Can Samsung Life, where the injured return, show more than expected?
Samsung Life has been ‘rebuilding’ for the past few years. Immediately after winning the championship match, he traded Kim Han-byeol (178cm, F) to secure his future. As a result, young players such as Lee Hae-ran (180cm, F) and Kang Yoo-rim (175cm, F) joined the team.
And the rebuilding of Samsung Life Insurance last season seemed to have taken a point. The reason is that they recruited Kianna Smith (178cm, G), who was the biggest player in the draft at the time. In fact, Samsung Life showed a strong appearance by catching the ‘strongest’ Asan Woori Bank at the beginning of the season. 4 wins and 1 loss in round 1. After that, in the second round, it was sluggish for a while, but in the third round, it rebounded again with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss.
But the problem was after that. During the match against Woori Bank in the 4th round, Juyeon Lee (171cm, G) and Kiana were both season-out. Although they succeeded in advancing to the playoffs, it is Samsung Life that was very sorry for the injuries of key players.
Samsung Life, which ran hard with prospects, did not change much this offseason. I sent Lee Myeong-gwan (173cm, F) and received Bang Bo-ram (183cm, C), but it was not a big move. Nevertheless, Samsung Life Insurance is receiving a lot of attention for the next season. The reason is that key players who missed out due to injuries are coming back.
Samsung Life coach Lim Geun-bae said, “The rehabilitation of injured players is going well. (Yoon) Yebin and Kiana will surely return before the season opener. (Lee) Joo-yeon is also aiming for the opening game,” he said, referring to the physical condition of the injured.
Bang Bo-ram, who was recruited this time, is a promising center. It is a resource that can grow with Shin Iseul (170cm, G), Jo Soo-ah (170cm, G), and Lee Hae-ran (180cm, F). Although she is still lacking, if she grows up, she can become the successor to Hyeyun Bei (183cm, C).
Director Lim also said, “(Bang) Boram has no experience yet, so she has to accumulate experience through the remaining time. She has to build her body and get better technically as well. When viewed up close, he is (Bae) Hye-yoon’s backup, and when viewed from afar, he is drawing a picture of growing like a young player,” he said about Bang Bo-ram.스포츠토토
Samsung Life Insurance achieved good results at the beginning of last season with young players at the forefront. If all the wounded are brought back, this can be reproduced. In addition, there is a clear ace named Yoon Ye-bin and a promising center named Bang Bo-ram, so more expectations are gathering.
The key is to not have any injuries. Kiana, Lee Joo-yeon and Yoon Ye-bin (180cm, G) already have major surgeries. In addition, Bae Hye-yoon is also a veteran and needs management.
Also, young players need to grow quickly as they gain experience. Although there were injuries to key players last season, Jo Soo-ah and Shin I-seul have grown with many opportunities. The growth of young players should continue in the next season. If that happens, Samsung Life Insurance will grow into a strong team that can shake the game of WKBL next season.