Orion Guard Shows Grit in Playoff Run

Orion guard Kim Seung-hyeon (28, photo) benches himself during practices more often than usual. Facing important post-season games, his foot pain has worsened to a state where he cannot lift weights properly. Kim barely manages to familiarize himself with play patterns and carries on with shooting practice.

Ankle injury-

As fatigue settles in after a long race, the condition of Kim’s Achilles tendon started to worsen three weeks ago. Kim stays in games with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. But as time passes, his pain has gotten worse and his stamina has dried up. In three playoff matches against Dongbu, Kim has averaged of 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 turnovers, and 39 minutes of playing time.

Defeated by Samsung twice-

Kim’s playtime was cut down to 33 minutes in the semifinal match against Samsung. In that game Kim scored 10 points, grabbed 1.5 rebounds, and made 5.5 assists. Other than 6.0 turnovers he made, his play was thoroughly disappointing. His footwork slowed down due to the injury, and he was marked by Samsung guards Lee Jeong-seok and Lee Se-beom. Since Kim’s backup Park Ji-hyeon is in the military service, Kim has no choice but to carry on his game that’s getting more and more difficult. Orions suffered two losses as its star guard underperforms.

Free agent after the season-

Despite all his trouble, Kim remains determined to make a proper ending at the third round game against Samsung, which will be held on April 12 in Daegu. “I can’t end the season without winning a single game. I want to give the home crowd a taste of victory.” Kim will be a free agent after this season. While Orions plans do everything it can to renew their contract with Kim, several other clubs have been showing keen interests. This might be the last season Kim plays as an Orion. One way or the other, Kim wishes to give it a deserving ending.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com