Pro Volleyball Allows Foreign Players

Foreign players will be allowed to play in the Korean pro volleyball league for the first time starting this season. Who are they and where do they come from? The following is a rundown on the foreign players in each team’s lineup this year:

LG Fire Insurance: Nickname: Kid; Real name: Gilma Nascimento Teixeira. A member of the Brazilian National Team from 1989 to 2001. Awards: Brazil Super League best attacker award, Brazil Super League MVP, South American Championship’s best defender award. “Kid” will take his position on LG Insurance’s right side, adding to its offense and defense. Height:193cm; Weight: 96kg. The 35 year old will need to watch his stamina in order to succeed.

Hyundai Capital: Sean Rooney. He is already popular. A Korean female fan proposed to him after an exhibition match. He played some beach volleyball this summer, partnering up with Brian Lewis, a U.S. beach volleyball star. He graduated from Pepperdine University and was twice awarded (2004, 2005) the Player of the Year award in the NCAA. Height: 206cm; Weight: 99kg; 23 years old. He has good attacks, but his defense is relatively uncertain.

Samsung Insurance: Nickname: “Aché”; Real name: Carlos Cesar da Silva. He was on the Brazilian National Team from 1998 to 2000. Awards: Best attacker, Japan’s J League in 2002. He has good attacks, but his weaker defense could pose a problem for the team’s manager Shin Chi-yong. There are also worries over new injuries that were found after his arrival in Korea. He will play on the left. Height: 196cm; Weight: 91kg; 33 years of age.

Korean Air Lines: Nickname: “Alex”; the real name of this former Brazilian National Team member is Langs Stragliotto. He shows more precision than power. He will likely play the left attacker position for KAL. He attacks with a fast tempo, but it is still doubtful how that will strengthen the team’s offense. The team’s manager Moon Yong-kwan will wait and see. Alex has played in Brazil and other South American countries. Height: 200cm; Weight: 90kg; 30 years of age.

Won-Hong Lee bluesky@donga.com