In a move that has sent ripples through the world of professional basketball, guard Heo Hoon, 30, has officially joined Busan KCC. Leaving Suwon KT after seven seasons, Heo Hoon signed a five-year contract worth ₩800 million, comprising an annual salary of ₩650 million and an incentive of ₩150 million. The driving force behind this decision? A singular,unwavering goal: to secure a championship.

The Championship dream

At a press conference held at the KBL Centre in Seoul, Heo Hoon made his intentions crystal clear: There is only one reason, only for the championship. This ambition weighed heavily on his decision, as he explained, I would regret it if I retired without a winning ring. Despite individual accolades, including a regular league MVP award in 2019-20 and three assist king titles (2019-20, 2020-21), team success had eluded him. KCC, with its storied history of six championships, including those from the General Motors era, presents a compelling opportunity to finally achieve that elusive title.

A Family Affair and a Familiar Reunion

The connection to KCC runs deeper than just championship aspirations. Heo Hoon’s father, Huh Jae, a legendary figure in Korean basketball, served as the team’s head coach for a decade (2005-15). This familial link added another layer to the decision-making process. I had a role of my brother, but I finally chose it, Heo Hoon stated, acknowledging the influence of his family.Furthermore, the move reunites him with his brother, Heo Woong, after 11 years since their time together at Yonsei University. He expressed confidence in their on-court chemistry, saying, There is no problem in breathing for a lot of games as I was young.

building a Contender

Heo Woong echoed his brother’s sentiments, emphasizing the prestige of KCC and his own desire for a championship. I also wanted to have a headquarters tower, and I wanted to come to KCC because I knew it was a prestigious team, he said. With the addition of Heo Hoon, KCC is solidifying a formidable lineup that includes Heo Woong, choi Joon-yong, 31, and Song kyo-chang, 29. This revamped roster has quickly positioned KCC as a strong contender for the upcoming season, a meaningful improvement from their ninth-place finish in the 2024-25 season.

Addressing a Weakness

Lee Sang-min,a key figure in KCC’s management,highlighted the strategic importance of acquiring Heo Hoon. Our team’s weakness was a guard, and I brought the best guard in Korea and reinforced it, he explained. This move is seen as a crucial step in addressing a critical gap in the team’s composition and elevating their overall competitiveness.