Although it ended its winning streak, “Hulk” Ha Yoon-ki regained KT’s expected form.
Suwon KT lost 74-82 to Daegu Gas Corporation in the away game of the 2024-2025 KCC Professional Basketball League held at Daegu Gymnasium on Saturday. At one point, KT seemed to be on the verge of winning its first three consecutive games this season, losing to 17 points, but suffered a come-from-behind loss, losing 6-25 in the fourth quarter score.
It’s not that he didn’t have comforting moments. It was a positive sign that Ha, who was not in good condition after returning from injury, showed off his strength for the first time in a long time. Ha, who started the game, posted a personal record of 16 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.
Ha, who injured his ankle in the official opening match against Busan KCC on June 19, returned to the court in late October, but in the two matches after his return, he had an average field goal ratio of 6.5 points for 15 minutes and 34 seconds to 33.3 percent. “He is one of the victims of extensive physical struggle. I have to adapt quickly and find balance, but I feel like I am getting caught up too much. Only when (Ha) Yoon-gi recovers, then can his team advance. I talked about it through a meeting as well,” coach Song Young-jin said before the match.
Has Coach Song Young-jin’s wish been conveyed? Ha showed off his power against Gas Corporation, which has been relatively low in height among Korean players. Ha scored under the basket in the first quarter while Andrew Nicholson and Kwak Jung-hoon cooperated to secure the goal, and Ha scored by aggressively targeting mismatches in the second quarter.
It was also impressive that he attempted a face-up with Yushu Ndoye in front of him. Although it was not recognized as a goal due to the limited time of attack, it was a glimpse of Ha Yoon-ki’s activeness in attacking. The score made through a 2-2 game with Huh Hoon in the third quarter was also one of KT’s ideal offensive developments. 메이저놀이터
Unlike showing concern before the game, coach Song Young-jin also praised Ha after the game, saying, “I am working hard to recover my condition. I overcame it well and showed good performance. I am just sad that my team lost.”
KT’s Moon Jung-hyun, who had shown remarkable growth by ranking No. 1 in rebounding as a Korean player, has left the club due to an ankle injury. Ha’s share of the burden has also increased. As a result, Ha’s score of the season, which was regrettable in two games since his return, must have been all the more pleasing. It was KT’s comfort that it earned in the face of defeat.