Kim Sang-sik, Seoul Samsung head coach, who is shy about his nickname "Sang-sik Magic": "It feels like a burden, but I am happy and grateful" [Jamsil on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Sang-sik, the head coach leading the surge of Seoul Samsung in professional basketball, smiled shyly at his nickname "Sang-sik Magic."

Samsung, led by head coach Kim Sang-sik, will face Seoul SK in an away matchup in the 2026-2027 KCC Pro Basketball regular season at Seoul Jamsil Student Gymnasium at 4:30 p.m. on the 1st.

Samsung's momentum this season is formidable. The team has risen to the top of the league standings with a nine-game winning streak since the start of the season, a first in KBL history. In particular, Samsung has shown a completely transformed appearance since head coach Kim Sang-sik took over this summer. This makes the record all the more surprising, as Samsung had finished last for five consecutive seasons up through last year.

If they win against SK as well, they will set another major record with a 10-game winning streak from the start of the season.

Head coach Kim Sang-sik, met before the game, cited "confidence" as the biggest change compared to the early days of his tenure.

"At first, I would strongly reprimand them if I saw even a little bit of something unusual," head coach Kim said. "But after winning one game, two games, and three games, confidence has grown among the players. The atmosphere has improved as well," he explained.

However, he emphasized, "Even so, if I see any sign of disorganization in that process, I continue to point it out."

Despite the unstoppable nine-game winning streak, they are not letting their guard down. Head coach Kim explained, "We are on a nine-game winning streak right now, but from a head coach's perspective, one must always think that there is a crisis. One must be worried and tense."

He added, "The players have gained confidence, and I myself have also developed some degree of confidence compared to before. However, it is true that worry comes first. Because we do not know when another difficult situation will arise, I am always on edge."

Praise has poured in for head coach Kim Sang-sik amid Samsung's remarkable upward trend. Various nicknames have emerged among fans, including "Sang-sik Magic."

Regarding this, head coach Kim said, "Personally, I really like it, but I also wonder if you are thinking of me as too great," looking shy.

He continued, "In fact, we are winning and doing well, but hearing such comments makes me a little shy. My personality is just like that to begin with." He candidly confessed, "It is not a lie, but I also think, 'We could be swept away in one blow at any moment.' Various emotions are crossing my mind."

He then added, "In any case, it is really nice. I am grateful for watching us so closely and giving such good evaluations." He conveyed his gratitude by saying, "The players are doing very well too, but from my perspective, it is also a bit of a burden. Still, I am truly grateful."

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original