Such a stunning reversal! From second option to scoring leader: The Korean two-year foreign player who led Samsung to an 8-game winning streak since the season opener says, "I play with the mindset of being the leader."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

In just one season, Kerem Kanter has undergone a complete transformation, leading Seoul Samsung's historic surge. Kanter cited his more matured mindset and dedication to putting the team first as the keys to his reversal.

Samsung defeated Daegu Korea Gas Corporation 76-68 in an away game at the Daegu Indoor Gymnasium on the 25th, extending their unbeaten run since the season opener to eight consecutive wins. This ties the KBL record for the most consecutive wins at the start of a season (eight games), previously set by Wonju Dongbu (now DB) in the 2011-2012 season and Goyang Orions in the 2014-2015 season. It is a perfect reversal that is hard to believe for a team that had finished last for five consecutive seasons up until last year.

Kanter was undoubtedly the top contributor to this historic achievement. In today's game, Kanter played 37 minutes and 1 second, recording 23 points and 9 rebounds, dominating the opposing paint and driving the team to victory.

The change in Kanter's statistics is truly astonishing. When he first stepped onto the Korean stage in the 2025-2026 season, Kanter was a typical "second option" foreign player, averaging 23 minutes and 33 seconds over 54 games with 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. However, this season he has firmly established himself as the primary ace. Over eight games, his average playing time has increased significantly to 36 minutes and 47 seconds, and he is averaging 26.1 points per game, surpassing Paris Bass of Suwon KT (26.0 points) to lead the entire league in scoring. Additionally, with 10.5 rebounds per game, he ranks tied for fourth in that category, and his two-point field goal percentage has surged vertically from 54.0% to 63.9%.

In a post-game mixed zone interview, Kanter first cited a "change in mindset" as the background for his explosive performance. "Last season, I was aware that I was clearly the second option," Kanter said. "But this season, I am stepping onto the court with the thought that I must become the true leader of the team." He added, "That doesn't mean I'm forcing unreasonable shots. I see the game more broadly and aim to finish decisively with a score when opportunities arise within team play."

His well-oiled chemistry with domestic players is also playing a part. Regarding his pick-and-roll plays with frequent guard Han Ho-bin (35), Kanter said, "We have been playing together for two years now, so we perfectly know what each other likes and where it is comfortable to receive the ball." He expressed deep trust, adding, "Playing with a point guard who has high basketball IQ and rich experience is a great blessing and makes my teammates' play much easier."

Finally, the system allowing two foreign players to be on the court simultaneously in the second and third quarters, introduced this season, has also maximized Kanter's utilization. "It feels like when I was playing in the Japan B League," Kanter said. "When Chris McCullar is on the perimeter, I go inside; conversely, when McCullar takes up a position inside, I can move outside to play, creating great tactical synergy."

With Kanter shedding the label of "second option" and transforming into the league's scoring leader through his fierce performance, eyes in the basketball world are focused on how far Samsung, which has forgotten defeat, will write new history in the KBL.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original