Orion Point Guard Starts Season on Fire

The Orions` Kim Seung-hyun (27, photo) will play this season with a flaming dragon tattoo on his right arm.

Last season, in a first for a Korean pro basketball player, Kim played with a tattoo of a flaming basketball on his arm. This year, he has added a dragon tattoo around it that holds the flaming basketball in its mouth instead of a magic pearl.

“Dragons are spiritual beings. My tattoo signifies that I will be with basketball forever," said Kim. Renewing his commitment with the tattoo, Kim Seung-hyun is playing like a rising dragon during the beginning of this season. In a game against Dongbu on October 21, he scored 15 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and handed out 9 assists. On October 23, he finished his game with KCC with a record of 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.

The Orions are on the rise after winning two straight games against Dongbu and KCC, who finished last year`s championship series in first and second place.

This season, Kim Seung-hyun` play is noticeably different in that he has accentuated his aggressive style and that he leads the team in hustle plays, defense and rebounds as well. As a point guard, he not only assists but scores, averaging 21 points and 8 rebounds a game despite his height of 178 centimeters. His positioning and focus have helped him overcome his height and get to the ball faster than anyone else.

Orions` coach Kim Jin complimented Kim Seung-hyun`s play and asked foreign players to "learn from him."

After this season, Kim, who can run the fast break and play inside as well as outside, will be eligible for free agency. His already drawing interest from other teams, but he said, "I will concentrate on this season and think about free agency later." With strong character and capability, Kim Seung-hyun is burning up the basketball court at the beginning of the season.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com