“I’ll definitely win next year.”
Yonsei freshman Kang Ji Hoon (202 cm, C) concluded his first collegiate season on Thursday with a game against Korea University in the 2023 KUSF College Basketball League Final at Korea University’s Hwajung Gymnasium. He energized Yonsei throughout the season with his remarkable growth, but the team eventually finished as runners-up.
After graduating from Samil Sango, he chose to play for rival Yonsei rather than his father’s alma mater, KU, ahead of this season. It was a decision that defied many expectations.
Kang averaged 7.92 points, 8.42 rebounds, and 1.5 blocked shots in 12 games this season. He was underutilized at the start of the league, but as the season progressed, he proved his worth as he adapted to the college game. His height was a huge boost for Yonsei, as he finished second in the league in blocked shots and sixth overall in rebounding.
His impact was even greater in the MBC program. He led the team in scoring despite the departure of Yoo Yoo-sang from the U.S. national team and injuries to the main players, and he drew praise from scouts for his vigorous activity and powerful height battle.
Kang Ji-hoon was also active in the game, posting 11 points and eight rebounds against the likes of Yang Jun, Park Jun-hyung, and Yoo Min-soo. He played like an alto on offense with mid-range jumpers and putbacks, and used his height to harass opponents. Led by Kang’s performance, Yonsei seemed to pull away in the third quarter, extending their lead to double digits at one point, but Moon Yoo-hyun’s final three points in the final minute of the game left them with a runner-up finish.바카라
Despite finishing the season with a better-than-expected performance, Kang Ji-hoon shed tears of disappointment in the corner of the bench after the game. The four times he faced rival KU in blue, he hung his head in shame, especially after the close losses in the last regular season and the College League Finals.
Although he was unable to fulfill his goal of taking KU to the top this season, his performance this season was enough to make him look forward to next season. As he wiped away his tears and walked out of the gym, Kang added a final thought.
“I’ll definitely win next year.”