Along with Sangmu’s victory, Heo Hoon was selected as the best star in the D-League. They reciprocated the support of the fans who visited Icheon and cheered enthusiastically even during the daytime on weekdays.
Managing Director of the Armed Forces Athletic Corps beat Changwon LG Sakers 77-68 in the 2022-2023 KBL D-League final held at LG Champions Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do on the 27th and climbed to the top. It is the 12th championship in his career and the first D-League championship in four years since the first competition in the 2018-19 season.
Sangmu ran first in the D-League in the 2019-20 season and last season, but the league ended early and did not win the championship.
Hoon Heo was selected as MVP of the tournament. He led the team’s victory by leading managing directors such as Song Kyo-chang, Kim Nak-hyun, Park Jeong-hyun, and Yoo Hyun-jun, who boasted a brilliant composition.
Heo Hoon played 8 regular league games in the D-League this season, playing for an average of 30 minutes and 34 seconds, recording 15.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals. In the playoff against Korea Gas Corporation, he played 30 minutes and recorded 11 points and 3 rebounds. In the final, he played 40 minutes without substitution and recorded 26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals, including 3 3-pointers.
Hoon Heo said, “It’s true that we feel good about winning. However, since our strength is so good, we thought that winning the championship would be a natural result if we took the right mental state. Even before the game, we said we should focus on our strength because we were so good. It also felt good to receive the MVP. It’s good,” he said.
On this day, the MVP award was given by Kim Dong-yeol, Vice President of the Commerce Department. If Sangmu had not won the championship, a situation would have occurred where Sangmu’s deputy director gave an award to an LG player.
Hoon Heo said, “It’s terrible to imagine. It’s a big accident. The players said a lot that such a situation shouldn’t happen. We lost to KCC once in the D-League regular season, and that was an accident. It seems to have become a medicine. I am also grateful to KCC,” he laughed.
Sangmu, who led by 15 points in the first half, suffered from LG’s strong pursuit in the third quarter. Scores rarely came out and were chased by 4 points.
Heo Hoon pointed out, “It was physically difficult, and I think the reason why I didn’t go in the field was because of the lack of shooting practice. I didn’t have enough practice and stamina. I need to reflect and work harder.”
He emphasized that it could be a good opportunity for the development of players along with his affection for Sangmu.
Heo Hoon said, “It’s a really good place for self-development. The facilities are really good as well as the physical fitness room. In the pros, we play 54 games without a break and lead a stressful and exhausted life, but here you can exercise as planned without stress먹튀검증. Yes, I feel happy.”
Also, “It’s up to you to think. How you live your life for a year and a half is important. If you come in with a strong mind, you can show a better appearance when you are discharged. Everyone who enlists is an adult. You don’t do it because someone tells you to do it.” added.
This D-League championship is the first championship Heo Hoon has won since joining the pros.
He said, “Winning the championship itself is nice, but the feeling is not new. As I said before, our ability is very good. I received the MVP because all of my colleagues did well rather than I did well. The goal has not been achieved yet. The dream is a combined championship. If you are a basketball player, Of course, I will think that way. I really want to do it,” he said, revealing his dream of winning the KBL unification.
After completing the D-League schedule, Heo Hoon’s gaze is on his national team. Although the schedule and roster of the national team aiming for the Hangzhou Asian Games have not yet been announced, it is very likely that Heo Hoon will join. The Korean men’s basketball team’s head coach Il-seung Choo and coach Hoon-jae Lee also visited Icheon to watch the final game.
Heo Hoon expressed his determination, “If you are selected for the national team, you must focus on that. From now on, you must build your body and do well even if you go to the national team. As a soldier representing the country, I will do it with a sense of responsibility.”
On this day, many fans of Heo Hoon filled the stands in Icheon.
Heo Hoon said, “Thank you so much for always coming to see me from the beginning to the end of the tournament. I think I was able to play the D-League like a dream because of the fans. Thank you so much for coming to the stadium to cheer us on and supporting us with lunch boxes,” and ended the tournament with thanks to the fans.