An added interest in the WKBL

NEWCASTLE (Paul Nilsen's Women's Basketball Worldwide) - There are arguably two big reasons to follow the WKBL even more closely this season.

Firstly, because of the decision to double the non-Korean limit to two players per team which makes it slightly more cosmopolitan and much more appealing, and secondly, the fact that the national team stars who once again delivered at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship for Women by taking silver are all back and looking for big seasons in the build-up to 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women in Turkey.

The previous decision to not have any foreigners was understandable, since not many (if any) Korean players seem able to make a breakthrough in other major leagues and so the very limited (numbers-wise) of pro-spots in the WKBL needed to be protected in order to complete the important pathway for women's players in the country.

However, players obviously get better by playing both with and against better players and it was important that the WKBL re-opened its' doors to non-Koreans, since it is vital that they aren't too insular in their approach to developing the women's game - something they are keen to do.

The repetitive nature of the league due to the limited number of participants and shortened season between November and April means that having some kind of extra spice is absolutely essential.

The increase to two foreigners per team (even if they can never play together on the floor) is a welcome step and during the summer months, the appeal of the WKBL was highlighted by almost 70 players making an application to the 'WKBL Draft' - headlined by number one pick Tina Thompson who went to KDB Life Winnus Guri.

And, Winnus certainly don't lack experience, with Thompson teaming up alongside Korean do-it-all veteran Jung-Ja Sin, who was part of the silver medal success in Bangkok. However, they have had a tricky start, losing three of their first four games in a league which is beginning to actually look a little worryingly lop-sided already.

At least there is a battle royale developing already between KB Stars and defending champions Woori Bank Hansae, with the pair having played a combined nine games and each yet to taste defeat. I can't wait to see the outcome of when they go up against each other.

American Monique Currie fired a mammoth 29 points for KB Stars recently and was supported by 19 points from Yeon Ha Beon, a player who of course produced that scintillating display in the semi-finals in the Thai capital against China to send Korea into the FIBA Asia Final. Marissa Coleman is the other import player for KB who look like genuine Championship material during these early games.

Woori Bank Hansae have Sasha Goodlett and Noelle Quinn on their books, whilst experienced forward Yung Hui Lim is an absolute rock for the team and exciting guard Hyekin Park always offers a scoring threat from the perimeter.

Six time former champions Shinhan Bank S-Birds are doing their best to make up ground on the two early runaway leaders and they are relying on Shekinna Stricklen and Alana Beard, with the former having produced some huge numbers so far, including a 30 point haul recently.

Center Joo-Yeong Kwak provides a backbone in the paint too, whilst Yoon Ah Choi has put in arguably the best performance of the entire season so far with a triple-double of 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists.

Like Winnus, it's been a difficult opening for Samsung Life Bichumi who opted to take Ashley Robinson and Nikki Greene but have struggled to find any early form, losing four of their first five games.

Meanwhile Shinsegae One FX are propping up the rest, leaving Monica Wright and Nakia Sanford searching for an elusive first win - along with Korean national team forward Jung Eun Kim.  

Because of the intriguing situation of women's basketball in Korea which I have written about in recent months, I am now happily feeding on a much more regular diet of the WKBL and so far at least, it feels pretty good.

Maybe you should try it too.

Paul Nilsen

FIBA

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