The Bucheon Hana OneQ is a classic underdog in women’s professional basketball. The team has been in the league since the 2012-2013 season after acquiring Shinsegae Basketball, which was disbanded by its parent organization after the 2011-2012 season, and has never made the playoffs since its inception.
In 2015-2016, the team reached the championship game and finished as runner-up, but their entire record was wiped out in the Chelsea Lee scandal that rocked the women’s professional basketball world, and in 2019-2020, 텍사스홀덤 the team cruised to a third-place finish, but the playoffs were canceled due to COVID-19. In the last two seasons, the team won just five and six games, respectively, and finished a dismal last place.
However, Hana OneQ is showing signs of change this season.
Hana OneQ has three wins (and six losses) in nine games this season. That’s still below the 5 percent win rate, but it’s already half of what they won last season. They are tied for fourth place with last season’s runners-up, Busan BNK, and only one game behind third-place Yongin Samsung Life (4-5). While it’s hard to catch up with ‘second-place’ Woori Bank (8-1) and Cheongju KB (7-1), the team is well positioned to compete for a top-four playoff spot.
There are two reasons why Hana OneQ has been different. The first is the presence of veteran Kim Jong-un, who has returned to his home team. Kim, who spent his prime with Hana One Q, moved to Woori Bank for the championship after the 2016-2017 season and won three titles before returning to Hana One Q as a free agent to finish his career.
Hana WonQ had been showing a pattern of playing well and then losing the game due to a series of mistakes in the deciding game, which led to a loss. In the process, the players also showed their lethargy, causing disappointment. However, with Kim Jong-un serving as the team’s centerpiece and inspiring the juniors, the fighting spirit of the Hana WonQ players began to emerge in every play. With ace Shin Ji-hyun staying healthy and center Yang In-young having a career-high season, the team has a solid foundation.
A stronger defense is also an important factor in Hana OneQ’s rebound. Last season, Hana OneQ gave up an average of 75.0 points per game, making them the No. 1 offense in the league. This season, however, they’ve improved dramatically to 63.3 points, a whopping 10 points less than last season. The team’s improved chemistry has been reflected in its defense.