Choi Joon-yong, the greatest free agent, has certain strengths and insecurities
Choi Jun-yong (200cm, F), one of the best players in the league, obtained free agent status this off-season.
Anyang KGC Ginseng Corporation and Seoul SK played the last match of the 2022-2023 season. Although the winner and loser were split at the end of the 7th game, the intensity of praise for the two teams was similar. Fans watching this were also very impressed.
The 2022-2023 season is over. All 10 clubs must prepare for the 2023-2024 season. The first step is to catch players who have been released as free agents (FA). So, all clubs are paying attention to the maximum or quasi-level FA. This magazine is also paying attention to such free agents.
FA Biggest Word
Three forwards are attracting attention in the FA market this time. Suwon KT’s Yang Hong-seok (196cm, F), KGC’s Moon Seong-gon (196cm, F), and SK’s Choi Jun-yong are the main characters. Among them, Choi Jun-yong is the only player who won the season MVP.
Choi Jun’s strengths are clear. Despite his height, he can run fast and has versatility in passing, defending and scoring himself. His free throw success rate is somewhat disappointing, but he is a player who can also throw a three-point shot. Although the 3-point success rate was only 30.4% last season, it recorded 35% in the 2021-2022 season. This is why Choi Jun-yong is chosen as one of the best players in the league.
In particular, Choi Jun-yong is a player who can change the team color. SK also showed running basketball with Choi Jun-yong in the 2021-2022 season and became the unified champion. On the contrary, SK, where Choi Jun-yong did not play, unfortunately lost in the championship game this season, realizing the absence of Choi Jun-yong.
Anxiety factor is certain
Not everyone denies that Choi Jun-yong is one of the best players in the league. But as much as that, the anxiety factor is sure. Choi Jun-yong was unable to play with the team due to an injury at the most important time of last season.
Furthermore, there is no season in which more than 50 games have been played except for the 2021-2022 season. His skills were clear, but he was not free from injuries.
SK’s team situation has also changed a little. Although they unfortunately failed to win the championship due to Choi Jun-yong’s absence, they proved that they were strong even without Choi Jun-yong. In addition, the power of SK led by Kim Seon-hyeong (187cm, G) and Jamil Warney (200cm, C) was also proved. SK coach Jeon Hee-chul said on Playoff Media Day, “Of course it would be great if (Choi) Jun-yong returned. Junyong plays a really big role in our team. However, our team is currently on a 9-game winning streak. The team is doing really well. When Jun-yong returns, he has to adjust the movement of (Kim) Seong-hyeong and Warnie again.” Even if Choi Jun is absent, SK will not collapse easily if other players fill the position.