The opening is just around the corner, but the injury surrounding 'Defending Champ' KCC is bad

The opening is just around the corner, but the injury surrounding 'Defending Champ' KCC is bad

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Defending the throne, it's a red flag from the beginning.

KCC, the defending champion of the Korean Basketball League, is suffering from injury. With the opening of the 2024-2025 season imminent, there will be a shortage of key players starting from the first round. It has been a challenging road since the beginning of the season, which does not suit the reputation of a "super team."

KCC manager Jeon Chang-jin announced on Monday that he replaced foreign player Tyler Davis with Leon Williams at the opening Media Day on Saturday. Davis, who is 205 centimeters tall, led his team to No. 1 in the regular league by banking on his outstanding under-the-basket control while playing for KCC in the 2020-2021 season. He returned to the team after four years by reviving good memories, but the result was not good. His knee injury plagued Davis and he also showed difficulty in managing his weight. With the opening day just around the corner, KCC finally used up a card to replace foreign players. Williams, a substitute player, is a veteran player who has played 507 games in the KBL alone. However, he will not be able to play in the opening game against KT on Wednesday due to the need for time procedures such as arrival, visa issuance, and medical examination.

This is not the only bad news. Leading forward Choi Jun-yong also needs a four-week rest due to injury to his soles. Another key resource, Song Kyo-chang, has been undergoing rehabilitation process since his finger surgery in August. Likewise, the upcoming event will be held in November. Since the beginning of the season, Lee has been under greater pressure. "We are wary of a vicious cycle that could occur (in order to distribute physical strength) as Choi and Song are excluded," Jeon said. "If the rotation is disrupted, the burden on Lee will increase."

KCC will also participate in the East Asian Super League (EASL) this season. As the games are also held at the same time as the regular season, the tight schedule is also difficult. "In case of the KCC, it is not easy to play in the early stages after the season's opening," tvN's sports commentator Choo Seung-kyun said. "Many teams have enhanced their performance by holding cup competitions earlier. We expect them to stage offensives from the first round (against the KCC). Before the injured players return, the key is how to hold out, starting with ace Dionte Burton."

It is literally "in the middle of overlapping mountains." Nonetheless, some critics say that KCC's potential cannot be ignored. The team started the last season due to a series of injuries. However, the team started the second half of the season, and the fifth-ranked team in the regular league became the champion. The coach also came up with good memories and tried hard to calm down his disappointment. "I will smile at the end like last year," Jeon said. Attention is focusing on whether KCC will be able to maintain the top position amid numerous threats. 메이저놀이터