Kang I-seul's absence? Cheongju KB seeks a new answer... Head coach Kim Wan-soo: "I hope young players like Na Yun-jung and Yoon Ye-bin can fill the gap"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Cheongju KB has a challenge to overcome ahead of the new season: how to fill the void left by Kang I-seul, who departed from the team this summer.

Rather than assigning the role of "Kang I-seul's replacement" to a single specific player, Cheongju KB head coach Kim Wan-soo is seeking a new answer through the growth of multiple players.

On the 11th, in the 3rd and 4th place match of the 2026 KB Kookmin Bank Park Shin-ja Cup held at Cheongju Indoor Gymnasium, Cheongju KB lost to Incheon Shinhan Bank with a score of 54-76.

With this result, Cheongju KB finished the tournament in fourth place. This marks their second consecutive year advancing to the top four, following last year's achievement. Key center Park Ji-soo, who returned from injury, used her playing time in this tournament to check her physical condition, and providing experience for young players was also a positive outcome.

One of the biggest changes for Cheongju KB in the new season is Kang I-seul's transfer.

Kang I-seul, a shooter representing the league, moved to Asan Woori Bank this summer. Given her significant role in Cheongju KB's offense, the absence she leaves behind is inevitably substantial.

Head coach Kim Wan-soo acknowledged this reality.

However, it is not that there are no alternatives. Nor is the intention to place all the burden on a single specific player.

Coach Kim expressed his expectation, saying, "I think Na Yun-jung or Yoon Ye-bin will need to fill that part," and added, "If young players like Yang Ji-soo, Lee Chae-eun, Lee Yun-mi, and Yeosu Yeon gradually contribute a little, I believe the gap can be filled."

In addition, Coach Kim also placed his hopes in another young player, Seong Su-yeon.

Ultimately, the plan is to fill the "absence of one Kang I-seul" through the growth of multiple players.

Coach Kim also confirmed positive aspects through this Park Shin-ja Cup. He evaluated, saying, "Rather than one specific player improving, the players as a whole are getting better," and added, "For bench players to develop, they need to gain experience through tournaments like this and move toward becoming key contributors."

However, what young players need most is confidence.

Coach Kim instructed, saying, "If you hesitate in offensive aspects, stagnation occurs," and added, "I think we must act with confidence so as not to stagnate."

The challenge Cheongju KB identified in this tournament was also offense.

Coach Kim stated, "Just as soccer has strikers, basketball needs offensive players," and said, "It seems young players feel a burden. We need to help them find the solution."

He added, "I hope other players also take responsibility and contribute to unlocking our offense."

Finding solutions on their own when facing strong defense was also listed as a challenge.

Coach Kim reflected, saying, "The opposing defense was strong, but we need to study how to attack them with composure," and added, "Ji-soo or Ye-eun have parts they can solve, but in situations where those two players are not on the court, I wish other players had tried to do it themselves or at least attempted. That part is disappointing."

However, Cheongju KB has no intention of abandoning its existing strengths.

If Park Ji-soo regains her peak condition, the team will have a definitive weapon in height. If this is combined with a guard lineup centered on Heo Ye-eun and the growth of young players, the range of options available will expand.

Coach Kim is also considering how to maximize the advantages of both a "big lineup" centered on Park Ji-soo and a "small lineup" that leverages mobility.

Kang I-seul has left. It is clear that an important piece in the offense has been removed.

However, Cheongju KB is not just staring at that empty space. If players from Na Yun-jung and Yoon Ye-bin to various young players gradually share more responsibility, a Cheongju KB with a different color from before could be created.

Head coach Kim Wan-soo is waiting for a new answer.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original