We asked the six team managers directly: With key players missing from the Women's Basketball World Cup to the Asian Games, the women's pro league faces concerns and expectations. For the remaining players, it is an opportunity.

*This content was translated by AI.

The absence of key players is significant. However, for the remaining players, this also presents a chance to showcase themselves.

With the national team schedule continuing from the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup through the Asian Games, the six women's pro basketball teams are preparing for the new season without their star players. While there is less time to synchronize as a complete unit, the roles of replacement resources and young players have become increasingly important.

In recent interviews with StarNews, the six team managers shared their concerns and expectations regarding season preparations due to national team call-ups.

Some teams lacked sufficient time to build chemistry with new signings, while others faced significant absences of starting-level players due to overlapping call-ups and injuries. Despite these challenges, they placed hope in the growth of the remaining players.

Lee Sang-beom, manager of Bucheon Hana Bank, found potential amidst difficulties.

Hana Bank said that 'legend' Kim Jong-un retired at the end of last season. Park So-hee and Jung Hyun were absent due to Jin An-eun (CEO) team schedules, and Iijima Saki entered rehabilitation for a thigh injury. The team is preparing for the season with four starting-level players missing.

Manager Lee expressed regret, stating, "Four starting players are missing."

However, there are positive aspects as well. Players who have traditionally supported the core members have been given more opportunities and roles.

In particular, since Hana Bank did not make any special roster reinforcements this summer, it is crucial to elevate the skills of existing players. If the gap between starters and replacements can be narrowed, it could expand the range of player usage and help during the long season.

Manager Lee said, "Sixth-man-level players need to step up, and I think that part has gone well," adding, "If sixth-man resources grow and existing players join, the gap can be reduced."

Of course, there are challenges as well. Teams that must build chemistry with newly acquired players face even greater concerns. Busan BNK's Choi Yi-saem and Asan Woori Bank's Kang Yi-seul are prime examples.

BNK has had Lee So-hee, Ahn Hye-ji, and Choi Yi-saem join the Korean Yeo Ja-nong-gu (CEO) team. Promising player Kim Jong-un was called up to the 3x3 national team.

Park Jeong-eun, BNK's manager, explained that the situation differs for existing players versus new signings. Manager Park said, "Ahn Hye-ji and Lee So-hee have played together continuously and are moving toward a similar system, so it's fine, but Choi Yi-saem left for the national team just a month and a half after joining," adding, "There is definitely no time to build chemistry."

BNK is first building a basic framework with remaining players while preparing for the return of national team members. Manager Park stated, "We are training to create a solid framework so that when national team players return, they can adapt as quickly as possible," and added, "I hope they fit in well."

Fortunately, veterans like Park Hye-jin and Kim Sonia are anchoring the team. Manager Park expressed gratitude, saying, "Park Hye-jin and Kim Sonia are leading the young players well," and noted, "Other players are also focusing well."

Kang Yi-seul, a top shooter in the league and 'national team captain,' faces similar concerns as Jeonju Woori Bank's manager prepares for her first season.

Since Kang Yi-seul is not playing with players she has previously been with, she needs even more time to synchronize with new teammates.

Manager Jeon said, "There hasn't been enough time to practice with Yi-seul," adding, "I think we'll need to continue adjusting even after the season begins."

At the same time, attention was drawn to the roles of players who will support Kang Yi-seul and Kim Dan-bi. Manager Jeon placed expectations on Lee Myeong-gwan and Shim Sung-young.

Yongin Samsung Life faced not only call-ups from the Korean national team but also from the Taiwanese national team. Kang Yu-rim and Lee Hae-ran donned the Korean national team uniform, while Choi Ye-seul joined the 3x3 national team. Han Ya-eun, acquired as an Asian quota player, was called up to the Taiwanese national team. Additionally, with Bae Hye-yoon retiring, the team now faces the challenge of establishing a new core.

Samsung Life manager Ha Sang-yoon is first focusing on elevating the skills of remaining players. Manager Ha said, "Starting players are missing," and added, "We have focused primarily on lifting up the remaining players. When national team players return, we will consider how to integrate them."

Nevertheless, Lee Ye-na and Yu Ha-eun have diligently prepared for the season, bringing smiles to the coaching staff.

Manager Ha evaluated, "Everyone is working hard, but Lee Ye-na and Yu Ha-eun are players who will enter the new lineup," noting, "They have worked tirelessly without rest, and there are areas of improvement."

He continued, "With older players missing, they need to help a lot in the new season, and I want to praise their tireless efforts day and night."

Kim Wan-soo, manager of Cheongju KB, believes it will take time for the team to become a complete unit. Heo Ye-eun joined the Korean national team, Song Yun-ha joined the 3x3 national team, and 'national treasure center' Park Ji-su is recovering from injury.

Manager Kim said, "Other teams are also struggling with many missing national team players, and we too have lost key players," adding, "We need to build chemistry once those players return. It will likely take some time for us to become a complete unit."

Park Ji-su is gradually resuming ball-handling training but is still in a cautious phase of monitoring her physical condition. Manager Kim conveyed that decisions regarding participation in the Park Sin-ja Cup will be made after closely observing her recovery status.

In the meantime, remaining players are pooling their efforts. Manager Kim expressed gratitude for Na Yoon-jeong and Yang Ji-su anchoring the team, helping it maintain stability during season preparations without major disruptions.

Choi Yun-a, manager of Incheon Shinhan Bank, who lost Hong Yu-soon and 3x3 national team member Heo Yu-jeong, also said, "There is regret, but other teams face similar situations."

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*This content was translated by AI.