Hong helps KB Stars to shine in WKBL

SEOUL (WKBL) – Aran Hong is continuing to enhance her burgeoning reputation as one of the new and exciting talents in Korean basketball.

The guard was a real success story at the FIBA World Championship for Women where she made her major tournament debut with her country and while Korea didn’t manage to claim a victory, Hong was handed more minutes than any other player.

It was a ringing endorsement of her progression and the 22-year-old has continued to mature and grow in influence domestically in the WKBL.

That was no better evidenced when Hong helped carry KB Stars to an eye-catching 71-55 success against table topping Woori Hansae – their second win against their high-flying rivals in as many games.

A week ago, Woori had only lost once all season and had 20 wins to their name, but KB Stars seem to now have their number, thanks in no small part to the helping hand of Hong.

Her contribution of an efficient 14 points as well as five rebounds, along with 19 points from Shekinna Stricklen put KB stars on the pathway to victory and their best win of the campaign.

The triumph left KB stars in third spot on 13-10 in the standings and sandwiched between both teams are Shinhan Bank S-Birds.

They are still being propelled nicely by Danbi Kim, who continues to average more than 14 points per game and the S-Birds are fighting it out for a top three finish with Yongin based Samsung Life Bichumi, who can’t find any consistency.

Meanwhile at the wrong end of the standings, both Hanabank Bucheon and KDB Life Winnus have struggled to make an impression.

The latter still only has four victories to reflect on, while Hanabank are 6 and 18, despite having the considerable talent of USA rising star Odyssey Sims at their disposal. 

The guard scored 20 points for her team but couldn’t prevent a 78-68 loss against Bichumi last night.

FIBA