'He's a second option, yet he's performing like a first option—shouldn't he be paid 900 million won?' Goyang Sonok's four-year veteran foreign player laughs off the cheeky question: "I simply sacrifice for the team"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"In the end, you must sacrifice for the team. The most important thing is solely 'team victory and winning the championship.'"

This season's KBL foreign player salary cap totals 1 million dollars (approximately 13 billion won). Of that, the per-player cap is 700,000 dollars (approximately 900 million won). He received the maximum amount allowed for a single foreign player on his team, yet he is officially registered as a "second option." However, his actual performance is perfectly at the level of a "first option." Johnny O'Neal (33, Goyang Sonok), who has demonstrated a heavy presence exceeding that of a first option on the court and led the team out of a losing streak, offered a mature response accompanied by his characteristic hearty laugh even to somewhat cheeky questions.

Goyang Sonok Skygunners secured a decisive 95-82 victory over Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus in their home game held at Goyang Sonok Arena on the 16th, breaking the long chain of consecutive losses. At the center of the victory was O'Neal, who solidly supported the team's inside play and offense.

O'Neal's performance that day was truly unparalleled. Starting the game, he played for 30 minutes and 47 seconds, scoring a game-high 27 points including three three-pointers. He also grabbed an impressive 16 rebounds, including five offensive rebounds, recording a dominant "double-double."

Sonok formed a unique structure in its foreign player lineup ahead of this season. The team officially selected young and aggressive Scotty James (30) as its first option. On the other hand, O'Neal, who began his career with Wonju DB in the 2021-2022 season and went through Anyang Jung-Gwanjang in the 2024-2025 and previous 2025-2026 seasons, settled at Sonok this season to enter his fourth KBL career season as a "veteran foreign player," but joined late as the second option.

However, an interesting "option reversal" phenomenon emerged once the season began. Unlike first option James, who struggled to adapt to the KBL's characteristic rough physical play and defensive pressure, O'Neal, registered as the second option, has been leading the team's offense by leveraging his intelligent basketball sense and scoring ability from both inside and outside, effectively performing at a "first option level." Naturally, attention could not be avoided regarding his current situation where he is taking on the role of the de facto first option, coupled with his salary of "700,000 dollars per-player cap (approximately 970 million won)," which accounts for the majority of the team's foreign player salary cap (1 million dollars).

In the post-game interview room with the star player, O'Neal was asked the somewhat cheeky question, "Shouldn't you be receiving the de facto 700,000 dollars?" In response, O'Neal smiled and cheerfully replied, "You could think of it that way," before adding, "But in basketball, everyone must sacrifice for the team. My goal is to help the team win."

He continued, "As I get older, what I have realized is that what I truly want is simply to play together on a winning team and win the championship," adding, "Therefore, sacrificing for the team is natural." This meant he does not dwell on the label of being registered as the second option or individual statistics, but looks only at team victory.

O'Neal's maturity shines even off the court. He has taken on the role of a solid "mentor" helping first option James, who is struggling to adapt to the KBL stage. Recalling his rookie days when he first experienced Korean basketball during his time with Wonju DB, he quietly encourages James.

When asked what kind of advice O'Neal gives James, he said, "I just tell him to keep training steadily and to keep pushing through," adding, "I also remember that things didn't go well when I first came to Wonju DB in my first year. The KBL is a league that takes time to adapt to. Not everyone can dominate the league from day one upon arrival."

He further expressed firm confidence, saying, "All Scotty (James) needs is to stay focused without wavering and immerse himself in basketball. I believe his skills will eventually come out."

Regarding his chemistry with ace Lee Jung-hyun, he stated, "Lee Jung-hyun is a player who draws a lot of defensive attention, so I am focusing on utilizing the space he creates and adjusting my play accordingly," expressing confidence that "the more games we play, the better our chemistry will become."

Although registered as the second option, O'Neal has proven value exceeding that of a first option with his fierce performance of 27 points and 16 rebounds and dedicated attitude on the court. The mature dignity of this "fourth-year foreign player in Korea," who cheerfully and boldly handled even sensitive questions, is making Sonok, which broke its losing streak, even more solid.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original