this to Ye-seol as well. She needs to eat well, rest well, increase her muscle mass, and build strength."

She then confidently added, "If she gains strength, she can certainly make it into the top 5."

Choi Ye-seol is a forward standing 180 cm tall. She has height, was born in 2006, and is young enough to have significant room for growth. Aware of her coach's expectations, Choi Ye-seol also pledged to strive harder to become an even better player.

She promised, "I will focus on developing my aggressive side with confidence," and added, "I will eat more rice."

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*This content was translated by AI.