Hong Yoo-soon (20, Shinhan Bank) has been selected as the best rising star for the 2024-2025 season.

The Korea Women's Basketball League (WKBL) held the Hana Bank 2024-2025 Women's Professional Basketball regular season awards ceremony at 4 p.m. on the 24th at the Seoul Dragon City Hotel located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The winners were determined in statistical categories, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Molten Rookie of the Year, Pocari Sweat MIP (Most Improved Player), the scoring title, and three-point title. Additionally, two new categories were established: the 'GTF Asia Quarter Player Award,' which is for Asian quarter players, and the 'Ticket Link Most Spectators Award.'

In the statistical sector, MVP candidate Kim Dan-bi secured four awards. He ranked first in four categories, recording an average score of 21.10 points per game, 10.90 rebounds, 2.07 steals, and 1.52 blocks. Kim Dan-bi enjoyed a 'career-high' season, sweeping the scoring title, rebound title, block title, and steal title.

The three-point title went to Kang Yi-seul, who made 64 successful shots, while the assist title went to Heo Ye-eun, who averaged 7.03 assists (both from KB Stars). The free throw title was claimed by Kim Sonia (BNK Some), who boasted a success rate of 82.69%, and the two-point title went to Lee Hae-ran (56.34%, both from Samsung Life Insurance). Heo Ye-eun and Lee Hae-ran both achieved their first statistical awards.

In the voting sector, Kim Dan-bi continued to be recognized. He recorded the highest contribution (964.45), received the Yoon Deok-joo Award, and secured the Best Defensive Player Award by obtaining 3 out of 6 votes from the technical committee composed of team coaches. The Exemplary Player Award and Sixth Woman Award went to Kim Jeong-eun (Hana Bank) and Jo Soo-a (Samsung Life Insurance), respectively.

The MIP winner was Kiana Smith. He received 17 votes out of a total of 34, narrowly defeating Lee Myung-kwan (Woori Bank) by just 2 votes. The best Asian quarter player title went to Nagata Moe (KB Stars).

The coach award went to We Sung-woo, who led Woori Bank to its 15th championship. Shifting the credit to the players, he noted, "I expected Lee Myung-kwan to receive the MIP, so I'm disappointed he didn't. There is no award I can give, but I will make sure this prize money (3 million won) is awarded," which drew a strong applause. Lee Myung-kwan also smiled brightly with a look of surprise.

The Best 5 consisted of center Bae Hye-yoon (Samsung Life Insurance), forwards Kim Dan-bi and Kim Sonia, and guards Heo Ye-eun and Kiana Smith. With this award, Kim Dan-bi secured a spot in the Best 5 for five consecutive seasons. Kiana Smith, who won the Rookie Award last season, made it to the Best 5 in just one year.

The Special Award went to Kim Jeong-eun, who broke the all-time scoring record. He made history by surpassing the 8140 points set by former coach Jeong Seon-min last December. Kim Jeong-eun said, "I thought this year would truly be my last, but it feels too regrettable to end it like this. Above all, the players asked me during a small get-together if I could play for just one more year. I felt their sincerity. It made me feel like I should continue playing."

The most fiercely contested Rookie Award went to ethnic Korean Hong Yoo-soon. He joined Shinhan Bank as the first overall pick and showcased impressive performances, averaging 26 minutes and 18 seconds across 29 games, with 8.10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He also set a record for the most consecutive double-doubles by a rookie in WKBL history.

Hong Yoo-soon overcame fierce competition from Lee Min-ji (Woori Bank) and Song Yoon-ha (KB Stars) to seize the glory that can only be experienced once in a lifetime. Even as Lee Min-ji and Song Yoon-ha made strong advances in the second half, the early frontrunner, Hong Yoo-soon, emerged as the ultimate winner.

Holding the Rookie Award trophy, Hong Yoo-soon expressed, "This was an award I really wanted. I feel so good to receive it. I think of many grateful people, starting with the coach who believed in me and gave me the opportunity, the coaching staff, the office staff, my sisters, and friends—thanks to them, I received this award. And I also thank my beloved family."

He also added, "I was worried about whether I could adapt well after coming to Korea, but everyone took good care of me, and I was able to adapt quickly. I will take on more responsibility and grow, and I will show good form in the next season."

[Photo] Provided by WKBL.