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Basketball legend Seo Jang-hoon retires

By Yoon Min-sik

Korean Basketball legend Seo Jang-hoon played his last game in the Korean Basketball League on Tuesday, leading his Busan KT to an 84-79 victory over Jeonju KCC in Busan.

The 39-year-old veteran -- whose dominance on the court is well expressed by his nickname “Goliath” -- capped off his career with somewhat of a bang by scoring a season-high 33 points. It was a consolation prize to Busan fans disappointed by the team’s lackluster season.

After the game, the center bid farewell to the fans that filled Sajik Stadium.

“Thank you so much for giving me overwhelming support for over 20 years. I have always tried my best, but I’m sorry that I’ve failed to fulfill your expectations,” a tearful Seo said.

“I would not be here if it weren’t for my parents’ love and sacrifice. I’d like to thank my family, the organization of KT, and my teammates. It has been an honor to play with them.”

Seo Jang-hoon had been an unstoppable force since the mid-1990s, when he took the court against the best players in the country.

As a freshman at Yonsei University, he led his team past other college teams and semi-pro teams to win Korea’s biggest ProAm tournament, Nonggu Dae Janchi (Grand Basketball Festival) in 1994.

As Korea did not have a true professional basketball league at the time, Nonggu Dae Janchi was the most prestigious basketball competition in the country. By winning the tournament, the then-20-year-old center became a household name.

Seo’s team had no equal. In the 1996-97 season, Yonsei University won 44 consecutive victories, and in 1997, the team swept every single opponent in the Nonggu Dae Janchi.

Goliath carried on into the pro league. While the KBL is a league dominated by foreign players, Seo always held his ground and overpowered his matchups.

He led the league in rebounds in his rookie season, and averaged more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game for four seasons. No other Korean has ever recorded 20-10 for a season for won a rebounding title.

Seo won MVP twice and led his team to a championship as many times as well.

He was the first Korean center who combined size, strength and skills. At 207 centimeters, he was among the tallest players in Korea, but he could run and jump as well.

He was not just a brute force, either. In 2007, he became the tallest player ever to participate in the three-point shootout at the KBL all-star weekend. He lost by a point to Dontae Jones in the finals.

In spite of his basketball skills, Seo was never a fan favorite. Many fans criticized Seo for complaining to the referees too much, and Seo’s intimidating game face did not appeal either.

In the latter part of his career after his athletic abilities were severely compromised by injuries and age, people started bashing him for taking too many three-point shots and being a poor defender.

Despite the criticism, Seo’s contribution to Korean basketball is irreplaceable. He was the first Korean big man to truly dominate the league and his legacy remains largely unchallenged.

He is the record holder for the most points and rebounds in KBL history with 13,231 points and 5,235 rebounds.

The runners-up in the respective categories, Choo Seung-gyeun and Johnny McDowell, have long left the league.

When his country called on him, Seo never backed down: He played on the national squad for 13 years.

The 2002 Asian Games were a moment to remember for him. Seo battled supremely talented Yao Ming of China and helped his team win the first Asian Games gold medal in 20 years. His contributions earned him the nickname “National Treasure.”

As Seo hangs up his sneakers, people are debating who can take his place as the next premier big man. Youthful centers Ha Seung-jin and Oh Se-geun are among the candidates, but they have yet to demonstrate the on-court presence of Seo.

Goliath has left big shoes to fill. (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)