“I came into the interview room because I wanted to say something,” Park Ji-soo (25, 193 cm) said cautiously as the interview was about to end. She was responding to the sensationalized headlines about her comments regarding the national team.
The Cheongju KB Stars won 71-64 against the Bucheon Hana OneQ in the Woori Bank Woori WON 2023-2024 Women’s Professional Basketball League on Saturday at 텍사스홀덤사이트 Bucheon Gymnasium.
Park Ji-soo played 34 minutes and 55 seconds in the game, scoring 24 points, grabbing 18 rebounds and dishing out three assists to lead KB Stars to their 14th straight win and their first win over Hana OneQ this season.
Q. How did you feel about the win?
When we were preparing for this game, we wanted to go out in ‘playoff mode’ because our next four games are against teams that we could meet in the playoffs and championship. Hana OneQ took control of the game early on, and the home fans came out in droves and got into the spirit. On the other hand, we were heavier, so we were not able to keep up with them on defense despite our willpower. It was a wake-up call before the playoffs.
Q. After clinching the regular season title, you had a lot of willpower to win, even though you had to manage your physical condition.
There was a 14-game winning streak at stake, but more than the streak, our last regular season game is on the 29th. After that, it’s a long time until the playoffs. The players wanted to play normally, and the coach agreed. We had a good meeting with the coaching staff, and we will play the rest of the games normally.
Q. How did the Fondation match affect you physically?
It was a game after a day’s rest, so the coach went to a cafe and the sea to heal. The players wanted to do their best to repay him, but I think it was more of a burden than anything else, and I think I felt heavy.
I came into the interview room because I wanted to say something (as the interview was coming to a close). There was an article today (Saturday) with a provocative title about the national team. It’s not that I don’t respect the athletes. It’s not that I don’t respect the players, but I would like to see the federation create a system that would allow them to do strengthening training. In order to do so, the clubs have to make concessions and considerations. I know it’s difficult for clubs to field aces, but I would appreciate it if they would make concessions for the sake of Korean women’s basketball.