Rookie of the Year Hong Yoo-soon (20, Shinhan Bank) expressed her dream of wearing the national team jersey.

The Korea Women's Basketball League (WKBL) held its award ceremony for the Hana Bank 2024-2025 Women's Professional Basketball Regular Season at 4 p.m. on the 24th at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel located in Yongsan, Seoul.

The star of the event was undoubtedly Kim Dan-bi. He swept the scoring title (average 21.10 points), rebounding title (10.90), blocking title (1.52), stealing title (2.07), as well as the Yoon Deok-joo Award given to the player with the highest contribution (964.45), the Best Defensive Player Award, and secured his ninth selection to the Best 5.

The coveted MVP also belonged to Kim Dan-bi. Leading the underperforming Woori Bank to the regular season championship, he received all 116 votes in the reporter poll, achieving the unanimous MVP he missed two years ago. This marks the sixth-ever unanimous MVP award in history. Until now, only Jeong Seon-min (2 times) and Park Ji-soo (3 times) have won the MVP without a single vote going against them.

Not only for Kim Dan-bi, but it was also an unforgettable and special day for Hong Yoo-soon. He became the final awardee for the Rookie of the Year, a honor that can only be experienced once in a lifetime.

Hong Yoo-soon, who joined Shinhan Bank as the overall first pick, played an average of 26 minutes and 18 seconds across 29 games in his first year on the Korean stage, recording 8.10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He made history as the first rookie to set a record of four consecutive double-doubles since WKBL's inception, announcing the arrival of a major rookie.

There were not no competitors. As the season progressed, Lee Min-ji (Woori Bank) and Song Yoon-ha (KB Stars) surged forward, creating a three-way battle with Hong Yoo-soon. Additionally, Shinhan Bank narrowly missed out on a playoff spot, causing a shift in momentum. Nevertheless, Hong Yoo-soon, who had been leading since the start, emerged victorious in the historic Rookie of the Year race.

Receiving the Rookie of the Year trophy, Hong Yoo-soon said, "This was an award I really wanted to receive. I feel so good to receive it like this. I think of many people I am grateful for. First, I would like to thank my coach who believed in me and gave me the opportunity, the coaching staff, the support staff from the office, my sisters, and friends, all of whom contributed to me receiving this award," adding, "I was worried about whether I could adapt well after coming to Korea, but everyone took good care of me, allowing me to adapt quickly. I will grow with more responsibility and show good performance next season."

■ Next is a Q&A with Hong Yoo-soon.

- The competition for Rookie of the Year was fierce. Did you expect to win? When did you feel that way?

I am so happy to receive the Rookie of the Year award. I felt a little (in terms of winning) when I recorded four consecutive double-doubles. I felt a bit anxious due to the competition with Lee Min-ji. However, my sisters told me not to worry. They said I would win. So I felt confident.

- What moment stands out the most? What would you say is the most decisive reason you won Rookie of the Year?

The moment I hit a crucial three-pointer in the game against BNK stands out the most. (Winning Rookie of the Year) seems to have been decisively influenced by the four consecutive double-doubles.

- This is your first experience in the Korean league. Was it difficult to adapt?

My sisters explained many things to me and taught me a lot during practice. They even took care of me on my days off. In that regard, rather than just one person, everyone helped a lot.

- You also expressed your desire to be on the national team.

If selected for the national team, I will be able to compete with players from other countries. I can grow even more in that aspect. I have a strong desire to be selected.

- Rika Tanimura is retiring at the end of this season. It seems you received a lot of help from her.

I had many discussions with Rika. I learned a lot about details, including passing timing. We synchronized well during games. I received a lot of help.

- What area do you want to improve the most next season?

I need to practice shooting more and throw three-pointers. I also need to increase my success rate. My one-on-one skills need to improve as well. I had many areas where I felt lacking in rebounding and defense this year. I need to do better in those parts too.

- Do you have any goals for next year?

I want to win the MIP (Most Improved Player Award). The Rookie of the Year award is the greatest honor for a first-year player. I wish to surpass that record and win the MIP.

[Photo] Provided by WKBL.