Wonju DB forward Kang Sang-jae (29, 200 centimeters) will return to the top. Kang, who played a key role in winning the Wonju DB regular league by displaying near-perfect play as a forward in the regular season last season, was somewhat sluggish in the semifinal playoff.

He played an average of 32 minutes and 59 seconds in 51 regular league games, recorded 14 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, and showed excellent skills to compete for regular league MVP with the same team, Ethan Albano.

However, he had to experience poor performance at PLOOP. He played for more than 36 minutes during four games, but had seven points, eight rebounds, and three assists, which was relatively disappointing compared to the regular league. This also played a role in DB's loss to KCC in the semifinals. He also had to feel regret for not being able to gain the upper hand against KCC Song Kyo-chang and Choi Jun-yong, two of the top KBL forwards.

After such a turbulent season, Kang Sang-jae joined the team training convened on June 24 after taking a two-month vacation, signaling a start to the 2024-25 season.

When asked about the vacation period after training on Friday afternoon, Kang said, "As you know, I rarely have time to spend with my family during the season. I spent a lot of time with my wife and daughter. I couldn't go abroad because my child was still young. I traveled in Korea. I even exercised occasionally."

In succession, Kang Sang-jae said about last season's speech, "We were not considered as the favorite in the pre-season media day. We produced more results than that in the regular league. It was so good. As you know, there was a lot to be desired in the play-off. It was spring basketball for the first time in a while. There was a lot to be desired. Unlike the league, it was a short-term game, so I think it lacked the trust that was shown in the regular league. It is also the most regrettable part of last season."

Kang Sang-jae also said, "I came up after winning all three games with SK in the playoff of the last six teams of the Korea Baseball Organization (KCC). They were so strong. I had to watch out for them. As a team captain, I encouraged them. Personally, I was afraid of them. As expected, the atmosphere was really good when I played the game. They had good balance across all positions. They even made sacrifice plays. Back then, they were a really strong team."

Kang Sang-jae has been listed as a top-class forward since last season. It was a season that explained Kang who changed not only his record but also his play that did not appear. 동행복권파워볼

Kang said, "It was a season where I really prepared hard. I learned a lot about weight loss, coaching staff, communication, and know-how on playing from the coaching staff. It was a season where I could have fun playing basketball again. I think the result was that I tried to start over at the age of 30. I changed my position, but it was not enough compared to other top No. 3 players. I am not good enough in terms of skills. I want to surpass those players someday even if I renew my contract with the DB."

One after another, Kang Sang-jae said, "What I'm satisfied with is that I've got time. Previously, I played mainly on shots. Miss match play was good. I think my field of view has widened. It's also improved to look after my teammates. This is why the assist has increased. Whether it's on the outside, there's definitely room on the inside. There's almost no urgency. That's the part that changed the most."

I was curious about the mindset of starting a call-up training

Kang Sang-jae said, "The coach gave me the captaincy again. I can feel the responsibility. I told my team members that I will be the captain of the team." It was a disappointing season for all the players. Each of them asked to fill in the gaps. Lawson's contract has not been renewed, but I think the rebound, which was inferior to last season, has been resolved with Onuaku joining. I will only look at the positive parts and think about the higher place and go into training."

Kang also said, "In the last season, I mainly used post-ups following miss matches. This season, I set a goal to be competitive with players in the same position. There is homework to bring positivity and balance to play."

Onuaku Chinanu, who joined the team one after another, said, "The rebound was what the coach emphasized throughout 54 games last season. It was disappointing. I was in sixth place. I think Onuaku will fill it. I think the inside will become more solid and powerful."

Finally, Kang Sang-jae said, "I tasted the regular league championship last season. I want to go up to the championship and win. It is difficult, but it may not be difficult. I really want to wear the green star that Albano, Onuaku, and (Lee) Jong-gyu talked about. (Lee) Kwan-hee has also joined the team. I really want to do it." He summarized the interview with his goal.