Busan KCC head coach Lee Sang-min shouldered the blame for his team’s defensive lapses after a 79-85 home loss to the Wonju DB on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Busan Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, admitting he was thoroughly out-coached by his former assistant Lee Kyu-seob.
Defensive Miscalculations Against Wonju DB
Busan KCC entered Sunday afternoon’s fixture looking to extend a two-game win streak in the 2026–27 KCC Professional Basketball League season. Instead, the hosts stumbled to a 2–2 record as Wonju DB exploited tactical mismatches from the opening tip. Head coach Lee Sang-min conceded in his post-match press conference that he failed to anticipate opponent adjustments.
Lee Kyu-seob’s side abandoned their customary switch defense in favor of a big-to-big switching scheme. “I Kyu-seob prepared really well. They didn’t use switch defense the way they usually do; they only brought switches in big-to-big situations,” Lee Sang-min said. “We talked about it before the game, but it seems I took our preparation too lightly and got it wrong.”
Transition Defense Crumbles in the First Half
The tactical miscalculation immediately showed up in transition. KCC surrendered nearly 20 points in the first half alone, allowing six fast-break baskets and several open perimeter shots. Lee pointed to early scores allowed to Kim Bo-beom and Lee Yong-woo as turning points that let Wonju build a cushion.
Despite a stellar double-double performance from Heo Hoon—who finished with 22 points and 10 assists—and 15 points in the paint from Jang Jae-seok, KCC could not bridge the gap. Forward Louis King added 18 points before fouling out midway through the fourth quarter, extinguishing any hopes of a late comeback.
Roster Frustration and the Quick Turnaround
As the offense stagnated, frustration boiled over on the floor. KCC players picked up technical fouls due to mounting irritation over missed scoring opportunities. Lee noted that he addressed the emotional composure in the locker room after the final buzzer, where the players involved apologized for losing their cool.
With a 54-game regular season schedule offering little room to breathe, KCC hosts Suwon KT on Feb. 11, 2026, less than 24 hours after the final whistle. Lee stated that the team will rely on video sessions and quick player meetings to address structural flaws rather than physical floor practices ahead of the next fixture.
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