Kang Dong-hee is having his best season this year, but the Dongbu Promy manager admitted he is “worried” ahead of the playoffs in the country’s top basketball league.
The Korean Basketball League wrapped up its five-month long regular season on Sunday, and now the top six teams are heading into the playoff series for the 2012 title.
The playoffs start Wednesday, when the No. 4 KCC Egis face fifth-placed Mobis Phoebus in a best-of-three series, while the third-ranked KT Sonicboom meet the No. 6 team, Incheon ET-land, on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters during a joint press conference of managers from the six teams held Monday at the KBL office in Seoul, Dongbu manager Kang said he felt anxious about the championship series.
“Last season, we lost in the finals, and two years ago we lost in the semis. I don’t want to miss the opportunity this time,” he said.
Expectations are higher than ever as Dongbu won the 2012 regular season title with a 44-10 record, the most wins in KBL history, finishing eight games ahead of runner-up Anyang KGC.
“But playing in the play-off series is different than the regular season. We can’t be assured the championship title,” Kang added.
The hard-nosed manager noted that he believes the key to his team’s success is in the physical condition of the players.
“We have two-weeks off until we play the semifinals, how the players keep their game condition will be crucial,” he added.
Meanwhile, KGC manager Lee Sang-bum said he was confident about the title race. The Anyang-side, which finished ninth last season, surged into second place this season.
“I believe we have a great chance at winning the title,” Lee added.
But KT Sonicboom’s Jeon Chang-jin admitted that his team has a tough schedule ahead. On Sunday the Busan-side beat the LG Sakers 73-69 to secure third place in the KBL league.
“It’s a difficult situation. Our players are tired, and suffering from many injuries. We don’t have high expectations, but will do our best until the end of the season,” he said
If the Sonicboom can fend off the strong challenge from Incheon ET-land, it will meet Anyang KGC in a best-of-five semifinal. Meanwhile, the winner of the other match-up will face Dongbu in the other semifinal.
“I think all six teams have a chance to win the title. We need to play at our best,” Kang added. (596story@heraldcorp.com)
