Kang Isul’s hunt for outside shots continues. However, for the sake of the team, Kang Iseul must come alive.
Cheongju KB Stars met Bucheon Hanawon Q in the regular Shinhan Bank SOL 2022-2023 women’s professional basketball league held at Cheongju Gymnasium on the 1st and lost 70-80.
KB’s season can be divided into before and after joining Park Ji-soo (196cm, C). Before joining, he recorded 2 wins and 11 losses in 13 matches. Kang Iseul (180cm, F), Heo Yeeun (165cm, G), and Kim Minjeong (181cm, F) fought hard, but it was not enough. However, after Park Ji-soo joined, KB changed. broke a long losing streak Although he met Asan Woori Bank and lost, Park Ji-soo did not play at the time.
That’s how I spent the All-Star break. In the second half, KB’s upward trend increased. We won all of our first 4 matches. It was on a winning streak, but it wasn’t without worries. It is because Kang I-seul, who had been looking for outside shots since the first half, was still looking for outside shots. Isul Kang averaged 16.8 points during her 4-game winning streak. She excelled. However, her 3-point shooting success rate was disappointing.
Iseul Kang attempted 32 3-pointers and only succeeded in 9 of them. Her success rate was only 28%. She was a record that did not match the title of WKBL’s all-time best shooter. The field goal success rate was also not high at 42%.
In response, KB coach Gam Wan-soo said, “(Kang) Dew should be on the court a lot. He’s been rocking lately. So he used more,” he said. “I hope he has more confidence as he is the best shooter in our country. He left encouragement, saying, “I hope you don’t get discouraged because you can’t play, but believe in yourself and your teammates and feel comfortable.”
Nevertheless, Kang Iseul’s 3-point shot did not explode even in the match against Hana One Q. Iseul Kang attempted 8 3-pointers and only succeeded in 1. His final score was only 7 points. When Kang Iseul was tied up, KB’s attack power was also halved. As a result, KB failed in its 6-game winning streak. He met the weakest Hana One Q and lost the match.
Hana 1 Q intentionally marked Kang Isul with focus. Hana 1Q coach Kim Do-wan said, “In KB, Park Ji-soo, Kim Min-jung, and Kang I-seul score a lot. You can’t stop all three. (Park) Ji-soo said that it would be difficult even if they gave points. (Kang) Seul Lee will make it impossible for him to catch the ball. He will focus on blocking that side.” This defense made Kang Isul more difficult.
Iseul Kang scored his first point of the game with a mid-range jumper in the first quarter. However, since then he has only attempted 1 shot and has failed. It was a first quarter where he struggled with the opposing defense. In the second quarter, he moved more aggressively from the first quarter and took advantage of his shooting opportunities. He also made clever use of his teammates’ screens. However, all attempted shots missed. Kang I-seul, who ran for 7 minutes and 53 seconds, ended up scoreless.
In the third quarter, Iseul Kang continued to run and create shooting opportunities. And he made the first three-pointer of the game in the third quarter. This was a valuable goal to help the team pursue. However, Iseul Kang attempted six 3-pointers before that, and it was his first success. And it was the last 3-point shot of the game. 안전놀이터
Afterwards, Iseul Kang contributed to the team through rebounding. No shots were attempted. He also committed an attacker foul. It was a disappointing third quarter.
And in the 4th quarter, Iseul Kang did not play a big role. Although he put up two points, that was all. He was tied to the defense of opponent Kim Ye-jin (174cm, G). As Kang Iseul calmed down and Park Ji-soo fell out, KB’s attack became monotonous. Heo Ye-eun struggled, but allowed a tie and the game went to overtime. And Kang I-seul did not play a big role in overtime and could not prevent the team from losing.
KB now has eight games left. The difference between Incheon Shinhan Bank and Yongin Samsung Life Insurance, which are tied for third place, is 3.5 games. From now on, every match will be the final. However, if Kang I-seul’s three-point shooting continues, KB’s remaining season will not be easy. KB is in desperate need of a revival of Kang Iseul, who is experiencing a long outside shot slump.