2000–2001 KBL Season: Suwon Samsung Thunders Claim Victory
The 2000–01 Anycall Professional Basketball season marked the fifth year of the Korean Basketball League (KBL), the premier professional basketball competition in South Korea. Spanning from November 4, 2000, to April 6, 2001, this season showcased a high level of competition and culminated in a historic championship run.
Key Facts
- Champions: Suwon Samsung Thunders (1st title)
- Regular Season Winner: Suwon Samsung Thunders
- Season MVP: Cho Sung-won (Changwon LG Sakers)
- Top Scorer: Dennis Edwards (Anyang SBS Stars)
- Finals MVP: Joo Hee-jung (Suwon Samsung Thunders)
- Duration: November 4, 2000 – April 6, 2001
Regular Season Performance
The regular season consisted of 45 games per team, where the Suwon Samsung Thunders established themselves as the dominant force. They finished at the top of the standings with a record of 34 wins and 11 losses, achieving a winning percentage (PCT) of 0.756.
The race for the second and third spots was incredibly tight. Both the Changwon LG Sakers and the Cheongju SK Knights finished with identical 30–15 records. However, the LG Sakers secured the second seed through a tiebreaker victory (4–1), leaving the SK Knights in third place.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Regular Season Standings
| Rank | Team | Games | Wins | Losses | PCT | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suwon Samsung Thunders | 45 | 34 | 11 | 0.756 | – |
| 2 | Changwon LG Sakers | 45 | 30 | 15 | 0.667 | 4 |
| 3 | Cheongju SK Knights | 45 | 30 | 15 | 0.667 | 4 |
| 4 | Anyang SBS Stars | 45 | 26 | 19 | 0.578 | 8 |
| 5 | Incheon Shinsegi Bigs | 45 | 23 | 22 | 0.511 | 11 |
| 6 | Daejeon Hyundai Gullivers | 45 | 20 | 25 | 0.444 | 14 |
| 7 | Wonju Sambo Xers | 45 | 19 | 26 | 0.422 | 15 |
| 8 | Yeosu Goldbank Clickers | 45 | 17 | 28 | 0.378 | 17 |
| 9 | Busan Kia Enterprise | 45 | 17 | 28 | 0.378 | 17 |
| 10 | Daegu Tongyang Orions | 45 | 9 | 36 | 0.200 | 25 |
The Road to the Championship
The playoffs brought intense competition as the top teams battled for the title. In the first round, the Suwon Samsung Thunders defeated the Anyang SBS Stars 3–2, while the Changwon LG Sakers overcame the Cheongju SK Knights 3–2. Meanwhile, the Anyang SBS Stars managed a 4–1 victory over the Incheon Shinsegi Bigs in their respective bracket.
In the semifinals, the Anyang SBS Stars fell to the Suwon Samsung Thunders 4–1, and the Changwon LG Sakers advanced by defeating the Cheongju SK Knights 3–2. This set the stage for a high-stakes final between the Thunders and the Sakers.
The Suwon Samsung Thunders ultimately triumphed in the Finals, securing their first-ever KBL title. Joo Hee-jung was named the Finals MVP for his pivotal role in the victory.
Prize Money Distribution
The financial rewards for the season reflected the achievements of the top three teams:
- Suwon Samsung Thunders: KRW 150,000,000 (Awarded for winning both the championship and finishing 1st in the regular season).
- Changwon LG Sakers: KRW 80,000,000 (Awarded for finishing as runners-up and 2nd in the regular season).
- Cheongju SK Knights: KRW 20,000,000 (Awarded for finishing 3rd in the regular season).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2000–2001 KBL championship?
The Suwon Samsung Thunders won the championship, marking the first title in the franchise's history.
Who was the MVP of the regular season?
Cho Sung-won, playing for the Changwon LG Sakers, was named the Season MVP.
Which player was the top scorer of the season?
Dennis Edwards of the Anyang SBS Stars was the league's top scorer for the 2000–2001 season.
Who earned the Finals MVP award?
Joo Hee-jung of the Suwon Samsung Thunders was honored as the Finals MVP.
How much prize money did the Suwon Samsung Thunders receive?
The Suwon Samsung Thunders received a total of KRW 150,000,000 for their dual achievement of winning the championship and the regular season.