Seoul Samsung Thunders head coach Kim Sang-sik has steered the club to an unexpected opening surge in the 2026–27 KCC Professional Basketball season, capturing five consecutive victories to match a franchise start not seen in 23 years, according to reports from South Korean sports media.
Seoul Samsung Thunders Defeat Five Opponents to Open the 2026–27 KCC Season
The Thunders opened their campaign by sweeping their first five fixtures, defeating Suwon KT 81–76, Anyang JungKwanJang 66–58, Goyang Sono 82–81, Changwon LG 93–86, and Wonju DB 95–92. This sequence marks the first time Samsung has won its opening five games since the 2003–04 season, when the team opened with six straight wins to establish the club’s record for opening wins.
Despite the start, Kim urged caution regarding the team’s early standing. “I am receiving a lot of praise, and people are reaching out from everywhere,” Kim told reporters. “It is still early. We do not know yet. Winning five games does not mean we are automatically going to the six-team playoffs. We must not get drunk on a five-win streak. We are not a team that can afford to do that. We must continue to show our potential to the fans.”
Overcoming Offseason Roster Losses and International Setbacks
The strong start arrives after a difficult stretch for the traditional powerhouse, which finished in last place for five consecutive seasons. The club faced significant roster depletion during the offseason. Lee Won-seok and Park Seung-jae both enlisted in Sangmu, the military sports unit, removing key rotation players. Meanwhile, Lee Dae-seong remains sidelined and rehabilitating an injury.
Foreign player recruitment also presented hurdles. Newly signed import player Derrick Williams opted to pursue an opportunity in the Greek League, forcing Samsung to terminate his contract in August before the club brought in Chris McCullough as a late replacement.
Kim Sang-sik Instills Discipline and Teamwork Following July Appointment
Appointed in July, Kim focused on building collective cohesion to steady the disjointed squad. “Basketball skill comes second. Teamwork is what matters first,” Kim explained, noting that he addresses any behavior contrary to team unity both on and off the court.
Kim acknowledged the limitations of the current roster while praising the players’ work ethic. “If you look at our squad this season, there may be unfamiliar names, so some people might view our team’s limit as low. But these players are definitely the future of Samsung. They practice tenaciously, late into the night, and ask the coaching staff endless questions,” Kim said. “My goal is still escaping the cellar. But if we work with a do-or-die attitude, I think we might be able to win one more game.”
Busan KCC Matchup Awaits the Unbeaten Squad
The Thunders will look to extend their run on the 21st when they face Busan KCC. Kim described the upcoming opponent as a demanding challenge. “They are a really tricky team. We will just work hard according to our training. There is no team we can take lightly,” Kim stated.
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