Kim Young-hwan안전놀이터, another protagonist of the ‘Golden Generation’ 2007 draft, also takes off his uniform.
On the 10th, Suwon kt announced the retirement of Kim Young-hwan. Although his contract period was one year left, after an agreement between the club and the player, he decided to start anew as a leader after his retirement.
Kim Young-hwan was the 8th overall pick in the 2007 KBL Rookie Draft and played a total of 15 seasons from the 2007-08 season to the 2022-23 season. He played in 665 career games and averaged 8.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Kim Young-hwan was the representative runner who was not flashy, but had a long run with sincerity and reassurance as a weapon. In the process of returning to kt, LG, and back to kt, he was always a leader among leaders who performed 100% of his role as captain.
Kim Young-hwan signed a two-year contract with kt before the 2022-23 season. It was possible to play until the 2023-24 season, but this agreement could be made as it was a situation in which new changes were pursued at the club level.
kt plans to hold a retirement ceremony for Kim Young-hwan with fans.
As a result, only Ham Ji-hoon (10th overall) of Ulsan Hyundai Mobis remains as a player from the 2007 KBL draft. Even Yang Hee-jong, from the 3rd overall, retired with the combined championship in the 2022-23 season.
Meanwhile, kt will soon announce new coaching staff including Kim Young-hwan. These are the leaders who will lead kt, which will be renewed from the 2023-24 season, led by new coach Song Young-jin.