By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter
All-star center Seo Jang-hoon, who was considered the biggest prize in this year's free agent market, signed with the Jeonju KCC Egis Sunday to a four-year deal that will pay in 400 million won ($430,000) per year.
Egis, looking to rebuild the team after finishing last in the 2006-2007 season, also signed free agent point guard Lim Jae-yun to a five-year contract to add backcourt depth.
Seo, 33, earned the league's top salary of 470 million won last season with the Seoul Samsung Thunders but have seen his game slip considerably in the past years.
At Egis, the 2.07 meter big man will be reunited with his college point guard Lee Sang-min, a two-time MVP who never missed the all-star game through his 10-year career. Seo and Lee played together for three years at Yonsei University anchoring what is considered as the best college team ever that featured other future all-stars such as Woo Ji-won, and Moon Kyung-eun.
Egis appears to be a good fit for Seo, a consistent mid-range shooter, as he could be the centerpiece of a three-headed attack completed by Lee and small forward Choo Seung-gyun. Seo's presence would also strengthen the team's interior defense.
Seo, who has dominated Korean basketball throughout his career with his rare combination of size, athleticism and skills, has made the all-KBL first team in seven of his 10-year career.
Seo led the league in rebounds at 14 per game to go with an average of 25.4 points in his rookie year during the 1998-99 season, which was statistically his best year in the pros.
However, since averaging 22.1 points per game and 9.4 rebounds in the 2004-05 season, Seo has seen his effectiveness on the court diminish significantly, with his body slowing due to chronic back problems. Seo averaged 19.7 points during the 2005-06 season but his rebounds dropped to 5.8 per game.
Seo averaged 16.3 points on 4.7 rebounds last season, with the Thunders completing league play in a disappointing fifth-place finish.