Basketball legend bids tearful farewell to fans
Seoul Samsung Thunders point guard Joo Hee-jung, 40, bade farewell to basketball fans on Thursday at the Korean Basketball League (KBL) Center in Seoul, ending his 20-year career in professional basketball.
During a news conference to announce his retirement, Joo said he still couldn’t believe he was leaving the basketball court.
Reading a prepared statement, he said there were no words that could describe how he felt about retirement.
He said he consulted with the club before making the decision and has since felt confused.
He hinted the timing of his retirement didn’t fully reflect his own decision. “I don’t believe I am leaving. I feel like I will be back to the court for practice after a break,” he said. “I couldn’t keep my promise with my two kids (that I would play one more year in the KBL). This is the saddest part.”
Joo wiped out tears from his face while mentioning about his children.
He brought his seven-year-old son, Ji-woo, to the news conference and his son sat near him all during the news conference.
“I’ve been mad at basketball since I first played it when I was very young,” he said.
He said his role model was the legendary player Kang Dong-hee who motivated him to play better. Joo looked back on his eventful childhood years and young adult period because of poverty and said those trying times made him mature earlier than his peers.
“I’ve come this far as a basketball player while fighting against all odds and overcoming various struggles,” he said. “I have no regrets about my life because I have done my utmost.”
Regarding his post-retirement career as a coach, he said retirement will be a new beginning for his next career and vowed to return to the court as a great coach after learning more and having diverse experiences.
During his career, Joo had record-high assists (5,381), steals (1,505) and triple doubles (8).
He was grateful to his fans and his club for their unwavering support all during his years with the KBL.
Joo won the Rookie of the Year Award in 1997 when he joined the KBL and was chosen as MVP during the regular season and the playoffs.
He was named one of the KBL’s 12 legends.