▶ 'The level of the opening of heaven and earth'Changed topographic map of the six WKBL teams. First of all, 2 out of 2? There's a high possibility of chaos

Oct 24, 2024

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'Chaos unfolds like a world-wide breakthrough '

Hana Bank's women's professional basketball in the 2024-2025 season is likely to develop into an unprecedented era of chaos. This is because the power between the teams has been reorganized to the level of 'Cheonji opening'.

Three variables have been a game changer this season. The first is two superstars, Park Ji-soo (Galatasaray) and Park Ji-hyun (Tokomanawa, New Zealand). The existing power balance fluctuated due to the departure of the two, who were the core of KB Stars and Woori Bank's power, respectively.

The second variable is FA versus migration. Ahead of this season, there have been many transfers of key players from each team. Choi Yi-sam (Woori Bank → Shinhan Bank), Park Hye-jin (Woori Bank → BNK), Na Yoon-jung (Woori Bank → KB Stars), Kim Sonia (Shinhan Bank → BNK), Shin Yi-seul (Samsung Life → Shinhan Bank), Jinan (BNK → Hana Bank) and Jihyun Shin (Hana Bank) are colorful.

Rika Tanimura, Saki BNK Ijima, KB Nagata (from left). Photo courtesy =WKBL

There is also a third variable. It is the first Asian quarter system to be implemented this season. A total of eight Asian quarter players appeared on the WKBL stage. Only Woori Bank and KB Stars recruited two players, and the rest of the team brought one each. The power of those in the veil is literally 'out-of-calculation area'. What is certain is that the fate of each team will fluctuate depending on their performance.

Considering these 'three variables' comprehensively, Busan BNK Some and Samsung Life Insurance are considered to have the strongest power. It is the birth of a powerful 'two-river structure'.

Courtesy of Kim Sonia (right) who tries a block shot for BNK Thumb at the WKBL Park Shinja Cup competition

BNK Thumb remained at the bottom of the league with only six wins (24 losses) last season. However, he upgraded his offense to the next level by recruiting Park Hye-jin and Kim Sonia, who were recruited as FA. Although Jinan, the current WKBL's strongest center, has a weakness in height with the transfer, if the strong guard line and forward Sonia are well harmonized, it deserves to challenge for the top again.

BNK썸 박혜진. Provided by WKBL

Samsung Life Insurance, led by head coach Ha Sang-yoon, was selected by WKBL coaches at the opening media day on the 21st. He received a whopping four votes. He also ranked first (25.3 percent) in the players' vote. Samsung Life Insurance's strength is cited as 'Teamwork'. Shin Yi-seul has transferred, but there are relatively few changes in the squad. On top of that, the control that Lee Hae-ran and Bae Hye-yoon, who have recovered their health, will create is unusual. Therefore, Samsung Life Insurance, along with BNK Thumb, is a '2 Gang' that has no room for disagreement.

Lee Hae-ran of Samsung Life Insurance, director Ha Sang-yoon, and Kang Yoo-rim (from left) provided WKBL on the opening media day.

Disagreements are divided over the evaluation of the power of the four clubs except these two teams. First of all, there are many opinions that evaluate Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank as 'double' and Woori Bank and KB Stars as 'double'. However, considering the three variables mentioned above, it would be better to see it as 'quadratic' rather than 'quadratic'.

Shinhan Bank and Hana Bank, which ranked 4th and 5th respectively last season, are 'dark horse'. The FA greatly boosted the power. Shinhan Bank is without ace Kim Sonia, but brought in net FA such as Choi Yi-sam, Shin Yi-seul, Jihyun Shin. In addition, the height of the post was improved by the addition of center Rika Tanimura, who ranked first in the 'most anticipated Asian quarter' selected by players and media.

Hana Bank Jinan penetrating under the bone. Provided by WKBL

Hana Bank also formed a strong double post with Yang In-young through Jinan's recruitment. Given the characteristics of basketball, where the power of height is absolute, it is worth guessing the power of Hana Bank. Although there was a bad news that Yurina Watabe, the No. 1 Asian quarter, terminated her contract for health reasons, the damage is not expected to be significant given the track record that did not exist in the first place.

Woori Bank ace Kim Dan-bi, who won the unified MVP of the regular league-champion match last season. WKBL Supplied

Many say that Woori Bank, which had as many as four key players (Park Ji-hyun, Park Hye-jin, Choi Yi-sam, and Na Yoon-jung), and KB Stars, which left Park Ji-soo, who accounted for an absolute part of their power, fell from 'absolute second place' to '2 medicine'.

But it's too early to make a decision. Woori Bank has Coach Wi Sung-woo, the 'WKBL's best master', and Kim Dan-bi, the 'Absolute Ace', who won the MVP of the regular league and championship game last season. Their presence alone does not suit the evaluation of 'weakness'.

WKBL's best 3-point shooter Kang Yi-seul. Provided by WKBL

KB Stars also has the league's best three-point shooter, Kang Yi-seul, in good shape. In addition, it should be noted that Na Yoon-jung, who took a career high last season, was recruited to reinforce her power. In addition, Woori Bank and KB Stars both recruited two Asian quarter players to strengthen the team's depth. Because of these factors, they cannot simply be classified as '2 medicine'. Therefore, Shinhan Bank, Hana Bank, Woori Bank, and KB Stars are expected to wage a war to fiercely rise to the top.

wman@sportschosun.com

▶ 'The level of the opening of heaven and earth'Changed topographic map of the six WKBL teams. First of all, 2 out of 2? There's a high possibility of chaos

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