In 17 years, a romantic man who looked only at Anyang KGC held a retirement ceremony.
Yang Hee-jong, the ‘eternal captain’ of KGC, had his retirement ceremony at the Anyang Indoor Gymnasium on the 26th. This retirement ceremony, which took place for 20 minutes after the end of the first half, was a gift from everyone for a man who devoted himself exclusively to KGC for 17 years from 2007 to 2023.
After Yang Hee-jong was nominated by KT&G as the third overall pick in the 2007 KBL rookie draft, he played an active role as a one-club man and franchise star without a single transfer. He led the club to win its first championship match in the 2011-12 season, and took the lead in winning its first combined championship in the 2016-17 season. In the 2020-21 season, he led KGC to the top once again by winning the ‘Perfect 10’.
On this day, Anyang was hot even before the match. The first and second floors were full of fans who had gathered to see Yang Hee-jong. Fans also sent special messages with post-it notes in the space prepared in the photo zone in the center of the second floor. Full of praise to the best man who has protected Anyang for nearly 20 years.
After the first half, the event was held. Yang Hee-jong stood in the center of the court, and a special video showing his appearance from his childhood until his retirement was released on the display board. Yang Hee-jong, who watched the moment with fans, tried to hold back tears.
KGC delivered a commemorative plaque to Yang Hee-jong. Head coach Lee Jong-rim, his family, and former colleague Park Chan-hee, who won the first championship match of the foundation, stood on the court to congratulate Yang Hee-jong.
Yang Hee-jong read the retirement ceremony prepared by himself. He thanked the fans, the team and everyone who helped him. At the same time, he also delivered a message for players who should remain on the team and play an active role rather than himself. 스포츠토토
A surprise event is also prepared. Yang Hee-jong, who was honored with the first permanent retirement in the history of the club. KGC invited special guest singer Kang Seung-yoon for him. It was a special gift for Yang Hee-jong, who enjoyed listening to his song ‘Captain’. Fans celebrated the permanent breeding ceremony of the ‘Eternal Captain’ by taking a prepared action (raised salute). Yang Hee-jong also seemed impressed by Kang Seung-yoon’s passionate singing and the club’s consideration.
Finally, Yang Hui-jong finished his glorious retirement ceremony by taking commemorative photos with his team and his family.
The following is Yang Hee-jong’s testimony at the retirement ceremony.
Thank you so much. There was nothing as reassuring and encouraging as the shouts of Anyang fans on the court. I was lucky to be able to hear that look and that shout and play, and I am so grateful. I was a poor player. Even though I missed shots and made mistakes in countless games, the fans silently supported me and gave me applause when I stood on the court. There were injuries big and small, stress about grades, and slumps, but thanks to the fans who cheered me on right now, I was able to rise again and grow. Thank you again.
As a basketball player for over 30 years, there have been many really happy moments. When I joined KT&G, the time when I won three championships is the most memorable. Looking back now, it was a very happy time. Although he was not flashy, I would like to be remembered as a player who did his best on the court and did his best to keep pace with others in terms of passion. I feel proud and proud to be able to join as an ordinary player, create a team culture, and contribute to becoming a prestigious club. All of this was only possible because of the fans. thank you
I am grateful to the KGC club, KGC Group, owner Cheol-ho Huh, general manager Jong-lim Lee, and all the executives and staff members of the Secretariat who made a splendid and wonderful retirement ceremony for me. I was able to enjoy this honor because there were people who stayed at KGC and helped me finish my career as a one-club man for 17 years and finish well. I ask you to create opportunities for our juniors to grow and enjoy glory without leaving KGC.
Director Kim Sang-sik, (Choi) Seung-tae-hyung, (Cho) Seong-min-hyung. It was a short period, but I learned a lot. The coach’s delicacy and deep consideration made the players move, and it seems to be bearing good results. The support staff who work the hardest. Because of them, the players were able to gain strength. I have always been grateful. In the meantime, I had a lot of trouble taking care of the ‘No Tang’ player. thanks. I thought I would postpone it for a year if I couldn’t win, but I heard the news before the game (laughs). From (Oh) Se-geun who shared the joys and sorrows with me to the youngest Yu-jin and (the late) Chan-hyeok, I thank and love everyone. Darryl (Monroe), Omari (Spellman). Thank you Bro. Thank you (Thank you bro. appreciate)
And today, I think of the original Ginseng God (Kim) Tae-sul, (Lee) Jeong-hyeon, (Park) Chan-hee, and (Oh) Se-geun, who were my old colleagues.
Lastly, I am very grateful to my parents for giving birth to me and raising me healthy. Thank you so much to my mother-in-law who took care of single parenting for a working couple. Thank you father-in-law for always saying that son-in-law is also son. Our Woong (Tae Woong Yang) and Yeon (Yang Se Yeon), who won’t hurt even if you put them in your eyes. I love Yang Tae-woong, the future captain of KGC, a cutie like a bull who will rush to play basketball with his dad whenever he opens his eyes. Our princess, Yang Se-yeon, who makes me smile just by looking at her face, I love you. grow up pretty and my wife. Our Director Kim, who is more passionate than me and does his best in everything. i learned a lot from you I think I was able to come this far because you were the guide to all my choices and stood by my side and supported me. Thank you Saran Kim. love.
We put on our 3rd ring and are on our way to winning our 4th. I will do my best until the end of my last season as a player. I hope you will stay with me until the end of Last Defense.