[Cheongju on the ground] "Should I take you out?" → "No, it's fine." Kim Dan-bi hit the same spot again but played to the end... The 'fighting spirit' conveyed by Jeonju-won coach

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Asan Woori Bank's "ace" Kim Dan-bi did not leave the court despite her pain.

Woori Bank lost 71-78 to Japan's Fujitsu Red Wave in the final of the 2026 KB Kookmin Bank Park Shin-ja Cup, held at Cheongju Indoor Gymnasium on the 11th.

With this result, Woori Bank failed to overcome the final hurdle in its challenge for a first title at the tournament, settling for second place. After reaching the semifinals of the Park Shin-ja Cup for the first time in three years since 2023 and advancing to the final, they once again had to swallow their disappointment just short of the top spot.

On the other hand, Fujitsu claimed the Park Shin-ja Cup title for the third consecutive year, achieving the first-ever three-peat by an overseas team in the tournament's history.

For Woori Bank, Lee Myeong-gwan scored the most points with 20. Kang Yi-seul recorded 11 points, including three three-pointers, while Kim Dan-bi contributed across multiple facets with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists.

For Fujitsu, Owaki Haru scored 14 points, and Machida Rui performed well with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In particular, the game was not easy for Kim Dan-bi.

Kim Dan-bi had also suffered a contusion in her body during the semifinal against Cheongju KB held the previous day. This was the reason Jeonju-won coach briefly called Kim Dan-bi to the bench near the end of that game.

However, in the final, she unfortunately hit the same area again. In the first quarter, she also fell hard while attacking.

Coach Jeon explained after the game, "She had a contusion on that side during the KB game the day before as well. So I took her out briefly with about six minutes remaining in yesterday's game."

He continued, "But today she hit that same spot again," describing the situation at the time.

It was only natural for Coach Jeon to be worried. He ultimately asked Kim Dan-bi directly whether she wanted to be substituted.

However, Kim Dan-bi had no intention of leaving the court easily.

Coach Jeon revealed, "I asked her, 'Should I take you out?' and she said, 'It's fine.' So I took her out briefly and then put her back in."

In the end, Kim Dan-bi played through the pain to the very end of the game, recording 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. She led the team's pursuit not only with scoring but also by taking responsibility for rebounds and orchestrating the game.

It was Kim Dan-bi's fighting spirit despite injury.

It was not just Kim Dan-bi. In fact, the entire Woori Bank roster demonstrated a fighting spirit.

In particular, the physical burden was considerable. Coach Jeon said, "Have you ever played four games in a row? I didn't say it to the players, but how hard it must have been for them," adding, "Our team has a small roster. The players must have really struggled."

Lee Myeong-gwan also spent more than 37 minutes on the court in the final.

Coach Jeon reflected, "Lee Myeong-gwan played almost 37 to 38 minutes. We couldn't even substitute her. Also, since it was a Korea-Japan match and the final, we kept the players on the floor. If I had seen that they truly could not play anymore, I would have substituted them, but the players kept saying they were fine."

Nevertheless, he did not cite physical fatigue as the reason for the defeat.

Coach Jeon stated, "Accumulated fatigue was an unavoidable factor, but I do not want to make excuses by saying we lacked stamina," adding, "I think the issue was whether we could score what needed to be scored and defend what needed to be defended at those critical moments."

He continued, "I feel like I did not handle that situation well. I am also a beginner," taking responsibility on himself.

However, there was certainly something to gain from it. Coach Jeon said, "It is not really the season, but I think we got a preventive shot in advance," adding, "We need to supplement what went wrong here and further leverage what went well as we prepare for the season."

They also confirmed potential in the combination of newly joined Kang Yi-seul and Kim Dan-bi.

Coach Jeon evaluated, "With Kang Yi-seul's arrival, Dan-bi's burden has definitely decreased," adding, "Because defense focuses on Dan-bi and Yi-seul, we can utilize Lee Myeong-gwan much more effectively as well. They are creating a synergy effect with each other."

He continued, "I think making that synergy even better is my homework."

Kang Yi-seul also did not have enough time to coordinate with her teammates after joining the team. However, through this tournament, they were able to improve their teamwork.

Coach Jeon explained, "Kang Yi-seul had not practiced much, and we lacked time to work together," adding, "Coordinating in practice is different from coordinating while playing actual games together. Still, having played several games together through this tournament was a big harvest."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original