“We’re in much better shape than last year.”
The Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus have recently been practicing with the University of the Philippines and the U-18 national team to improve their skills. On the 8th, when visited the Hyundai Mobis gym in Yongin, there was a practice game against the U-18 national team.
For Hyundai Mobis shooter Kim Kook-chan, last season was a special season. After a slow start due to injuries, he worked hard in the off-season to improve his body and reemerged as a key resource for the team, 파워볼실시간 appearing in 52 games last season.
Kim Kook-chan returned from vacation after the playoffs. However, his mindset hasn’t changed much from last season.
“My physical condition is much better than last year and my production year. I’ve been working out without a break, and I’m building my body well to follow the direction the coach wants for this season,” he explained.
“Last season was a season where I didn’t know what was going to happen, so I put my head first (laughs), and this season I gained confidence in my defense and knew what I needed to practice more,” he added.
Hyundai Mobis has a lot to look forward to this season, including the return of former Foreign Player MVP Shawn Long. It’s a chance for the team to shake off the disappointment of missing the playoffs in recent seasons.
“We were lethargic in the playoffs, so we really wanted to go up last season, even to the point of fighting in the mud. This year, we have a good foreign player, so we will practice with our eyes on the prize,” Kim explained.
When asked about his championship challenge, he said, “I’m not sure how to do it because I haven’t won a championship yet. (Laughs) I think we’re at the top in terms of combination and member power. I’m looking forward to the season.”
Kim Kook-chan successfully transformed his image last season based on his aggressive defense. The referee’s whistle is expected to be blown less this season than before. There is also a possibility that there will be less physical fights.
“I heard in the referee’s briefing that there are not as many fouls as before for small movements in defensive pressure, and I feel it while playing. The coach wants and orders a stronger defense, so there is a difference in that regard,” he said.
“I like it,” he said of the fact that physicality can be more lenient in matches. I heard that it’s a practice match and the referees are practicing. I don’t know how it’s going to work in a real game, but from what I’ve heard, we’re allowed to press harder than before, so that’s what we’re focusing on in training.”
As a player, free agency is a valuable opportunity to exercise your rights. Kim will be eligible for free agency after this season. However, he emphasized that his role on the team won’t change much.
“I was actually worried when I came back from vacation. But once I started working out with the team, it went away. And I don’t think it will change at all. It’s not a season where I can suddenly do something I didn’t do before, and if you like the way I play, my evaluation will go up, so I’m nervous, but I’m not doing anything different than before,” he said.
In the upcoming season, Kim will continue to focus on defense. He also wants to improve his shooting, which is one of his strengths.
“My coach told me that I’m the best defender on the team. I’ve always been the worst defender on the team, but he gives me a lot of compliments. When I practice with other younger players, he tells me to tell them a lot, and I used to ask him all the time when Young-hyun was on the team (laughs), so that’s how I feel.”
“I think my role is set. I’m not just a ball-handler and I’m not just going to shoot the ball. My role is to do the dirty work, to be a force on defense, to get shots and fast breaks. My goal is to get more shot attempts than last year. To do that, I have to contribute more to the team. You can’t play just by shooting shots. I think I can shoot more shots if I give strength to the defense,” he said.
Finally, Kim said, “I’m grateful to the fans who always come to practice games even though it’s hot. I will do my best to prepare well so that I can show a good performance in the season,” he said to the fans.