“Park Seung-jae, Park Seung-jae!” and “How nervous will he be?” The crowd roared as the rookie prepared for his debut on the bench. Park Seung-jae (22, 178.3 cm) took the court amid cheers from Wonju fans and made an impressive debut.
The Wonju DB won their 2023-2024 regular season home game against the Seoul Samsung 94-58 at the Wonju General Gymnasium on Sunday. The first-place DB extended its opening seven-game winning streak to three games over second-place Changwon LG, Anyang Jeonggwanjang and Ulsan Hyundai Mobis.

DB jumped out to an early lead with a 32-13 third-quarter run to take a 44-33 lead, which allowed them to use their bench extensively. It also allowed Park Seung-jae to make his debut at home. Park, a guard from Dongguk University, was selected as the seventh DB in the 2023 rookie draft.

After taking the court with 1:34 left in the third quarter, Park dominated the fourth quarter. His first shot from beyond the arc was off the rim, but he followed it up with a series of mid-range shots that lifted the mood in the gym. With his confidence growing, Park continued to run the court in the fourth quarter, making inbounds passes and back-passes for assists.

In total, Park played 11 minutes and 34 seconds in his debut game, finishing with six points (3-of-4 from the field), three rebounds, and three assists. The coaching staff said, “We told him to be ready, but he played better than we expected. We gave up a breakaway basket to Aban Nava right out of the gate, but (Park) Seung-jae did what he was told and defended. I told him he did a good job because the goal was conceded because his teammates didn’t work well together.”

Speaking about his debut, Park Seung-jae said, “I was lucky to be given the opportunity because my brothers opened up the gap. I’m glad I was able to repay the coach for giving me the opportunity. I was focused on not leaving any holes in the defense. The manager and the coaches encouraged me to play 2v2 and pass confidently. I received a lot of congratulations on my debut,” he said.

He also thanked his teammates. Park Seung-jae said, “My older brothers talk a lot of good things and take care of me. Captain (Kang) Sang-jae is my roommate, and he’s been especially attentive. ‘The professional world is a cold place. You have to seize the opportunity when it comes,'” he said. I remember him advising me to do personal training and think about basketball a lot.” 보스토토 도메인

After the game, he went to the stands and performed a dance at the impromptu request of the public address announcer. Although it was a “last-minute dance,” the crowd applauded Park for his rookie spirit on and off the court. Park said, “I’m a professional. I don’t push much, but I have to do what I have to do. Dancing was more difficult than basketball,” he laughed.
Park Seung Jae added, “The schedule is tight, so my brothers have to take care of their physical fitness. For that, I have to show my stability. I will prepare hard,” he said, looking forward to the next match.