Samsung Life Insurance put a red flag on the ranking fight due to a series of injuries to key players. Lee Hae-ran’s rebound in the second half is absolutely necessary.
Yongin Samsung Life Insurance finished the first half of the Shinhan Bank SOL 2022-2023 women’s professional basketball in second place (11 wins, 6 losses). This is definitely a remarkable score. The joining of Kianna Smith, the step-up of young players, and the reliable Bae Hye-yoon harmonized, and it was placed at the top of the leaderboard, excluding the overwhelming ‘1st round’ Woori Bank.
However, a red flag came in the ranking fight in the second half. Injuries to Kiana Smith and Lee Joo-yeon have taken a toll on the starting lineup. Both players suffered serious injuries, making it difficult to return this season. It is Samsung Life Insurance that has to compete with the current players. The difference between 4th place (Shinhan Bank) and the last line to advance to the playoffs is also only 3 games.
While each player is desperately in need of an active performance, Lee Hae-ran’s step-up is especially urgent. Lee Hae-ran received a lot of expectations before the start of this season. He is a rookie who made his debut last season, but his quick feet and high activity showed good skills throughout the offseason. 메이저사이트
In particular, Hae-Ran Lee averaged 18.2 points, 7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in the last Park Shin-Ja Cup, and was selected as the MVP of the tournament. Throughout the tournament, he displayed excellent fast-breaking ability and rim protecting ability through blocks. In the MVP selection interview, Lee Hae-ran also expressed his strong determination to aim for the MVP of the future championship match.
The off-season good momentum continued until the beginning of the season, but it is an atmosphere that cannot rise again after a full break. Lee Hae-ran averaged 8.7 points, 50% field goal rate, and 4.7 rebounds in the first and second rounds, but averaged 3.4 points, 31% field goal rate, and 2.2 rebounds in the third and fourth rounds.
Confidence is urgently needed. At the beginning of the third round, Samsung Life coach Lim Geun-bae cited Lee Hae-ran’s defense to explain the decrease in playing time, but this led to a loss of confidence in the offense. The last double-digit scoring match should go back to BNK on November 28, 2021 (13 points).
Nevertheless, director Lim Geun-bae still has firm faith in Lee Hae-ran. Coach Lim Geun-bae announced the selection of Lee Hae-ran ahead of the last game of the first half and said, “This is a game where (Lee) Haeran has to stir up as much as he wants. Since he is still young, he himself is still feeling the pressure. He is beside me telling me to be confident,” he said, revealing his faith.
He must break the egg himself. As the team is in a difficult situation, if Lee Hae-ran succeeds in rebounding, it will be a ray of hope for Samsung Life Insurance. Let’s see if Lee Hae-ran can be the savior in the second half of Samsung Life Insurance, which is expected to go through hardships.