This is Choi Jun-ryong (KCC)'s first away game against SK after his transfer, but there will be no separate events such as bouquet giveaways.
Seoul SK and Busan KCC will play the second round of the 2023-2024 Cheong KwanJang Pro Basketball Regular League at the Jamsil Student Gymnasium on the 2nd. It was the first match of the season for both teams, which was postponed due to the gym rental situation at KCC.
It was also Choi Junyong's first visit to the Jamsil Student Gymnasium. Choi Jun-ryong, who was selected by SK as a rookie in the 2016 rookie draft, won the championship twice in seven seasons. In the 2021-2022 season, he also won the honor of MVP in the regular league. At the end of last season, he qualified as his first free agent and moved to the KCC.
Even after becoming an enemy, SK did not forget the memories with Choi Junyong. We planned a "welcome event" for players and coaches who were coming to other teams for the first time. Flowers, commemoration** and photoshoot** were prepared for Choi Junyong. On the 24th of last month, SK held the same event for DB head coach Han Sang-min during their home match against Wonju DB.
However, "Welcome Choi Jun-yong" was omitted. This is because Choi Jun-ryong, who received the details of the event through the KCC Secretariat, said, "I want to focus on the competition now" and expressed his will. Even during his time at SK, Choi was a fighter who insisted on preparing for the tournament and forgoing pre-tournament interviews and activities.
An official from KCC said, "Even after joining our team, we tried not to hold pre-tournament events as much as possible to prepare for the competition. "We are grateful to SK for organizing this event, but please understand that it is just a routine," he said. "Welcome Choi Jun-yong" was omitted because of routine rather than rejection.
In fact, Choi just said "welcome Choi Junyong" and cordially greeted his former colleagues and coaches. I also visited the SK YouTube shooting team and exchanged greetings.
Although "Welcome Choi Jun-ryong" was omitted, the match between SK and KCC, which has many superstars, is expected to take place when the stands are full, and stadium tickets will be sold out in advance. An official from SK said, "Tickets were sold out shortly after opening. SK's record-breaking home attendance this season is also of interest. SK's record this season is 5,202 in the opening game at home against Suwon KT.