Veteran shooter Woo Ji-won announces retirement

By Yoon Chul
Staff reporter

Ulsan Mobis Veteran shooter Woo Ji-won announced his retirement, Monday.

``Woo Ji-won has decided to leave the court as a player. He will continue as an advance scout for the Mobis,'' a team official said.

Woo was a superstar for the Mobis, along with former Samsung Thunders guard Lee Sang-min, who retired on April 22.

The 37-year-old 3-pointer shooter led Yonsei University to the championship in the former basketball festival, NongGuDaeJanChi ― a predecessor of the Korean Basketball League (KBL) in 1993, the first time for a university over Kia, Hyundai and Samsung ― the predecessor of the Mobis, KCC Egis and the Thunders.

In his KBL 13 seasons he averaged 12.6 points with 2.5 rebounds. Woo is also named second in the list for most 3-pointers with 1,116 with 40.6 percent accuracy.

Woo, who debuted with the Incheon Daewoo ― now the ET Land Elephants ― in 1997 moved to the Mobis in 2002 and re-ignited his career.

In the 2006-07 season Woo was a key member of the side that was crowned regular season champions as well as winners of the championship series and received the sixth-man award.

In eight seasons, he helped the Mobis clinch the championship series twice and finish top in the regular season four times.

In recognition of his performances the Mobis decided to retire his number, 10.

``I have considered this for a long time. I lifted my side to the title last season as captain. I think this is the right time to retire,'' Woo said.

``I considered moving abroad to train to be a coach. But I think learning from my head coach Yoo Jae-hak is more valuable,'' added Woo.

Woo's retirement ceremony is scheduled at the home game opener of the 2010-11 season.