Even 'trash talk' can't stop the 'ecosystem disruptor'... Batts: "Provocation only fuels my motivation further" [On-site in Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Opponents' provocation or trash talk cannot stop the "ecosystem disruptor." Paris Batts, who led Suwon KT to a three-game winning streak with overwhelming offensive power, once again proved his unparalleled presence on the court.

KT defeated Busan KCC 87-81 in an away game against them in the 2026~2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season, held at 4:30 p.m. on the 11th at the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium.

On this day, Batts led the offense with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. He spearheaded the team's victory by delivering a fast-break dunk following a steal that served as the foundation for a fourth-quarter comeback, and scoring decisive points at crucial moments.

After the game, Batts met with reporters and shared his thoughts: "It feels good to have won as a team. Personally, I think my shooting needs more refinement. The victory is even more valuable because it was achieved by our teammates coming together as one."

He showed a calm reaction regarding the matchup against KCC's Louis King, who he faced head-to-head. Batts said, "I have experience facing him in the United States, so it was a familiar matchup," adding, "Basketball is a 5-on-5 sport, not one-on-one. Beyond individual matchups, I am most happy that our team won."

He also shared his reflections on facing KCC's Heo Hoon, with whom he had been teammates until last season. Batts stated, "He played so well it was almost annoying; playing against him made me frustrated. It is a pity that we are no longer on the same team, but ultimately, I am very happy that we won."

Regarding why he showed explosive scoring in the second half compared to the first, he explained: "As always, I focus on the second half. At times when I need to hold the ball and solve problems, I must firmly control it. There was no particularly different mindset."

He also did not hesitate to praise Moon Jung-hyun, who took on the dirty work in defense. Batts said, "He is providing huge help in defense. Lately, his shooting percentage is even better than mine; his shooting touch is hot. When I first joined the team, he was a rookie, and it feels good to see him develop."

Regarding the team's atmosphere after running up a three-game winning streak following their opening game loss, he showed composure. Batts said, "The regular season consists of 54 games. We did not panic just because we lost the first game. Kim Sun-hyung has not yet returned from injury, and Ha Yun-gi is not at 100% condition either. Once our full strength is assembled, better results will follow."

He also opened up about the changed sense of responsibility after becoming a father. In response to Moon Jung-hyun's remark that "Batts has matured since becoming a dad," Batts reflected: "Having a daughter gave me a sense of responsibility to support my family. I needed to show that in the team as well, but today I failed to maintain composure at the end. From now on, I will show a more responsible and leadership-oriented attitude."

He also candidly shared why he enjoys trash talk on the court. He possesses a unique competitive temperament that neutralizes any provocation from opponents on the court. Batts revealed, "Since I was young, every time older players threw trash talk at me while playing basketball, it became a great motivation. Because my passion for basketball burns even hotter, I enjoy trash talk."

Following up with a question about whether he can see when opponents are shaken, he displayed confidence: "Even if opponents throw trash talk at me, in the end, I outperform them on the court. Since they cannot show skills beyond my play, I do not worry about it much."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original