“We’re close, so stop trying to turn this into a rivalry.”

Busan KCC forward Choi Jun-yong laughed off the growing narrative around his matchup with Goyang Sono’s Kevin Quiambao, keeping things light ahead of the KBL Finals.

At the 2025-26 KBL Finals Media Day held at the KBL Center on May 1, both finalists set the stage for a unique showdown — one that blends familiarity, respect and a bit of playful tension.

Sono was represented by head coach Son Chang-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun and Quiambao, while KCC brought head coach Lee Sang-min alongside Choi and Heo Hoon.

For Sono, the Finals mark a milestone — the franchise’s first finals appearance in just its third season. Quiambao, embracing the moment, showed up wearing a sky-blue snapback, a nod to the team’s identity.

“I bought it when I first came to Korea,” Quiambao said. “But when the team wasn’t doing well, I didn’t feel confident enough to wear it. This season has been different. I’ve gained confidence through the journey. We haven’t achieved our goal yet, but I’ll be wearing it more from now on.”

The matchup itself has drawn attention across both Korea and the Philippines. Since joining Sono last season, Quiambao has often been dubbed “the Filipino Choi Jun-yong” — a comparison rooted in their shared versatility as big forwards capable of handling the ball.

Quiambao acknowledged the connection, but made it clear he’s carving his own path.

“People have been comparing us since high school,” he said. “Choi is someone who inspired me. I watched a lot of his games growing up. But now, we’re opponents. I’m not here as someone inspired by him — I’m here as myself.”

He also confirmed that the injury he suffered in the semifinals was minor. “It was just a bruise. I’m fine. And I’m hungry to win.”

Choi returned the respect — in his own way.

“Our playing styles are similar to when I was younger,” he said. “But I wasn’t that good of a shooter.”

Then came the punchline.

“I appreciate him. But seriously, we’re close — don’t try to create something that’s not there. He’s a great player.”

Choi enters the Finals with a remarkable playoff résumé. Including his time with Seoul SK, he has never lost a postseason series, going 9-for-9 with a career playoff record of 30-7 (81%). In his first season with KCC (2023-24), he helped lead the team to a historic title run as a No. 5 seed.

“Honestly, I felt more confident two seasons ago,” Choi admitted. “My body isn’t in the same condition now. But it’s spring, the weather’s good, and we’re winning. When you feel good, the body follows.”

He remained unfazed by Sono’s energy and youth.

“They’re young and they run a lot,” he said. “But we’ll stay composed and play smart.”

And, in classic Choi fashion, he closed with a dose of blunt confidence.

“As long as we don’t relax or beat ourselves, there’s nothing we lack compared to Sono — or any team, really. Our problem is sometimes we don’t go hard enough, we argue, we get emotional.”

It was equal parts honesty and swagger — exactly what defines Choi Jun-yong heading into another Finals stage.

By Chang Hwan Choi | Photos by Bok-ju Moon
This translation was reviewed with the assistance

 

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