The 2025-2026 Korean Basketball League (KBL) championship series has been highlighted by the thrilling duel between two premier guards: Heo Hoon of Busan KCC and Lee Jung-hyun of Goyang Sono. Both players have been instrumental in leading their teams—seeded sixth and fifth, respectively, in the regular season—through the playoffs and into the finals.
Each has emerged as a clutch performer, rescuing their teams from crisis and delivering heart-stopping victories. Lee Jung-hyun spearheaded Sono’s narrow one-point win in Game 4 (best-of-seven series) after a three-game losing streak, pulling his team back from the brink. With 3.6 seconds remaining and his team trailing by one, he executed a clever drive and drew a foul with 0.9 seconds left, sinking one free throw to tie the game and later securing the win. In Game 3, he had also scored with two seconds left to give Sono a one-point lead, though they eventually lost to a last-second KCC comeback. That comeback was orchestrated by Heo Hoon, who made a brilliant assist to Shawn Long under the basket with two seconds remaining, leading to a foul and game-winning free throws for KCC.
Defensively, both have been outstanding. Lee averaged 20.3 points over the first four games while playing 35 minutes and 28 seconds per game. Heo, who logged 38 minutes and 36 seconds per game in the same span, scored 15.3 points but also contributed 11 assists and anchored KCC’s defense. KCC head coach Lee Sang-min praised Heo for sacrificing his offensive game and finding balance for the team. Heo himself remarked, “I was once the sword, but now I’ve become a shield.”
The mutual respect between the two is evident. Heo said, “Lee Jung-hyun is incredibly talented and leads Sono in everything.” Lee responded, “Heo hyung is naturally aggressive offensively, but he’s sacrificing himself on defense. He’s the best guard in the country.” Lee also expressed excitement about facing Heo in the championship series, noting, “I’ve always liked his style of play, but meeting him in the finals feels surreal.”
Both players graduated from the same university basketball program (Yonsei University) and share similar traits: excellent game management, elevating teammates’ performance, stepping up in critical moments, and drawing fouls. Heo, who transferred from KT this season seeking his first championship ring, previously lost to KCC in the 2023 finals. Lee is experiencing his first championship series after his team went through a turbulent restructuring.
These two guards have turned the championship series into a showcase of skill, determination, and mutual admiration.
