Song Kyo-chang (199 cm, F) handled the sudden change of scenery well.
Busan KCC defeated Anyang Jeonggwanjang 81-75 in the 2023-2024 Jeonggwanjang Professional Basketball Regular Season at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan on February 2. Another win in a rematch after five days. They improved their head-to-head record against Jeonggwanjang to 3-2, and moved within 2.5 games of third-place Suwon KT-Seoul SK (23-13) with 20 wins and 15 losses.
Song was drafted by Jeonju KCC with the third overall pick in the 2015 KBL Domestic Rookie Draft. As a high school senior, he beat out a slew of seniors to be included in the rotation. He won the regular season MVP in his fifth season (2020-2021). By his mid-20s, he was a top player in the league.
KCC also finished first in the regular season. However, KCC and Song Kyo-chang fell 2% short. KCC was swept in four games by Anyang KGC Ginseng Corporation (now Anyang Jeonggwanjang) in the championship final, and Song was sidelined in the most important series with a toe injury.
Song then became a free agent for the first time in his career. He re-signed with KCC for a five-year contract with a total compensation of 750 million won (salary: 525 million won, incentive: 225 million won) for the 2021-2022 season. KCC one-club player in mind.
After his first season in the FA, he enlisted in the military and was discharged on November 15, 2023. However, he was not able to play as soon as other demobilized players. He injured his posterior cruciate ligament during national team training.
Song Kyochang’s energy level has gradually increased. With his increased fitness, Song has regained some of his athleticism and offense. With Choi Jun-yong (200 cm, F) and Alize Johnson (201 cm, F), the team had a tall forward line.
However, he was unable to overcome the aftereffects of his posterior cruciate ligament injury. As a result, he missed a few games. He returned to full duty on January 29, 2024. In 23 minutes and 59 seconds, he had 10 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, an excellent performance for his playing time.
KCC head coach Jeon Chang-jin said before the game, “There will be no difference between this game and the last one. However, we will practice our long lineup a little more. (Choi) Jun-yong and (Song) Gyo-chang can play outside, and Johnson and (Lee) Seung-hyun are getting better.” He emphasized the importance of the long lineup, including Song Gyo-chang.
Song started the first quarter off the bench. He watched Choi Jun-yong, Seung-hyun Lee (197 cm, F), and Johnson, especially Choi Jun-yong’s performance. When Song Kyo-chang went into the hole, he needed to show a similar style to Choi Jun-yong.
Choi went to the bench with 2:21 left in the first quarter, and Song replaced him. He blocked Jung Hyo-geun (200 cm, F) inside and out, but also kept his eyes on the other end. It was a gesture of readiness to play help defense.
Song then broke through on Robert Carter Jr. (203 cm, F). Utilizing Carter’s slower speed. Then capitalized on Carter’s cylinder violation with a jumper. Drew foul free throws. Made 1 of 2 to the rim.
After warming up in the first quarter, Song Kyo-chang was joined by Choi Jun-yong in the second quarter. Picked up the ball on the top and kicked out passes after breaking through. He passed to Choi Jun-yong on the right wing, who finished with a three. We could see the synergy between Song Kyo-chang and Choi Jun-yong.
In addition, Song can create mismatches when he plays at the 3. Backing down to Jung Jun-won (193 cm, F), who is smaller than him. Scoring near the rim, or making free throws 안전한 파워볼사이트 after drawing a foul. Jung put pressure on the entire defense.
Nevertheless, KCC was uneasy. There were many defensive lapses, and Choi Jun-yong signaled for a substitution with two and a half minutes left in the second quarter. Furthermore, substitute Lee Seung-hyun picked up his third foul with 2:15 left in the second quarter. As a result, KCC’s available long players were severely reduced.
The pressure on Song Kyo-chang could have been greater, but the team fouls accumulated by Jung Kwan-jang worked in KCC’s favor. In particular, Ragan-ah capitalized on Jung’s accumulated team fouls. After a close second quarter, KCC went into halftime with a 46-44 lead.
But Song adjusted his tempo. He also widened his vision. He played the game calmly. Song’s calmness led to a three-pointer by Calvin Epistola (180 cm, G), and KCC was able to take a step closer to the championship at 49-46.
KCC couldn’t get any closer to Jung Kwan-jang. That’s when Song Kyo-chang made another run. He scored under the basket after a fast break with 2:40 left in the third quarter. The momentum carried KCC to a 60-54 lead with 2:20 left in the third quarter. Chung called the first timeout of the second half.
Song Kyo-chang made foul free throws 28 seconds into the fourth quarter. It was different than before. It was a free throw that pushed Jung Hyo-geun, the centerpiece of KCC’s forward line, to five fouls. It was also a free throw that could make KCC’s momentum.
The team focused on defense throughout the fourth quarter, but with 1 minute and 7 seconds left in the game, they delivered the killer blow. A kick-out pass led to a wedge three from Kwak Jung-hoon (188 cm, F). Thanks to this, KCC was able to hold on for the win in Choi’s absence.