Park Ji-su’s KB and the Challenge of the Remaining Five Teams
The 2025-2026 Women’s Professional Basketball season is set to begin on the 16th, with one of the most anticipated topics being the return of Park Ji-su. A four-time WKBL (Women’s Korean Basketball League) regular league MVP, Park Ji-su has made a comeback after spending the previous season in the Turkish League with Galatasaray.
Cheongju KB, which finished fourth in last season’s regular league, has now become a strong contender for the championship following Park Ji-su’s return. Widely recognized as one of the best centers in domestic history, her presence significantly boosts the team’s chances of success this season.
Park Ji-su was the center of attention at the new season’s media day, held at the Mayfield Hotel in Seoul on the 10th. During the event, the WKBL released survey results from 542 basketball fans, 103 players, and 49 media members.
According to the survey:
- 45.8% of fans believe that Cheongju KB will win the championship.
- 60.2% of players support the same prediction.
- 75.5% of media members also see KB as the top favorite.
In the MVP poll, Park Ji-su received overwhelming support:
- 28.2% of fans voted for her.
- 40.8% of players selected her as their choice.
- 61.2% of media members ranked her as the top candidate.
This is higher than last season’s MVP, Kim Dan-bi of Woori Bank, who received:
- 25.1% of fan votes.
- 31.1% of player votes.
- 18.4% of media votes.
During the media day, Park Ji-su shared her thoughts on the upcoming season. She said, “I nominated my teammate Heo Ye-eun (guard) as the MVP candidate. She has improved so much in just one year.” She also mentioned the challenges she faced during the off-season: “I often got injured while preparing for the season. Fighting against injuries will be crucial.”
KB coach Kim Wan-su addressed the team’s position as the championship favorite. He stated, “Being named a championship favorite brings both pressure and confidence. We will strive to meet expectations.” His words reflect the high level of anticipation surrounding the team this season.
Key Players and Team Dynamics
With Park Ji-su back on the court, Cheongju KB has redefined its strategy and expectations. The team’s focus will likely shift toward leveraging her experience and leadership. Other key players, such as Heo Ye-eun, are also expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s success.
The remaining five teams in the league face significant challenges in competing with KB. Each team will need to bring their best performance to challenge the reigning favorites. This includes improving their defensive strategies, enhancing offensive plays, and ensuring consistent performances throughout the season.
Fan and Media Reactions
The survey results highlight the widespread belief that Cheongju KB is the team to beat. Fans, players, and media members alike have expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure the championship. This sentiment is not only based on Park Ji-su’s return but also on the overall strength of the roster.
Media coverage has been extensive, with many analysts discussing the potential impact of Park Ji-su on the league. Her presence could lead to increased viewership and interest in the women’s professional basketball scene.
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Cheongju KB and Park Ji-su. Their performance will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. The competition promises to be fierce, with each team striving to make their mark in the 2025-2026 season.
For the other teams, the challenge is clear: they must rise to the occasion and prove that they can stand up to the reigning favorites. With the right strategies and execution, anything is possible in the world of professional basketball.