Jeon Joo-won Takes Over as Asan Woori Bank Head Coach After 14 Years as Assistant

Cho Won-joo is stepping into the head coaching role for the Asan Woori Bank team in the Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL), bringing a 14-year assistant coaching background to the position. Ahead of the 2026–2027 season opening on Nov. 1, Cho emphasized thorough preparation and extensive experience from a 21-year playing career and a decade-and-a-half on the bench, according to a report by MK Sports.

Stepping Into the Head Coach Role After 14 Years as Assistant

Cho spent 14 seasons as an assistant coach under former head coach Wee Sung-woo, helping guide the Woori Bank program to consistent success. While retiring stars often transition immediately into top coaching jobs, Cho chose a deliberate path of preparation. In an interview ahead of the league’s opening, Cho noted that while some exceptionally talented individuals succeed without a lengthy apprenticeship, that path did not fit personal expectations. Learning under Wee, who secured 340 wins with Woori Bank from the 2012–2013 through the 2025–2026 seasons, provided invaluable experience in high-intensity training standards and game preparation.

Embracing the Weight of Ultimate Decision-Making

Transitioning from a player and assistant to the main chair brings a fundamental shift in responsibility. Cho pointed out that players focus on executing on the court, and assistant coaches support the staff, but a head coach must shoulder every choice related to the team. Because those decisions dictate the trajectory of the season, the weight of the position is distinct. Building trust within the roster remains a primary objective, with Cho emphasizing that mutual confidence among players is mandatory for any championship-caliber organization.

Roster Additions and the 2026–2027 Season Outlook

Woori Bank enters the new campaign listed among the championship favorites following the WKBL media day held on Oct. 27. The squad’s offensive depth received a significant boost with the addition of Kang Lee-seul, who recently helped lead the South Korean national team to a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Woori Bank is scheduled to play its opening match of the 2026–2027 WKBL season against Incheon Shinhan Bank on Nov. 4.