A Look Back at the 1997–98 KBL Season
The 1997–98 season marked a significant milestone in South Korean professional basketball. As the second official season of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), the FILA 1997–98 Professional Basketball season saw increased competition and established the league's foundational rivalries. Spanning from November 8, 1997, to April 11, 1998, the season delivered high-stakes drama from the regular season through to the championship finals.
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Key Facts
- Season Duration: November 8, 1997 – April 11, 1998
- Regular Season Champions: Daejeon Hyundai Dynat
- KBL Champions: Daejeon Hyundai Dynat
- Season MVP: Lee Sang-min (Hyundai)
- Finals MVP: Hur Jae (Kia)
- Top Scorer: Larry Davis (SBS)
The Regular Season Standings
The regular season featured ten teams competing in a rigorous schedule. Daejeon Hyundai Dynat emerged as the dominant force, finishing at the top of the table with a 31–14 record and a winning percentage of 0.689. They were closely followed by the Gyeongnam LG Sakers, who secured second place.
The battle for the middle of the pack was particularly intense. Busan Kia Enterprise and Wonju Naray Blue Bird both finished with 26 wins, but Kia Enterprise secured the third seed via a tiebreaker. At the bottom of the standings, the Cheongju SK Knights struggled to find momentum, finishing the season with 13 wins and 32 losses.
Regular Season Performance Summary
| Rank | Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | PCT | Games Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daejeon Hyundai Dynat | 45 | 31 | 14 | 0.689 | – |
| 2 | Gyeongnam LG Sakers | 45 | 28 | 17 | 0.622 | 3 |
| 3 | Busan Kia Enterprise | 45 | 26 | 19 | 0.578 | 5 (3–2 TB) |
| 4 | Wonju Naray Blue Bird | 45 | 26 | 19 | 0.578 | 5 (2–3 TB) |
| 5 | Daegu Tongyang Orions | 45 | 23 | 22 | 0.511 | 8 |
| 6 | Incheon Daewoo Securities Zeus | 45 | 22 | 23 | 0.489 | 8 |
| 7 | Gwangju Nasan Flamans | 45 | 21 | 24 | 0.467 | 8 |
| 8 | Anyang SBS Stars | 45 | 18 | 27 | 0.400 | 13 |
| 9 | Suwon Samsung Thunders | 45 | 17 | 28 | 0.378 | 14 |
| 10 | Cheongju SK Knights | 45 | 13 | 32 | 0.289 | 18 |
Playoffs and Championship Finals
The postseason structure consisted of the 1st Round, Semifinals, and the Finals. The playoffs provided a platform for the top-seeded teams to showcase their resilience.
Postseason Progression
In the 1st Round, Daejeon Hyundai Dynat defeated Incheon Daewoo Securities Zeus 3–1, while Wonju Naray Blue Bird overcame Gyeongnam LG Sakers with a 4–2 series victory. In the Semifinals, Hyundai Dynat continued their momentum by defeating Wonju Naray Blue Bird 4–1. Meanwhile, Busan Kia Enterprise secured their spot in the finals by beating the LG Sakers 3–1.
The Finals saw a clash between the regular-season leaders, Daejeon Hyundai Dynat, and the third-seeded Busan Kia Enterprise. In a highly competitive series, Hyundai Dynat claimed the championship title. Despite the loss, Busan Kia Enterprise's Hur Jae was awarded the Finals MVP for his exceptional performance.
Prize Money Distribution
The KBL rewarded the top-performing teams based on their regular-season standing and final playoff results. The total prize pool was distributed as follows:
- Daejeon Hyundai Dynat: KRW 150,000,000 (Awarded for being both Champions and 1st place in the regular season).
- Busan Kia Enterprise: KRW 70,000,000 (Awarded for being Runners-up and 3rd place in the regular season).
- Gyeongnam LG Sakers: KRW 30,000,000 (Awarded for 2nd place in the regular season).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the most valuable player of the 1997–98 season?
The Season MVP was Lee Sang-min, playing for Hyundai.
Which player was the top scorer during this season?
The top scorer for the season was Larry Davis, representing the Anyang SBS Stars.
How many titles did Daejeon Hyundai Dynat win in this season?
Daejeon Hyundai Dynat secured their 1st title by winning both the regular season and the championship finals.
Who won the Finals MVP award?
The Finals MVP was Hur Jae from Busan Kia Enterprise.
What was the total duration of the KBL 1997–98 season?
The season lasted from November 8, 1997, until April 11, 1998.