Former KBL Star Jung Hyo-Geun’s Emotional Return to Basketball: ‘Playing in Front of Windy Fans with Beloved Teammates Is Pure Joy

Wonju DB Promy Retains Veteran Forward Jung Hyo-geun in Two-Year Deal

The Wonju DB Promy have solidified their frontcourt depth for the upcoming Korean Basketball League (KBL) season, officially announcing the re-signing of veteran forward Jung Hyo-geun. The two-year contract, confirmed by the club on May 30, 2026, carries a total compensation package of 360 million won (KRW).

This move is part of an aggressive offseason strategy for the Promy, who are looking to bounce back after a 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish third in the regular season with a 33-21 record, only to be swept in the six-team playoff round by the Busan KCC Egis.

A Proven Presence in the Paint

Jung Hyo-geun, who entered the professional ranks as the third overall pick in the 2014 KBL draft, has become a cornerstone of the Wonju rotation. Over a decade of professional play, the forward has appeared in 456 games, maintaining career averages of 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds. His production remained steady during the most recent season, where he averaged 9.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 25 minutes and 50 seconds of action in 38 appearances.

For head coach Lee Kyu-sup, the decision to retain Jung was rooted in the player’s versatility and leadership. “Jung is a big man with many advantages,” Lee stated. “As a veteran, I expect him to keep the team centered. I am grateful to the front office for finalizing the deals for our core players and the new acquisitions.”

Strategic Offseason Rebuilding

The re-signing of Jung is just one piece of a larger roster overhaul for Wonju. The team has been active in both the internal and external free agency markets. Alongside Jung, the club successfully retained guard Choi Sung-won, ensuring that key contributors from the previous season remain in the fold. To bolster the roster, the Promy also secured the signings of outside free agents Lee Yoon-gi and Jo Eun-hu.

The urgency to strengthen the roster follows the disappointment of the most recent postseason. While the team boasted a top-three finish in the regular season, the decisive exit against the “Super Team” Busan KCC highlighted the need for greater depth and tactical flexibility. Management has made it clear that the goal for the upcoming season is to move beyond the semifinal stages and compete for the league championship.

Player Perspective: Commitment to the ‘Windy’ Fans

Following the official announcement, Jung expressed his enthusiasm for continuing his career in Wonju. “I am happy to be able to work with my great colleagues again,” Jung said. “I am particularly happy to play basketball in front of our ‘Windy’ fans who always cheer for me and support me. I will do my best to help the team achieve even better results.”

Key Details of the Transaction

  • Player: Jung Hyo-geun (Forward)
  • Contract Terms: 2-year deal
  • Total Compensation: 360 million KRW
  • Career Milestone: 456 games played over 10 seasons

What’s Next for the Promy

With the core of the roster now established, the Promy will turn their attention to off-season training camps and the integration of new signings. The team remains committed to building a squad capable of navigating the rigors of the KBL playoffs, with an emphasis on defensive consistency and veteran leadership. Fans can expect further updates on the team’s training schedule as the league prepares for the upcoming season’s tip-off.

For the latest updates on KBL roster moves and team news, stay tuned to Archysport.

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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