A Historic Run: Recapping the 2023–24 KBL Season
The 2023–24 season of the Korean Basketball League (KBL)—the premier professional basketball league in South Korea—was a campaign defined by historic upsets and significant organizational shifts. Marking the 28th season of the league, the competition spanned from 21 October 2023 to 5 May 2024, showcasing elite talent across 10 competing teams.
While the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters entered the season as the defending champions, the narrative shifted dramatically during the postseason. In a stunning turn of events, the Busan KCC Egis rose from a fifth-seed position to claim the championship, making history as the first fifth-seeded team to ever win the KBL title.
Key Facts
- Champions: Busan KCC Egis (6th title)
- Runners-up: Suwon KT Sonicboom
- Finals MVP: Heo Ung (Busan KCC Egis)
- Regular Season Winner: Wonju DB Promy
- Historical Milestone: Busan KCC Egis became the first 5th-seeded team to win the championship.
League Evolution and Team Changes
The 2023–24 season saw several notable changes in team identities and locations. These rebranding efforts and relocations reflected a changing landscape within South Korean professional basketball:
- Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters: Formerly known as Anyang KGC.
- Busan KCC Egis: Formerly Jeonju KCC Egis, the team relocated to Busan.
- Goyang Sono Skygunners: Formerly Goyang Carrot Jumpers, following an ownership transfer to the hospitality company Sono International.
Regular Season Standings
The regular season consisted of 54 games per team. The Wonju DB Promy dominated the standings, finishing with a league-high winning percentage of .759. Meanwhile, the eventual champions, Busan KCC Egis, secured the fifth seed, narrowly missing the direct semi-final qualification but setting the stage for their playoff surge.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | L | PCT | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wonju DB Promy | 54 | 41 | 13 | .759 | Semi-finals |
| 2 | Changwon LG Sakers | 54 | 36 | 18 | .667 | - |
| 3 | Suwon KT Sonicboom | 54 | 33 | 21 | .611 | Quarter-finals |
| 4 | Seoul SK Knights | 54 | 31 | 23 | .574 | - |
| 5 | Busan KCC Egis | 54 | 30 | 24 | .556 | - |
| 6 | Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus | 54 | 26 | 28 | .481 | - |
| 7 | Daegu KOGAS Pegasus | 54 | 21 | 33 | .389 | - |
| 8 | Goyang Sono Skygunners | 54 | 20 | 34 | .370 | - |
| 9 | Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters | 54 | 18 | 36 | .333 | - |
| 10 | Seoul Samsung Thunders | 54 | 14 | 40 | .259 | - |
The Playoff Journey
The playoffs commenced on 4 April 2024. After a rigorous series of quarterfinals and semifinals, the Busan KCC Egis met the Suwon KT Sonicboom in the Finals. Busan emerged victorious, winning the series 4–3 to secure their sixth championship trophy. Heo Ung was named the Finals MVP for his exceptional performance during the championship series.
International Qualifications
Success in the KBL provides pathways to prestigious regional competitions. Following their performance:
- Busan KCC Egis qualified for the 2024 Basketball Champions League Asia.
- Both the champions (Busan KCC Egis) and runners-up (Suwon KT Sonicboom) qualified for the 2024–25 East Asia Super League.
Statistical Leaders
Individual excellence was a hallmark of the season, with players setting high benchmarks across various categories. Notable leaders included Paris Bass, who led the league in Points Per Game (PPG), and Ra Gun-ah, who boasted the highest Field Goal Percentage (FG%).
Individual Performance Leaders
- Points Per Game (Overall): Paris Bass (Suwon KT Sonicboom) – 26.0
- Points Per Game (Defense): Lee Jung-hyun (Goyang Sono Skygunners) – 22.8
- Offensive Rebounds Per Game: Assem Marei (Changwon LG Sakers) – 14.4
- Field Goal Percentage: Ra Gun-ah (Suwon KT Sonicboom) – 60.6%
- Free Throw Percentage: Choi Sung-won (Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters) – 89.1%
- Three-Point Percentage: Yoo Ki-sang (Changwon LG Sakers) – 42.4%
Team Performance Leaders
- Points Per Game: Wonju DB Promy (91.2)
- Rebounds Per Game: Changwon LG Sakers (38.7)
- Assists Per Game: Wonju DB Promy (21.0)
- Steals Per Game: Suwon KT Sonicboom (8.5)
- Blocks Per Game: Wonju DB Promy (3.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023–24 KBL championship?
The Busan KCC Egis won the championship, marking their sixth title in league history.
Which player was named the Finals MVP?
Heo Ung of the Busan KCC Egis was named the Finals MVP.
How many teams competed in the 2023–24 season?
A total of 10 teams competed in the KBL during this season.
What was the significance of Busan KCC Egis's victory?
They became the first fifth-seeded team in KBL history to win the championship.
Which team had the best regular season record?
Wonju DB Promy finished at the top of the regular season standings with 41 wins and 13 losses.