“Completing the Futures League on my own is more memorable than winning the championship.” It was a word that could feel Park Ji-eun’s (28, 183cm) thirst for basketball.

Park Ji-eun leaves Cheongju KB Stars. Park Ji-eun, who obtained FA qualification at the end of the 2022-2023 season, decided to retire in the third round of FA negotiations with his original team. It was a disappointing result for KB Stars, who were optimistic about signing a contract with Park Ji-eun.

Park Ji-eun played an average of 8 minutes and 18 seconds in 16 games last season. He was still useful as Park Ji-soo’s backup, but he chose to retire. An official from KB Stars said, “I had a strong will. He had a lot of thoughts that he wanted to play a lot, and he seemed to think that it would be difficult in the pros. We also thought about it from the player’s point of view, but it was regrettable.”

Park Ji-eun laughed, saying, “People around me say they feel sorry for me, but I don’t think there will be anyone as sad as me.” He was trusted by the club, but he didn’t play a lot and was tired of sitting (on the bench). I decided to try something new that I hadn’t done before.”

Park Ji-eun, who was nominated in the 4th overall at the 2014 New Player Selection Ceremony, has built her career at KB Stars. He played in 76 regular league games, averaging 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds in 5 minutes and 29 seconds. He played all seasons as a backup, but also experienced two unified championships (season 2019-2020, season 2021-2022).

Wouldn’t the most memorable memory of KB Stars be winning? When asked about this, an unexpected answer came back. “I thought winning would be the most memorable, but it wasn’t. Going through the Futures League on my own is more memorable. I had a lot of fun playing against the Futures League players.” Park Ji-eun says:

His thirst for basketball was so great, and Park Ji-eun is planning to join an unemployment team to quench it. Negotiations with the unemployment team are at the final stage. Park Ji-eun said, “I remembered the time when I had fun playing in the Futures League. He thought that it would be nice to play on a big stage, but it would not be bad to have fun playing basketball on an unemployed team where I could be the main player. It is by no means a decision taken lightly. People around me worried and dissuaded me, but I thought this would be better.” 먹튀검증

There were often cases of returning to WKBL through the unemployment team. Park Ji-eun also said, “If the opportunity arises, I don’t think I will refuse. I wonder if they will think positively.”

Even if he can’t return to WKBL, the important thing for Park Ji-eun is not the signs of being a professional or unemployed. For him, the priority was the desire to stand on the court even a little longer. It is not an exaggeration to say that Park Ji-eun’s basketball is just beginning, although she has retired from the professional stage.