'As expected, it exploded.' DB's new Big 3 score a combined 69 points from the first game... 'Who should we stop?' Ellenson, Hammonds, and Albano

*This content was translated by AI.

Expectations became reality. Wonju DB's new 'Big 3' — Henry Ellenson, Raison Hammonds, and Ethan Albano — combined for a staggering 69 points in their first competitive match.

On the 24th, DB defeated Seoul Samsung 101-83 in the 2026–2027 KBL Open Match.

Lee Gyu-seop, who took over as Wonju DB's head coach last summer, marked his unofficial debut with a satisfying victory.

More than just the win, what stood out was their offensive power.

Ellenson led both teams with 33 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double, while newly joined Hammonds poured in 24 points. Albano also orchestrated the offense with 12 points and seven assists.

The three players combined for 69 points alone — accounting for about 68% of DB's total 101 points.

When DB signed Hammonds last June, they acquired one of the league's top offensive options all at once. At that time, Lee Gyu-seop stated his intention to focus less on defensive weaknesses and more on maximizing their offensive firepower.

The anticipated offensive explosion materialized right from the first game.

In last season's KBL, only three players averaged over 20 points per game. Among them, Ellenson averaged 21.8 points, Hammonds 20.8, and MVP-born Albano added an average of 17.6 points.

For opponents, this trio presents a difficult dilemma: who should they guard first?

Especially with rule changes allowing two foreign players to be on the court simultaneously in the second and third quarters starting this season, DB's strength can be further maximized.

Ellenson and Hammonds can play together on the floor while Albano orchestrates the offense.

Their power was evident from the very first test.

In the first quarter, DB held a narrow 25-24 lead. However, the gap widened once the second and third quarters began, when two foreign players could play together. By the end of the third quarter, DB had pulled ahead by 15 points, leading 76-61.

The 'Big 3's offensive firepower was concentrated in these two quarters.

Ellenson scored 19 points, Hammonds added 15, and Albano contributed 8 — the three players combined for a remarkable 42 points in just the second and third quarters.

Ellenson is a tall player with strong three-point shooting ability, making him a versatile scorer inside and outside. Hammonds used his strength and aggressive play to attack the opponent's paint.

Meanwhile, Albano either scored directly or created opportunities for the two foreign players through passes, further expanding DB's offensive options.

Samsung found it difficult to focus their defense on just one player. When they tried to stop Ellenson, Hammonds was there; when attention shifted to the two foreign players, Albano either scored himself or created chances for his teammates.

This is exactly the scenario Lee Gyu-seop envisioned when he signed Hammonds — and it unfolded from the very first game.

DB added 25 more points in the fourth quarter to reach a total of 101, securing a decisive 18-point victory with their first triple-digit scoring performance in competitive play.

As Wonju DB had hoped ahead of the new season, they have now clearly confirmed the offensive power of their 'Big 3'.

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*This content was translated by AI.