Daniel: Monster Rookie’s Inspiring Journey | JoongAng Ilbo

A ‘monster rookie’ reminiscent of Kang Baek-ho, the main character of the cartoon ‘Slam Dunk’, has appeared in the Korea Professional Basketball League (KBL). The protagonist is Eddie Daniel (18), who graduated from Yongsan High School earlier this month and joined the Seoul SK Knights. He joined the KBL early in May of last year through being the first player to be nominated by an ointment, and was a ‘baby star’. SK recognized his potential early in 2019, when he was in the 6th grade of elementary school, and six years later, the boy wore the SK uniform, leaving behind numerous love calls from universities. Daniel, whom I met on the 23rd, smiled shyly and said, “I went to the graduation ceremony and even teachers and parents asked for photos and autographs, so I was proud.”

Daniel’s appearance is so overwhelming that it’s hard to believe he’s a teenager. Even SK coach Jeon Hee-cheol stuck out his tongue, saying, “He is 192cm tall and weighs 97kg, but his skeletal muscle mass is only 52kg. It’s enough to break the opposing center’s screen with his body.” Body fat percentage is 6-7%, the level of a world-class bodybuilder. He is a ‘blessed physique’ inherited from his African-British father.

Although he looks exotic, he has unmistakable Korean taste. This is because he was born in Korea and grew up under the care of his grandparents. When asked what his favorite food was, he chose kimchi stew without a second of hesitation and replied, “There is nothing to choose from, including pork belly and kimchi stew, as well as skate samhap and live octopus.” When asked about his English skills, he scratched his head and said, “I’m studying using a self-study app, but I’ve been busy these days, so my level has plummeted.”

‘The First Slam Dunk’. On the left is Kang Baek-ho. On the right is Seo Taewoong. [사진 에스엠지홀딩스㈜]

Daniel, who joined the team last month, is an ‘energizer’ on the court. As his colleagues say, “Daniel seems to be everywhere,” he energizes the team with his tenacious defense without any hesitation. With his quick feet, he is also playing the role of a ‘special firefighter’ who is in charge of marking the league’s leading shooters such as Yoo Yu-sang (LG) and Myung-jin Seo (Hyundai Mobis). In the game against Busan KCC on the 25th, he tied up the opposing ace, Heo Hoon, and played a key role in the 102-72 victory. Fans feel the scent of Kang Baek-ho as he throws his body around the court, but he actually has a different goal. “Kang Baek-ho is good, but my role model is Seo Tae-woong. I want to become a clear ace who can save the team in times of crisis.”

The record also proves infinite potential. From the DB game on the 13th to the Mobis game on the 22nd, he scored double-digit scores in three consecutive games. The playing time, which was about 10 minutes, is now approaching 30 minutes. In the last five games, he has played an average of 21 minutes and 8 seconds, scoring 10.8 points and 3.2 rebounds. In the All-Star Game 1-on-1 contest, he won the championship by beating his seniors and colleagues one after another, showing off his ability to break through without knowing it.

The homework is the precision of outside shooting. He said, “The tempo during my high school days and as a professional is completely different. There is a difference in my heart rate when I shoot,” and expressed his determination, saying, “I have been shooting 1,000 shots a day since joining the team, and I am still trying to hit 500 shots a day.”

At home, he is called ‘Seongharang’, named after his mother’s last name. As the name ‘God’s love’ suggests, it is lively yet deep. The club suggested, “Why don’t you dye your hair red like Kang Baek-ho?”, but he politely declined, saying, “I don’t think I can handle it yet.” The intention is to be recognized for one’s skills rather than one’s outstanding appearance. His eyes are already looking higher. “I will challenge for round MVP within two years and the youngest MVP within five years.”