Wonju DB captain Kang Sang-jae talked about his struggles and hard work.
DB won 107-103 against Suwon KT in the sixth round of the 2023-2024 Korean Basketball League at Wonju General Gymnasium on Thursday.
With the victory, DB won its seventh straight game and lifted the regular season championship trophy with a 38-10 record.
In this game, Kang Sang-jae contributed eight points, 14 rebounds, and four assists to the team’s victory.
Speaking to the media after the game, Kang said, “All team members played their roles to the best of their abilities, and we won the title.” “Before the season, no one thought we were a favorite. When we finally opened the lid, we showed a performance that was close to a super team. That’s why we were able to win the title,” he said after winning the regular season.
This season, Kang Sang-jae changed his position to small forward. “Even before the offseason started, I thought that my DB performance was up to me. I had to change positions, so I lost more than 10 kilograms during the offseason and made changes. (Losing weight) was a godsend. It wasn’t perfect, but I showed the right amount of activity and performance for the No. 3 position, which is why DB was able to win the title.”
Earlier, coach Kim Joo-sung told reporters that the turning point was the KBL Cup. DB lost to KT 108-106 in the quarterfinals of the Cup. “On the bus ride back, I was very angry about what to do with the players. I was also very angry with myself. When we got back, we had a video meeting for four to five hours, and I told the players that we would train intensely. We trained for three or four days and made a turning point.”
“After losing to KT, I actually returned my vacation because I wanted the team to do well even though I had a period of rest,” said Kang Sang-jae, adding, “I don’t think the coach was 스포츠토토 trying to make me feel bad. I think he did it because he was disappointed that the players could have done better,” he said at the time.
Kang Sang-jae is currently the reigning domestic MVP. “It’s an award that you don’t dare to receive unless you’re on the winning team. I’m a player, so of course I can’t help but be greedy. I want to get it,” he said. I want to get it,” he said emphatically.
Finally, Kang Sang-jae said, “I had doubts about myself while preparing from the off-season. I thought it was the last chance of my basketball life, and I was able to achieve good results because I trusted the coach and prepared well.” “I think this season was my own doing. If I prepare as desperately as I did in the off-season until I become the perfect No. 3 in the future, I think I will be able to improve more and become a perfect player every season.”