The stars who shone brightly in the Park Shin-ja Cup are eagerly awaiting the opening of the WKBL 2023-2024 season.
Park Ji-hyun (23, Woori Bank), Byun So-jeong (Shinhan Bank), and Lee Hae-ran (20, Samsung Life Insurance), who have grown further through the Park Shin-ja Cup, are expected to play a refreshing role by bringing a new wind to the upcoming 2023-2024 season. there is.
The Park Shin-ja Cup, held in Cheongju from August 26 to September 3, was upgraded from a competition to discover promising talent to an international competition. A total of 10 teams from 4 countries, including 6 WKBL clubs including the national team and Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, participated. As the pride of each country was put on the line, it resulted in a high-level match, and Park Ji-hyun led Woori Bank to second place in the competition.
Park Ji-hyun, who participated in the cup competition after participating in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup, field training, and national team training, showed off her stamina of steel by playing an average of 39 minutes and 7 seconds per game. He averaged 23 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 steals in six games. He ranked first in scoring, rebounds, and steals. The field goal success rate was 47.3%.
Park Ji-hyun has been overshadowed by the team’s seniors such as Park Hye-jin and Kim Dan-bi. However, he showed his ace true colors through the Park Shin-ja Cup. Woori Bank coach Wi Sung-woo, who rarely praises players, also said, “The biggest gain from this tournament is Park Ji-hyun’s growth. Now he knows how to pace himself. “I feel he is becoming a central player in women’s basketball,” he said, praising Park Ji-hyun.
Byeon So-jung and Lee Hae-ran, who are 182cm tall, also played a big role in the Park Shin-ja Cup as a motivation to enter the professional ranks, raising expectations. Lee Hae-ran joined Samsung Life Insurance as the first overall pick in the first round at the 2021-2022 new player selection event. Byeon So-jeong, who graduated from Bundang Business High School, was nominated by Shinhan Bank as the third overall pick in the first round. The two, who wore the Taegeuk symbol together in high school, exploded together in the Park Shin-ja Cup match. Lee Hae-ran recorded a double-double with 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Byun So-jung recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. The Park Shin-ja Cup seems to be a catalyst for the two’s growth.
Forward Kim Ye-jin (26), who qualified as a free agent and transferred from Hana 1Q to Kookmin Bank, also confirmed her potential in the new team. Kim Ye-jin, who played in the yellow uniform at the Park Shin-ja Cup, showed her presence not only in tenacious defense but also in attack. Shinhan Bank forward Lee Da-yeon (22) also walked the court under the trust of Shinhan Bank coach Guna Dan.굿모닝토토 도메인
Samsung Life Guard Jo Soo-ah (20) played as the starting guard along with team senior Shin Seul and improved his game. Samsung Life Insurance is a ‘guard kingdom’ with Yoon Ye-bin, Joo-yeon Lee, and Kiana Smith in addition to Josua and Shin-seul. If Josua leads well, Samsung Life Insurance coach Lim Geun-bae can expand his tactical range by utilizing his abundant guard resources.
The 2023-2024 season, which will add excitement with the performance of rapidly growing new faces, is scheduled to open on November 5.