Incheon Shinhan Bank player Sakura Noguchi logged 40 minutes of play, recording 17 points and eight rebounds in her Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) debut. The performance fueled a 65-58 victory over league championship contender Asan Woori Bank at Incheon Dowon Gymnasium on November 4.
Noguchi, the team’s high-profile Asian Quarter signing, anchored a Shinhan Bank lineup that struggled to secure double-digit wins throughout the previous season. Her performance marked a significant turnaround for the squad, which finished at the bottom of the league standings last year.
Noguchi stands out in season opener
In a game defined by high-minute rotations, Noguchi and Woori Bank’s Lee Myeong-gwan were the only two players to play the entire 40-minute duration. While Lee contributed two points, six rebounds, and three assists, Noguchi’s production was not far behind that of Woori Bank’s star Kim Dan-bi, who finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.
Shinhan Bank head coach Choi Youn-ah credited the 25-year-old player for the win. There were questions about whether our offensive output would drop by bringing in Noguchi, but I believed we could become stronger if she handled the defensive side well,
Choi said. Noguchi’s strength was significant.
Noguchi brings extensive Japanese league experience to the team
Before moving to the WKBL, Noguchi competed extensively in the Japanese W-League. Over 161 career appearances, including playoff games, she averaged 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. Her statistical peak came during the 2023–24 season, where she averaged 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Standing 182 centimeters, Noguchi has demonstrated versatility in both shooting and driving to the basket. This proficiency was evident during the pre-season Park Shin-ja Cup, where she recorded an average of 15.7 points and 6.8 rebounds across six games.
Fans embrace Noguchi as the team seeks improvement
Noguchi, whose first name translates to “cherry blossom,” has earned the nickname “Haru,” meaning spring. Her demeanor on the court, characterized by consistent engagement and a visible positive attitude, has drawn significant attention from local fans. Following the season opener, her ability to maintain energy throughout the full 40 minutes served as a focal point for team supporters.
The win against Asan Woori Bank comes as Shinhan Bank looks to move past its recent status as the league’s weakest team.
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