“I want to be internationally competitive, and my passion for basketball is stronger than I thought.”
Park Ji-hyun (24, pictured) was no different when she decided to go overseas. “I’ve been thinking about challenging the European league since I was in high school,” Park said in an interview with The Korea Times on Saturday, adding, “I’m thinking about places with top leagues like Italy, Spain, 바카라사이트 and France.”
Park Ji-hyun, who became a free agent this season, has agreed to temporarily terminate his contract with Asan Woori Bank (voluntarily) to move overseas. Her destination is Europe. Unlike the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), where dual contracts are allowed, the European league does not allow dual contracts and the season overlaps with Korea, so Park had no choice but to terminate her contract at will. In addition, women’s basketball in Europe is known for its high level of talent, but the treatment and conditions are often worse than in Korea.
“I didn’t want to hesitate and miss the opportunity to challenge myself, and I decided to take the plunge because I didn’t want to regret going overseas,” Park said. “I wanted to try a new challenge in a place I’ve never been before, where I can play with satisfying rewards and psychological comfort, and where the language is different,” she vowed. “I am determined to play basketball in a completely different atmosphere,” he said, emphasizing, “I want to overcome this big challenge by myself without giving up no matter how hard it is.” In closing, Park expressed his gratitude to coach Satellite Woo, his coaching staff, and his teammates who have been with him for five years. “I’ve heard a lot and learned a lot in the five years I’ve spent at Woori Bank,” Park said, adding, “Woori Bank is not a team that can’t do well without anyone, so we will definitely do well next season.”