'Defeating former team KCC' — Coach Lee Gyu-seop's eyes well up: "Many thoughts crossed my mind... I am always deeply grateful" [Busan on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Lee Gyu-seop, head coach of Wonju DB, who secured a valuable victory on Busan KCC's home court, ultimately shed tears as he expressed deep gratitude toward his former team, which had warmly embraced him.

On the 10th at 2 p.m., in an away game of the 2026~2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season held at Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, DB defeated KCC 85-79.

After a loss in their previous game following their opening victory, DB stopped a losing streak and improved to a 2-1 record for the season, laying the groundwork for a push toward the top of the standings.

On this day, DB relied on the powerful foreign duo of Henry Ellenson (24 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) and Raison Hammonds (18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists), along with the stable game management of Lee Sun Albano (11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists), to fend off KCC's fierce pursuit.

In a post-game press conference, Coach Lee Gyu-seop stated, "I tried to manage the players' stamina, but it was not easy," while adding, "We attempted more than 80 shots from the field and generated eight transition fast breaks. Keeping turnovers to just four is highly positive."

He then expressed relief, saying, "As an opponent team, and because Sajik Gymnasium is a place I am very familiar with, it was mentally more difficult, but the players handled it well, allowing us to win without falling into a losing streak."

Regarding Kim Bo-bae, who collided hard with Ellenson near the end of the second quarter and was transported by ambulance, Coach Lee let out a sigh of relief. "The CT scan results showed no major abnormalities, fortunately. It is just temporary dizziness caused by the collision," he said. "Player protection is the top priority. As soon as he returns from the hospital, we will carefully re-examine his condition. It is my role to be a mental pillar for the player."

Fast breaks and rebound dominance were the deciding factors. Regarding collecting 15 offensive rebounds against KCC, Coach Lee said, "Our team has significant height in its lineup. Yi Woo-jin, who is 2 meters tall, secured offensive rebounds at crucial moments, and our height advantage came into play." He praised his players without holding back, adding, "Although Kang Sang-jae did not score, he provided perfect defense at every critical moment. Even on days when shots do not fall, we have the strength to offset it with offensive rebounds and low turnovers."

He also shared the story behind the defensive tactics that forced opposing star scorer Louis King into a five-foul ejection. "King's shooting touch is so good that we analyzed him thoroughly since the preseason games," Coach Lee said. "We considered assigning Jang Jae-seok to a foreign player and matching Yi Woo-jin or Kang Sang-jae against King, but ultimately decided that the best defense is offense." He noted, "The strategy of leading with our foreign players to induce strong physical contact and lower their stamina and shooting rhythm proved effective."

He also expressed satisfaction with the tailored defense that neutralized KCC's offense. "We used a man-to-man defensive system as the basic framework, mixing in 2-on-2 defense and switch defense appropriately," Coach Lee explained. "We adjusted help defense positions slightly within limits to avoid confusing the players, but I am 100% satisfied with the quality of our defense."

When asked about his feelings upon returning to his former team after a victory, Coach Lee Gyu-seop appeared overwhelmed with emotion and his eyes welled up.

"It was a game played in front of Head Coach Lee Sang-min, who I have always been deeply grateful to, the KCC organization and its owner, who gave me a great opportunity, and the general manager," Coach Lee said. "There was a reason why I came wearing a tie despite it being an away game." He expressed sincere respect for his former team, adding, "From before the game started until now, countless emotions have crossed my mind and many thoughts have passed through. This is a place I will never forget in my lifetime and am immensely grateful for."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original