Park Se-jin (renamed Han Jun-young) was a promising center at Yongsan High School. As an orthodox center, his strength was his strong under-the-basket play. After entering Hanyang University, he didn’t show much presence, but his skills grew rapidly from his third year. In 2016, his senior year, he averaged 16.7 points and 10.3 rebounds in the college league. On May 30 against Jungang, he achieved the first 40-20 record in the college league with 40 points and 20 rebounds. As a result, he was selected by Jeonju KCC with the ninth pick of the first round in the 2016 KBL Rookie Draft, dubbed the Golden Generation.
But there was no place for Park in the professional ranks. Until last season, he only played an average of 8 minutes and 6 seconds in 35 regular season games. Since the 2018-2019 season, he hasn’t made a first-team appearance. He stayed mainly in the D-League, where he averaged 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19 minutes and 38 seconds in six games last season.
Park, who became a free agent for the first time in his career after the season, was unable to sign with any team during the free agency period, which ran from Aug. 8-22. But he didn’t give up. He has been working out at his alma mater, Hanyang University, and waiting for a letter of intent.
When we met before the 2023 KUSF 메이저사이트 College Basketball U-League game between Hanyang University and Kyung Hee University on the 24th, Park said, “I’m training with my alma mater after the season. As a free agent, I had nowhere to go, so I asked Hanyang’s head coach and coach to work out with me. The juniors are also helping me a little bit. They have a game today (April 24), so I came to the gym to support them.”
For Park to continue her career, she must receive a letter of intent. It’s a nerve-wracking wait, but he’s determined. He became a father last year when he got married, and he desperately wants to extend his career for the sake of his family.
“Honestly, my career has been cut off since I left the army. I didn’t have anything to show for it, so I had some expectations in the free agency market. That’s why I think it’s my turn to submit a letter of intent. Right now, I want to continue my playing career. If I don’t get picked up by any team, I’ll have to think about what to do.” Park said.
“I got married last year and am now the head of a family. I’m not good enough, but I have a family to take care of, so I’m even more eager. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an interview like this, and I think this is also an opportunity. Each team will have a plan A, B, and C, but I think I’ll be in D, E, and F. I’ve been working out with a lot of eagerness, so I’ll wait until tomorrow (the 25th).”
Park is eagerly waiting for the letter of intent while thinking of his family. Will he be able to play in the KBL next season? The period for submitting the letter of intent for free agency is until 12 noon on the 25th.
