[점프볼=보령/송현일 기자] “I am well aware of the difficult reality that elite teams, including elementary schools, face. If the roots of Korean basketball are shaken, it will eventually be difficult for the WKBL (Korea Women’s Basketball League) to avoid negative impacts such as a decline in performance. The reason I came here today is to hear the voices of the field directly.”
WKBL Secretary General Ahn Deok-soo (51) announced this to our newspaper at the 2025 Korea Elementary Basketball Federation Leaders’ Training held in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province on the 9th. On this day, he served as a presenter at the ‘Expanding the Base of Elementary Basketball and Future Directions’ debate and exchanged opinions with elementary school leaders about the difficulties and future tasks in the field for about an hour.
President Ahn emphasized, “I understand that this is the first time that an elementary school basketball leader training session has been held. I am grateful to be invited to such a meaningful event. WKBL has also been continuously concerned about maintaining the foundation of elite basketball. Hearing the voices of elementary school leaders directly like today is very meaningful to the federation.” He added, “WKBL cannot solve problems in the field right away, but I think we can provide at least a little help if we at least have a clear understanding of them. I hope there will be more positions like this in the future.”
Currently, elite basketball, regardless of elementary, middle, and high schools, is facing difficult conditions overall. The number of players is decreasing every year, the amount of support is also decreasing, and the burden on coaches is increasing. In particular, elementary school basketball has reached a point where teams have to worry about their survival amid various restrictions. Additionally, with the recent rapid expansion of club teams, elementary school elites are facing another competitive environment.
President Ahn explained, “Starting from middle school, there are students who come to their students wanting to play basketball, but at the elementary school level, it is essential for the leader to directly discover their potential and develop them into players.” “These days, many children are introduced to basketball for the first time through a club, and when they show talent, they tend to start their careers as players in middle school. As such, a structure is being formed in which elementary school elites are relatively marginalized,” he diagnosed.
He also brought up his own experience. “I also used to be a player, then a coach, and then an administrator. If I hadn’t started playing basketball at Maesan Elementary School in elementary school, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I know the importance of elite basketball better than anyone else,” he predicted. “However, now is not the time for elites and clubs to turn their backs on each other. We need a structure that can create symbiosis beyond coexistence. I can’t present a specific model now, but in the end, we have to go in that direction so everyone can smile.”
WKBL first held the ‘2025 WKBL International Youth Basketball Championship WITH BNK Finance’ in Busan last August. Participation was opened to both elite and club teams, and teams from Japan and Taiwan were also invited, laying the foundation for international exchange.
President Ahn explained, “Although it was a competition hosted by a professional league, it was a meaningful attempt to invite elites and clubs together. If possible, we will continue to hold similar competitions in the future to support the dreams of elementary school and youth athletes. Our goal is to create a natural exchange environment so that neither area is alienated.” “As exchanges expand, a win-win model will naturally emerge,” he said. “There is no change in the idea that the elite should take the center stage, but if we find a good connection with the club, both sides will be able to develop in a better direction.”
In addition to holding competitions, the federation is considering various programs such as ‘Visiting Basketball Classes’ to strengthen the elite base. On this day, an elementary school basketball official asked, “Does WKBL have any plans to operate a player system like the KBL (Korea Basketball League)?” President Ahn responded, “We have reviewed it unofficially at the federation level. However, no conclusion has been reached.” He predicted, “If all six clubs have stable youth clubs, it is fully possible to introduce the affiliated player system.”
However, a cautious stance was taken regarding the direct connection with strengthening elementary school basketball. “It remains to be seen whether the affiliation system will be of real help to elementary school players. Since most athletes begin their careers in earnest in middle school, the elementary school stage may actually become a blind spot,” he said. “Even if a system is introduced, it is important to design a structure that can be understood by both elementary, middle, high school and professional players.”
President Ahn also pointed out the realistic problem of population decline. “Everyone must acknowledge that the supply and demand of players is becoming increasingly difficult. However, we must not lose sight of the resources available. There are many cases where players drop out during the transition from elementary school to middle school, and a motivation system is needed to prevent this,” he said. “That’s why we run basketball classes and camps where WKBL clubs visit. Teaching basketball well is important, but instilling dreams in young players is more important. The program that invites local students to home games is in the same context,” he said.
He finally said, “Japan and Europe have a deep-rooted culture of encouraging sports in daily life. Since Korea is in a structurally different environment, we have to find a solution to revitalize the elite in our own way. WKBL also ultimately receives players through elite basketball. We will continue to pay attention and consider support measures to protect the elite base beyond the success of the league.”
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