"100% satisfied even without scoring": DB's defensive anchor and veteran steps up as a go-to scorer... Kwon Sang-jae's all-around performance earns high praise from head coach Lee Gyu-seop

*This content was translated by AI.

"Whether or not I score, I am 100% satisfied."

Head coach Lee Gyu-seop of Wonju DB's confidence in his "veteran" Kwon Sang-jae was unwavering.

The aspect Lee trusts and expects most from Kwon is defense. In a DB roster with many young players, Kwon uses his experience to serve as the center of defensive tactics. The head coach praised him by saying, "We have prepared about three types of defensive strategies this season," adding that "Kwon Sang-jae is the core of our defense."

However, in the opening game against Goyang Sonoca, he not only performed his primary role on defense but also stepped up as a go-to scorer on offense.

On the 4th at Wonju DB Promy Arena, Kwon Sang-jae recorded 16 points and six rebounds, including four three-pointers, leading DB to a 95-86 comeback victory in their home game against Goyang Sonoca in the 2026~2027 KCC Pro Basketball League.

His performance in the third quarter was particularly decisive. In a situation where DB had been trailing throughout, Kwon's outside shots started falling consecutively. He kept the pursuit alive and hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 51.2 seconds left in the third quarter. He then made another three-pointer to lead DB to a 74-71 comeback.

Kwon Sang-jae also knocked down a clinching three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to seal the team's victory.

From the pursuit to tying the game, taking the lead, and finally hitting the clincher. The veteran who anchors the defense has also proven himself as a go-to scorer on offense.

The head coach had no choice but to applaud Kwon Sang-jae.

However, the reason Lee Gyu-seop initially held Kwon in high regard was not solely due to his scoring or offensive abilities.

After the game, the coach first emphasized, "As I mentioned during the season opener and media day, Kwon Sang-jae is a player who plays the most critical role in our team's defense."

DB has prepared various forms of defensive tactics for this season. Among them, Kwon Sang-jae is undoubtedly the biggest piece.

The coach explained, "Timing on defense, screens, and help defense timing can be a bit difficult for young players to handle," adding that "Kwon Sang-jae is currently setting the center very well."

Kwon Sang-jae also clearly understood his role. He said, "While there are senior players on the team, I am also on the older side," and added, "I talk a lot about areas where we might lack precision in defense or rotations."

He continued, "I try to make up for any shortcomings in our defense by running one step further," and expressed gratitude, saying, "It seems the coach appreciates that aspect, so I am thankful."

On offense, he prioritized team play over his own scoring.

Kwon Sang-jae explained, "Because we have Lee Sun Albano, who is one of the best in the KBL, my priority is to set good screens so that Albano can play comfortably." He added, "When Albano's game flows well, he sees opportunities well, so when a chance comes up, I attempt shots without hesitation."

He then expressed confidence, saying, "Not just me, but Lee Woo-jin and Lee Yong-woo are all capable players. It is hard to predict where a shot will come from." He added, "If we can make the most of our chances like we did against Sonoca, we can definitely put up good offense."

However, head coach Lee Gyu-seop showed even stronger trust in Kwon than what Kwon himself had anticipated.

The coach said, "Just like in this game against Sonoca, whether or not he scores, I have always been 100% satisfied with Kwon Sang-jae, from the Jones Cup and our training camp in Japan to open games."

In fact, on offense, Lee wanted Kwon Sang-jae to be a bit more aggressive. This meant that DB, which features highly skilled offensive players like Henry Ellenson, Raison Hammonds, and Albano, also rates Kwon's offensive ability very highly.

The coach laughed and said, "My voice got a little raised because he didn't take one shot at the end." He added, "It seemed like Kwon Sang-jae yielded to another player, but with his condition today, I thought he should have taken it."

On defense, he sets the center for his teammates, and on offense, he humbles himself to help others. Yet, at the moments when the team needed him most, he stepped up as a go-to scorer. True to his veteran status, he also encouraged his teammates throughout the game. The head coach highly evaluated Kwon Sang-jae's abilities and dedication.

This season, DB is considered a strong championship contender. At the opening media day, no fewer than seven out of 10 team head coaches named DB as a title favorite. The team also made a good start by securing a comeback victory against Sonoca, another championship contender, in its first game.

Kwon Sang-jae also recalled positive memories.

He said, "It is true that I feel the same good energy as during the season we won the regular league title." He added, "We have just started the season, but if our players continue to adhere well to what we aim to do, I believe we can achieve good results like back then."

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*This content was translated by AI.