* Translated by AI

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"He is a top-tier KBL player, so why move to Japan?" Song Kyu-chang's answer was one: "I wanted to play basketball better."

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*This content was translated by AI.

Song Kyu-chang. /Photo=KBL
Song Kyu-chang. /Photo=KBL

Song Kyu-chang, who has joined Japan’s B.League with Osaka Evessa, revealed the reasons behind his decision to move abroad and his determination for this new challenge.

After playing a practice match against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis on the 2nd at Ookinari Arena Maishima auxiliary court in Osaka, Japan, Song Kyu-chang shared his thoughts on going overseas and his future goals through a joint press conference.

Song Kyu-chang played for Busan KCC during the 2025–2026 season and experienced winning the championship finals. The joy of reaching the top was brief; ahead of the 2026–2027 season, he chose to go overseas. After reaching an agreement with KCC and becoming a free agent, he signed a one-year contract with Osaka Evessa.

This is his first experience playing abroad since making his professional debut in the 2015–2026 season. Although leaving a familiar environment means starting everything anew, the adaptation process is proceeding smoothly.

Song Kyu-chang said, "I decided to go overseas because I wanted to play basketball better. I have set specific goals for myself regarding my gameplay, and I chose this challenge to get as close as possible to achieving them."

He added, "Having lived a stable life before coming to an unfamiliar environment, I consider this a turning point in my life. It is an opportunity to grow personally while developing my basketball skills."

Song Kyu-chang has already built a brilliant career in the KBL. In his second professional season during the 2016–2017 season, he received the Development Award. In the 2017–2018 season, he was selected as one of the Top Five Defenders. From the 2019–2020 season through two consecutive years, he made it to the Best Five team, and in the 2020–2021 season, he even won the Regular Season Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Although he has secured multiple titles on the domestic stage, a lingering desire to become an even better player remained within him. Ultimately, he turned his attention to the overseas stage to grow one step further.

Song Kyu-chang focusing during a match against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis. /Photo=Osaka Evessa
Song Kyu-chang focusing during a match against Ulsan Hyundai Mobis. /Photo=Osaka Evessa

While he was a top-tier player in the KBL, in the B.League he is once again approaching as a challenger. In this new environment, he must prove his competitiveness and establish his position.

Song Kyu-chang said, "I have been constantly thinking about how to play basketball better. Since I don’t know how long I will be able to play overseas, I truly value this current time. I want to use these moments as meaningfully as possible to develop."

To settle into the new league, he must quickly adapt to the unique game style of the B.League.

Song Kyu-chang stated, "The B.League is tough with a lot of physical contact. To survive, I need to refine my shooting even more."

He further explained, "To shoot well, movement is also important. I need to make some adjustments to become more concise. I plan to correct small details one by one."

Both personal and team goals are clear. Song Kyu-chang said, "Personally, I want to play in all games without injury," and added, "My goal is to reach the top together with my team."

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*This content was translated by AI.

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