'DB→Cheongguanjang→Sonic' KBL's 4th-year foreign player praises highly: "Lee Jung-hyun is a very intelligent basketball player... an excellent leader"

*This content was translated by AI.

Goyang Sonic Skygunners' new foreign player Johnny O'Brien (33, 203cm), after leading his team to victory with a standout performance in the opening game, gave a thumbs-up to the smart game management and outstanding leadership of his new partner, "national team star guard" Lee Jung-hyun (27).

Goyang Sonic defeated Daegu Korea Gas Corporation 82-73 in the opening game of the 2026-2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season held at Goyang Sonic Arena on the 3rd. Johnny O'Brien, who switched from Anyang Cheongguanjang to the Sonic uniform ahead of this season, played 31 minutes and 27 seconds on the court that day, scoring 26 points including four three-pointers and grabbing seven rebounds, becoming a key contributor to the opening game victory.

Although Sonic's offensive flow was somewhat sluggish at times, O'Brien stepped up as a go-to scorer regardless of whether he was inside or outside the arc. In particular, he played a pivotal role in the team's victory by sinking consecutive three-pointers in the crucial fourth quarter.

After the game, O'Brien told reporters, "It was not an easy win. I was disappointed that we lost rebounds early in the game and allowed the opponent easy scoring opportunities," but added, "As we entered the second half, we found our team's rhythm, and by taking control of the flow in the third and fourth quarters, we secured the lead, which became the driving force behind today's opening game victory."

O'Brien, who began his KBL career with Wonju DB in the 2021-2022 season and played for Anyang Cheongguanjang in the 2024-2025 and previous 2025-2026 seasons, is a "veteran foreign player" entering his fourth overall season in the KBL after settling with Sonic this season. The game on the 3rd was also his first official game wearing the Sonic uniform.

Regarding his adjustment to the new team, he said, "I had extensive conversations with the coaching staff even before joining during the off-season. The head coach and assistant coaches told me they would actively help bring out my playing style, and they have kept that promise since the pre-season." He added, "The head coach as well as my teammates trust me greatly. As mutual trust builds well, it seems to be translating into good performance," expressing his satisfaction.

He also addressed the fans who came to the first home game: "I am truly grateful that Goyang home fans filled the stands. The Anyang fans I was with last season were amazing too, but now I am part of Sonic. I want to show an even better performance in front of Sonic fans from now on."

In particular, O'Brien did not hold back his admiration for his chemistry with national team guard Lee Jung-hyun, whom he had previously faced only as opponents. He said, "Lee Jung-hyun is a truly intelligent player with an exceptionally high basketball IQ. I felt a distinctly different impression compared to other Korean players in terms of his vision and understanding of the game." He continued, "He knows how to control the pace within the game and slow down the tempo when needed, making me and the entire team comfortable."

He further emphasized, "When playing against them, there were aspects I could not see from the outside. But playing together, it was truly impressive to see him constantly communicating on the court and leading the team. Now that I am experiencing it directly as a teammate in the same team, I can clearly understand why he is an excellent leader."

This season, Sonic is mentioned as a strong championship contender alongside Wonju DB. O'Brien showed a calm reaction to the pressure felt by a foreign player who must take on the role of go-to scorer.

He said, "I do not worry about the pressure at all. What matters is moving in the right direction as a team in every game." He added, "As a professional player, I sincerely enjoy the process of players and coaching staff coming together to complete the team. If we continue to coordinate better, we will definitely be able to reach even higher places," reaffirming his determination.

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*This content was translated by AI.