Sono coach Kim Seung-gi poses with regular player Jeong Seong-jo at the 2024 KBL rookie draft held at the Goyang Sono Arena gymnasium on the afternoon of the 15th. Photo = Yonhap News
[이데일리 스타in 허윤수 기자] “You can become a real basketball player only by removing the label of ‘non-elected’ and going beyond the limits.”
An ordinary participant was selected by a professional team in the 2024 KBL rookie draft held at Sono Arena in Goyang on the 15th. The main character is Jeong Seong-jo (24, Sungkyunkwan University). He was called by Goyang Sono as the second pick in the third round. This is the first time that a ‘non-athlete’ with no experience as a player has been nominated.
Jeong Seong-jo started working out in a youth basketball class and steadily built his skills through club competitions and 3-on-3 basketball. I studied basketball for about 3 months at Hongik University School, but I have no experience as an elite player. In the professional basketball draft, even former elite players who retake the test are classified as ‘ordinary people.’
Jeong Seong-jo, who was active on the club stage, changed his position about 5 to 6 years ago when 3-on-3 basketball became active in Korea. Jeong Seong-jo, who became famous in 3-on-3 basketball, dreamed of playing professionally and created a miracle.
Jeong Seong-jo said, “I didn’t understand the phrase ‘it’s like a dream,’ but now I’m worried that if I close my eyes and open them, I’ll wake up from bed.’” He added, “I barely remember anything from the time I was called to the podium.” I looked back at the moment of nomination.
Jeong Seong-jo used this draft as his last opportunity. If I was not nominated, I wanted to return to the life of an ordinary student. He said, “I went to the tryout thinking it was the last game of my basketball career. “After it was over, I had a lot of regrets,” he said. “I had those regrets, but I was really glad that the director chose me.”
Jeong Seong-jo’s reason for being nominated was ‘earnestness.’ He said, “I thought the coach preferred players who could shoot, so I think he looked into that aspect,” and added, “I think he seemed desperate to run hard.”
The same was true for Sono director Kim Seung-gi. Coach Kim said he was interested in Jeong Seong-jo, but said, “Based on the video, I thought he was a bit weak, and the scouts thought the same.” He explained the reason for his choice, saying, “When I actually looked at him, he was a ‘hard-working player’ that I liked,” and “I thought he was a ‘hungry player.’”
Director Kim also shared his plans for using Jeong Seong-jo. Coach Kim, who said, “If I have a little ability, I put it into the game,” said, “I thought Jeong Seong-jo could join us if he took the opportunity.” He also said, “It may not be a long time, but I thought I could play for 5 to 10 minutes if I defend, win the ball, and hit 3-point shots.”
The joy of being drafted is short-lived, and now Jeong Seong-jo enters the cold professional world. In order to avoid ending in the ‘miracle of non-election’, more improvements must be made. Jeong Seong-jo was recognized for his individual skills and offensive aspects during his challenge on the professional stage, but was evaluated as needing further improvement in defense. This is an area that needs to be improved as soon as possible in order to run as coach Kim planned.
Jeong Seong-jo said, “Now that I think about it, I don’t think I’m good at anything,” and analyzed, “I think I need to supplement my movement, defense, and stamina first to survive, especially when I don’t have the ball.” He said, “I have dreamed of seeing superstar seniors in professional basketball games, but now it is time to start from the bottom,” and strengthened his resolve, saying, “I have to be humble and learn a lot one by one.”
Lastly, Jeong Seong-jo said, “I have overcome the limitation of being ‘non-elected’ once, but I will continue to be labeled as such,” and “only by removing this and overcoming the limitation can I become a real basketball player,” calling for progress towards the next goal.
Heo Yun-su ([email protected])
