"It was all the more meaningful to win the regular league because we had a hard time last year. We still have the most important playoff and championship game left."
Park Ji-soo, who led Cheongju KB Stars to win the regular league, expressed his feelings.
KB Stars, led by head coach Kim Wan-soo, overpowered coach Park Jung-eun's BNK fling in Busan 68-60 in the Woori Bank WON 2023-2024 Women's Professional Basketball Regular League home game held at Cheongju Gymnasium on the 14th.
As a result, KB Stars, which won 13 consecutive games, recorded 24 wins and 2 losses, confirming its regular league title early regardless of the results of the remaining games. KB Stars won the regular league for the first time in two seasons since the 2021-2022 season and for the fifth time in its career 2002, 2006 summer, 2018-2019, 2021-2022.
Park Ji-soo owes much to him. Playing in all games this season, Park took an average of 30 minutes and 44 seconds to score 20.9 points 1st and 15.7 rebounds 1st, spearheading KB Stars' offense.
In particular, it is a more valuable achievement because it is the result of overcoming difficult times. Park Ji-soo, who was hamstrung by panic disorder, started last season late. He then had to finish the season early due to a damaged ligament in his left middle finger in the middle and late stages. KB Stars also failed to advance to PO, staying in fifth place with 10 wins and 20 losses.
Park Ji-soo, desperate, returned this season with even stronger performance. He performed overwhelmingly from the beginning, and as a result, KB Stars was able to stand at the top of the regular league in 26 games.
Park Ji-soo, whom I met after the BNK match, said, "Personally, I had a hard time last year, so I have a lot to give up this year round MVP and regular league victory. There is no way that there will be only bad things. I think a big happiness is approaching because I did a good job of 'Soldering' last year," adding, "So I think it's more meaningful. I want to say that I'm proud of myself for coming back."
Tough times gave Park a great motivation. "I was not able to finish the beginning and end of the season last season. I regret that so much. That's why I worked hard this season. I played in many national teams, but I tried my best to spend as much as I did when I was in my team. I nagged a lot because I thought we needed to hurry up and match our hands and feet," Park said. "Other team players and fans picked us as favorites even though we didn't win the title last season. I thought I should show them. Last season, Asan Woori Bank Woori WON was too overwhelming. It gave me another motivation."
Park Ji-soo made a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds on the day, but he wasn't satisfied. "I tried to play the game seriously with tension today, but my performance was not as good as usual because I was excited to win because I thought I would win the championship," he said. "I'm glad I won, but the regular league is not over yet. The most important PO and championship game are still left. I will maintain my physical condition and show good performance."
This season deserves to be called the best for Park. Recognizing her stellar performance, Park became the first female professional basketball player to win the MVP award in the first to fifth rounds of the regular season. 토토사이트
Nevertheless, Park Ji-soo said, "I always see many shortcomings, both personally and as a team. I think of shortcomings before doing well," adding, "I still lack a lot. I also lack pass timing and positioning."
He added, "I think it's the best season because a lot of people are complimenting me, but personally, I want to make sure what the director wants in the post. I'm sorry for his finishing ability. If I make up for that, I think I'll be able to show a really perfect performance."
Finally, Park Ji-soo promised to improve the outside play. It is to increase international competitiveness. "The coach who wants to focus under the basket will not like it, but you have to have three points or mid-range shooting skills to be competitive internationally. I'm not on the strong side, but I have a hard time in that regard when I go abroad," he said with a glint of his eyes.