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2019 Korean League Draft

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The WKBL held their annual foreign player draft on Tuesday, June 25th in Korea while it was still June 24th in the United States.  This year, there were 95 applicants for 6 spots as each team gets a pick.  BNK Sum got the first pick as a new team replacing OK.  The lottery was conducted before the draft as the non-playoff teams were drawing for the second and third spots and the playoff teams were locked into the last three spots.  There was no change in order for the first two picks with the last place S-Birds getting to pick second followed by KEB-Hanabank.  Among playoff teams, Woori Bank jumped the Blue Minx to claim the fourth pick while the champion KB Stars were left with the final pick.

The draft was broadcast on Facebook again: Video

As a new team, BNK went with a safe pick of a players with great recent success in the league, taking Damiris Dantas who played for the team that left the league.  The S-Birds rolled the dice a bit more, taking Alanna Smith in a bid to overturn their fortunes from last season.  KEB also picked a league newcomer in Myisha Hines-Allen who had demonstrated prowess overseas in her rookie season in Russia.  The next pick was watched closely as Woori Bank was looking to make a move to restore their dominance and they went with a league veteran in Reshanda Gray as she returns after time in Europe.  The Blue Minx were the unlucky team in the lottery, but selected Lynetta Kizer.  That left the defending champions with the last pick to add to their emerging domestic core and they made a choice that made sense with their roster, bringing back Kayla Thornton, who has had many successful seasons in the league.

  1. BNK Sum – Damiris Dantas
  2. Shinhan Bank S-Birds – Alanna Smith
  3. KEB-Hanabank – Myisha Hines-Allen
  4. Woori Bank Wibee – Reshanda Gray
  5. Samsung Life Blue Minx – Lynetta Kizer
  6. KB Stars – Kayla Thornton

Las Vegas Aces Ji-su Park Named WKBL Round 1 MVP

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Ji-su Park is currently 10th in scoring and 3rd in rebounding this season.

October 26, 2018

WNBA rookie Ji-su Park is off to a great start in her home country being named MVP of the first round of play in the Korean League. Park led her team to a 5-1 start while averaging a double double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. KB Stars currently sit in second place just behind defending champions Woori Bank. Her time spent in the WNBA looks to be paying off as she has been more physical and a more all around player. She averages almost 5 assists as a center. Her work this season will pay dividends when she returns to the Aces this summer more prepared for play in the W.

Korean League 2018-2019 Round 1

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November 5, 2018

The new format Korean League kicked off last week with last year’s champion Woori Bank remaining the team to beat. This season the Korean League decided to cap their foreign players to just one per team. In it’s most recent years each team fielded two foreigners. Foreigners suiting up this season are, Cheyenne Parker for KEB Hana Bank, Aisha Sutherland for Samsung, Shekinna Stricklen for Shinhan Bank S-Birds, Kayla Thornton for KB Stars, Damiris Dantas for OK Savings Bank and Krystal Thomas for Woori Bank. Thomas and Parker are the only two players without Korean League experience. KB Stars were the only team that selected a guard in this year’s draft. They were able to do so because they have 6’5” Korean League star post player Ji-su Park who made her WNBA debut last season for the Las Vegas Aces. There is one game everyday except for Tuesdays. The season will run from November 3rd through March 29th.

November 3, 2018

Woori Bank vs. Shinhan Bank 70-45

The season opener began with the defending champs Woori Bank taking on Shinhan Bank. Woori picked up where the left off thrashing Shinhan by 25 points. Shinhan kept the first half close, holding Woori to just eight points in the second quarter and headed into the half down by only six points. But in the third Woori Bank turned up their defense and held Shinhan to four points for the quarter. Shinhan Bank only scored 13 points in the second half which lead to their demise. Krystal Thomas led the way for Woori with a double double of 21 points and 16 rebounds. Park Hye-jin finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in the win. Shekinna Stricklen lead the way for the S-Birds finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. No other player scored in double figures for Shinhan. PHOTOS

 

November 4, 2018

KB Stars vs. Samsung 60-55

KB stars, who lost in the finals last season began their 2018-19 campaign at home against Samsung. Narrowly escaping with a five point win, KB found themselves down by 11 points at the half. The second half was a different story as KB held Samsung to a measly 6 points in the third quarter and 7 in the fourth. It was their defense that held Sutherland to just 2 points for the game on 1-6 shooting. Thornton was unstoppable finishing with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Park Ji-su was held to only four points but pulled down 10 rebounds for the winners. Kimberly Robinson led the way for Samsung with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. PHOTOS 

 

November 5, 2018

OK Savings Bank vs. KEB Hana 89-85

Ok Savings Bank are the new owners of former cellar dwellers Winnus KDB who started the season on a high note with a win at home against KEB Hana. Savings Bank controlled the first half taking a ten point lead into halftime. KEB fought back cutting their deficit to just one point after an explosive 29 point third quarter. Hana kept it close but were unable to steal the win on the road. Damiris Dantas led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Three other players scored in double figures for OK Savings. Parker led the way with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Hana who saw five players score in double figures. PHOTOS

 

Standings

  1. Woori Bank 1-0
  2. KB Stars 1-0
  3. Ok Savings 1-0
  4. Samsung 0-1
  5. Shinhan 0-1
  6. KEB Hana 0-1

 

 

 

2018 WKBL Draft

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June 18, 2018

The draft was conducted on Tuesday morning in South Korea while it was still Monday night in the United States.  An even bigger change was made in the league format this year with the number of foreigners per team decreasing from 2 to 1, leading to a decrease in the size of the draft.  That did not do much to change the popularity of the draft as 115 players applied for the 6 spots.  The non-playoff teams were put into one pot and the playoff teams were put in the other pot as the pick orders for each half were determined by lottery.  KEB hopped above KDB to land the first pick while there was no change in order for the last three picks.

As was the case last year, the draft was broadcast on the league’s Facebook page:

Lottery

Draft

With each team only getting one player, the days of teams being able to pick players of different positions or styles were no longer possible.  KEB opted for Cheyenne Parker first as a player who is likely to be able to do everything required of a foreign player in the new system.  KDB Life opted for Damiris Dantas after her successful season in this league.  Samsung Life also went with experience in the league and more versatility as they picked Tianna Hawkins.  The trend for experience continued with Shinhan Bank picking Natalie Achonwa.  All eyes were on the next pick with Korea Bank having the greatest flexibility and they opted for another player with history in the league in Kayla Thornton.  The champions had the last pick and they drafted Krystal Thomas to try to maintain their dominance.

  1. KEB-Hanabank: Cheyenne Parker
  2. KDB Life Winnus: Damiris Dantas
  3. Samsung Life Blue Minx: Tianna Hawkins
  4. Shinhan Bank S-Birds: Natalie Achonwa
  5. KB Stars: Kayla Thornton
  6. Woori Bank Wibee: Krystal Thomas

2018 Korean League Finals Game 1

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March 18, 2018

Woori Bank vs. KB Stars 63-57

The much anticipated WKBL Finals began on Saturday with first placed Wibee Woori Bank taking on second placed KB Stars. During the regular season KB took a 4-3 series lead over Woori. At the conclusion of the regular season Woori Bank replaced their foreign player Destiny Williams with Chicago Sky’s Amber Harris. Harris most recently played in the Chinese League which she finished in December.

Natalie Achonwa had a huge double double of 15 points and 17 rebounds in Game 1 of the WKBL Finals.

After winning the semi-finals in three games, KB only had one day to rest before the finals began. Meanwhile, Woori  were able to await their opponent as the first placed team automatically advances to the finals. In a sold out gym, where KB fans seemed to outnumber the home fans, the game did not disappoint. Woori Bank came out playing well, it was obvious that they were more fresh than KB as they held onto a six point lead after the first period. KB kept pace with the hosts in the second and cut the lead to four at the half.

Things picked up in the third where both foreign players are allowed to play at the same time. KB came out strong led by Monique Currie who led her team in scoring for the night with 18 points. At one point KB took the lead 40-37 with four minutes left in the third but Woori quickly went on a 9 to 2 run to recapture the lead heading into the fourth.

With a four point lead heading into the fourth, Woori were able to keep KB at a short distance. For every basket KB made, Woori had an answer. They were able to take advantage of KB’s turnovers and took a ten point lead with four minutes remaining in the game. KB fought back and cut the lead to three with less than two minutes to play but were unable to complete the upset. Natalie Achonwa was excellent for the winners as she finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds. Game two will be played in Asan, Woori’s home gym, on Monday the 19th. Check out some action shots from the game here.

 

Korean League Playoffs 2018

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March 13th 2018

KB Stars vs. Shinhan S-Birds  75-57

The Korean League (WKBL) began their playoffs on Sunday March 11th. The top three teams advance to the playoffs, while the first placed team automatically advances to the championship round. Woori Bank finished the season in first place with KB Stars and Shinhan S-Birds in second and third. Woori and KB sat atop the standings for the entire season where KB came close to stealing the first place position from Woori who have won the past six championships in the Korean League.

In the best of three series KB hosted Shinhan at home for game one. During the regular season KB had a 4-3 record against the S-Birds. In what most thought would be a competitive game, KB came out the gate on fire as they took a 25 to 12 lead to end the first quarter. In the second, Shinan kept the score close and KB took a 12 point lead into the half. KB picked things back up in the third and kept the game out of reach for Shinhan. KB saw four players score in double figures with Damiris Dantas leading the way with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Kim Damby lead all scorers for the S-birds with 12 points. KB hopes to end the series in two games to have more time to prepare for the championship round. Game two will be played on Tuesday on Shinan’s home court.

KB Stars Dantas 19pts 6rebs Currie 13pts 7rebs Gang Ajung 16pts Park Jisu 16pts 13rebs 6asts

Shinhan S-Birds Thornton 7pts 5rebs Gray 11pts 12rebs Kim Damby 12pts 5rebs

 

Korean League Round 2 Nov 19-23

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November 23, 2017

KDB vs. Shinhan Bank 55-64

KDB hosted Shinhan Bank Thursday night after both teams were coming off a loss in their previous outings. KDB has struggled in the interior as they have been playing with only one post player after losing their starter to an acl tear earlier in the season. Shinhan outrebounded KDB 35 to 55 which made all the difference in the game. Scoring only 22 points in the first half, KDB could not find their rhythm on offense without their leading scorer Jewel Loyd who missed the game due to injury. Things didn’t get much better in the second half for the hosts as they put on a valiant effort but still came out with another loss on their record. Kayla Thornton led the way for Shinhan finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

November 22, 2017

Samsung vs. KEB Hana 66-92

Playing another game without their star player Samsung really felt Thomas’ absence against KEB Hana; suffering their worst loss of the season in front of their home fans. After being down by just two points at the half Samsung was at a huge disadvantage during the third quarter as both foreigners are allowed to play together. Samsung, who have been without Alyssa Thomas for the past two games had to play with only one foreigner and it showed. KEB outscored Samsung 35 to 18 in the third and went on to win the game by 26 points. KEB had four players score in double figures while only Kayla Alexander scored in double figures for the home team.  [Read more…]

Korean League Round 2 Nov 15-18

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Damaris Dantas is averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds for KB Stars.

November 18, 2017

Samsung vs. KB Stars 73-83

Still without their leading scorer, Samsung faced a KB team looking to redeem their last two losses. KB Stars controlled the game from the start and played excellent until the fourth quarter when they allowed Samsung to outscore them 19 to 11. Despite KB’s lousy fourth quarter they were able to get back on the winning side of things. Damaris Dantas has been arguably the best player in the Korean League this season as she finished with a game high of 28 points and 14 rebounds. Samsung looks to be in trouble after losing Thomas to injury. They may bring in a replacement player to share the load with Alexander until Thomas can return. Now that both foreigners can play together in the third quarter Samsung are at a huge disadvantage having only one foreigner player available to play.

 

November 17, 2017

KEB Hana vs. Winnus KDB 78-82

KEB Hana found themselves on a winning streak coming into this game against a struggling KDB. KEB took a five point lead into the half but KDB went off in the third outscoring their opponents 28-12! KEB tried their best in the fourth to make up for their terrible third quarter but the damage had been done and KDB won their second game of the season! Jewell Loyd led the winners with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Gwathmy finished with a double double in the loss.

November 16, 2017

Woori Bank vs. Samsung 78-65

After a surprising start to the season, losing their first two games, Woori Bank has been a much better team each outing. Facing Samsung at home who were down their leading scorer in Alyssa Thomas, Woori Bank used a third quarter surge to seal the fate of the game. Samsung hung in the game for the first half and even found themselves with the lead but the second half was all Woori who saw four players score in double figures. Kayla Alexander who had to play all forty minutes of the game finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.

November 15, 2017

Shinhan Bank vs. KB Stars 74-70

After losing their first game of the season against KEB Hana in the last game of the first round KB Stars were back on the road against a Shinhan team who were desperate for a win. Shinhan started the game out much more aggressive than the visitors as they took an 11 point lead into the half. KB came out fighting after halftime and outscored Shinhan 11 to 20 in the quarter. They were only down by two points to start the fourth. Despite their efforts, Kayla Thornton was fantastic throughout the game. She led her team in scoring with a season high 37 points! Thornton made five of seven three pointers and had five steals on the night. After a hot start, Shinhan handed KB their second straight loss of the season.

 

Standings;

  1. Kb Stars 6-2
  2. Woori Bank 5-2
  3. Shinhan 3-4
  4. KEB Hana 3-4
  5. Samsung 3-5
  6. KDB 2-5

Korean League Round 1 Nov 12-13

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Both teams huddle up after a timeout in Asan.

Samsung vs Winnus KDB 88-70

The last two games of the first round of play were played on Sunday and Monday. Samsung took on KBD at home and Woori Bank hosted KEB Hana. KDB, who have only won one game so far this season was dealt a huge blown when one of their local post players suffered an ACL injury in their last game. Already at a disadvantage in the post before the injury, they now find themselves playing inside with an undersized guard. Not that this particularly would have changed the outcome of the game and the performance of Alyssa Thomas who has been dominating all season long. Thomas finished the game with 26 points, 22 rebounds and 7 assists in the 88-70 win. Samsung now shares second place in the standings. Samsung saw four players score in double figures while only two players saw double figures for KDB. Loyd led the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds in the loss.

 

Woori Bank vs KEB Hana 74-69

On Monday Woori Bank hosted a hot KEB Hana team that had won their last two games after starting the season 0-2. Both teams got off to a great start as they exchanged baskets for the duration of the the first and second quarters. With that, KEB was able to take a one point lead into the half. After the third KEB upped their lead to five but saw that quickly go away at the start of the fourth. Woori Bank turned up the heat in the fourth scoring 29 points to Hana’s 19. This made the difference in the game and the hosts were able to escape with the win. Gwathmy had a breakout game for Hana in the loss, scoring a season high of 18 points. She also had 10 rebounds to complete the double double. Woori Bank saw a balanced attack as four players scored in double figures lead by Park Hye-jin who had 21 points. Natalie Achonwa finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds.

Standings;

  1. Kb Stars 4-1
  2. Samsung 3-2
  3. Woori Bank 3-2
  4. Shinhan Bank 2-3
  5. Keb Hana 2-3
  6. Winnus KDB 1-4

Korean League Round 1 Nov 6-8

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KEB Hana celebrates their first win of the season.

November 8, 2017 

Shinhan Bank vs. KEB Hana 64-68

KEB Hana was the only team yet to record a win and they looked to be heading down the same road after finding themselves trailing by 18 at the half. However, a different team came out in the third quarter and KEB fought their way back into the game. Led by Jazmon Gwathmy who had a great third quarter, scoring 12 points, she helped her team win the quarter 28 to 9 and take the lead heading into the fourth! A sloppy fourth quarter by both teams in which they traded turnovers Isabelle Harrison took over and helped her team get their first win of the season.

Shinhan Thornton (30 min) 22 pts 8 rebs  Gray (19 min) 8 pts 6 rebs Kim Damby  (35 min) 21 pts 8 rebs KEB Harrison (31 min) 16 pts 14 rebs  Gwathmy (18 min) 12 pts Kim Damby (26 min) 17 pts

November 6, 2017

Park Jisu recorded her fourth double double in as many games.

KB Stars vs. Samsung 79-63

In a game that saw two undefeated teams meet for the first time this season KB was determined to avenge last year’s playoff departure at the hands Samsung. The highly anticipated match started out as many expect as both teams battled and ended up tied after the first quarter. The second quarter was all KB as they held Samsung to a lowly seven points for the quarter, taking a ten point lead into the half. The second half was all KB as they slowly pulled away from Samsung, leading by as many as twenty points at one point in the game. KB’s post play once again led the way as both Dantas and Park Jisu finished with double doubles. Samsung made a run but KB had too many weapons. The Stars are now the only undefeated team in the league at 4-0 with one game left in the first round.

KB Dantas (31 min) 15 pts 11 reb Currie (17 min) 10 pts 4 rebs Park Jisu (33 min) 19 pts 10 rebs 4 ast Samsung Thomas (28 min) 14 pts 8 rebs 4 ast Alexander (20 min) 8 pts 6 rebs Go Ara (40 min) 18pts 13 rebs 3 stls

 

Standings;

  1. KB Stars 4-0
  2. Samsung 2-1
  3. Woori Bank 1-2
  4. KEB Hana 1-2
  5. KDB 1-2
  6. Shinhan Bank 1-3