Chun Joo-won's tears

Coach Chun Joo-won embraces a player after the Woori Bank Hansae won their first Women’s Korean Basketball League title in seven years at Yongin Arena in Seould, Tuesday. / Yonhap

By Jung Min-ho

When the Woori Bank Hansae won their first Women’s Korean Basketball League title in seven years Tuesday, tears poured down the face of coach Chun Joo-won who had a black ribbon pinned to her left chest.

In addition to jubilation over the 66-53 victory against the Samsung Life Blue Minx, Chun had another reason to cry as her mother died of a heart attack a day before the final match.

When Chun came to the venue, the Hansae players were surprised as she was supposed to be at the mortuary. But no one asked or cried until the final whistle released all their pent-up emotions.

Before the game, Chun called manager Wi Seong-woo to say she wanted to be part of the moment, noting that her mother always liked to see her at the court.

With their heart-broken coach cheering for them from the bench, the Hansae players found one more reason to win.

The manager said Chun’s presence at the court gave emotional backing to the players and coaching staff, noting he deeply appreciated her decision.

Powered by forward Tina Thompson’s 19 points and 14 rebounds, the Hansae kept the lead until the end of the match, bringing an end to its dishonorable record of finishing the past four seasons at the bottom of the table.

Blue Minx center Amber Harris fought back, scoring 24 points and getting eight rebounds, but that was not enough to pierce the determined opponents’ spirits.

Forward Lim Young-hui, who had points and seven rebounds, was named the Most Valuable Player of the season.

“I am so glad the team won the title after overcoming hardships. Most importantly, we are very happy that we can give victory to sad-hearted Chun,” Lim said. “When the match ended, players dashed to the court and hugged one another, and finally I felt, ‘Wow, we won.’”

“We cried together, and the tears reminded me of the hard time during training. When I saw Chun’s face, I just couldn’t stop crying.”

After the event, the Hansae players and coaching staff went to the Asan Medical Center Funeral Hall in Seoul with their trophy to offer their sympathies on the death of Chun’s mother.