10 Teams, 10 Days: Suwon KT Sonicboom

10 Teams In 10 Days: Suwon KT Sonicboom

Our East Asia Super League editorial staff breaks down the key storylines, players and statistics of each franchise as tip-off nears. 

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Suwon KT Sonicboom 

The Suwon KT Sonicboom enter EASL’s 2024-25 season as runners-up in the KBL. In May, Suwon reached its second-ever KBL Finals but fell to the Busan KCC Egis in five games. 

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This means the Sonicboom remain one of just three KBL teams that have never won a league championship, yet the organization has always been a contender. During the 2010-11 season, Suwon set a regular-season KBL record with 41 wins and 13 losses but came up short in the playoffs. 

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Having almost reached the pinnacle of Korean basketball, the Sonicboom now have their sights set on capturing an EASL title. 

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Here’s everything you need to know about the Suwon KT Sonicboom: 

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3-pointers

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1. An Opportunity to Bounce Back

Suwon KT’s 2023-24 season ended in heartbreak. After reaching its first KBL Finals in 17 years, the Sonicboom lost to the Busan KCC Egis in five games. 

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Despite an admirable 29-point performance from Paris Bass — Suwon KT’s former 6-foot-8 forward, who now plays in China — facing elimination, the team couldn’t find an answer to KCC’s well-oiled offense. The Sonicboom showcased fight early in the series by leveling the score at 1-1, but Busan never lost again. 

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But the 2024-25 season marks a new beginning for Suwon KT. Given the chance to compete in EASL, the Sonicboom are ready to earn their historic first KBL title and be named the champions of East Asian basketball.

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2. Captain Heo Hoon Leads the Way

In early July, Suwon KT named star guard Heo Hoon as the new team captain. Heo averaged 26.6 points throughout last season’s KBL Finals. 

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Set to become a free agent after the 2024-25 season, Heo’s captaincy will be an exciting yet expensive one. He is expected to be paid 700 million Korean Won, making Heo the highest-paid KBL player ever. 

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Since his appointment, Heo has been vocal about the type of leader he wants to be. A former captain for his college team, he plans on prioritizing camaraderie and communication with his teammates but will be rigorous when necessary. 

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"I think it's the right time for KT to win…” Heo said about the Sonicboom’s upcoming season. “I think we have the right players and coaching staff. This season, I really plan to focus on winning."

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3. Suwon’s New Big 3

Bass’ departure for the CBA’s Zhejiang Golden Bulls marks a significant loss for Suwon KT. Last season, the 6-foot-8 forward led the KBL in scoring, averaging 25.4 points. He also placed in the top 5 in league rebounding and assists (10.9 rpg, 4.6 apg).

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But in Bass’ place, the Sonicboom have brought in Rashaun Hammonds — a 6-foot-9 import player from Augusta, Georgia. Hammonds joins Suwon KT from Puerto Rican side Santeros de Aguada, a side he joined after playing stints in Latvia, Germany and Russia. 

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Alongside captain Heo Hoon and Ha Yungi — Suwon KT’s center, who averaged just shy of 15 points per game — Hammonds makes up a new ‘Big 3’ for the Sonicboom. While Heo likely continues to excel as the team’s floor general, Hammonds’ addition brings depth and flexibility to Suwon KT’s frontcourt. 

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Players To Watch 

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1. Heo Hoon

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Suwon KT’s undisputed leader, Heo averaged 16.3 points on 51.4% shooting from inside the arc during the 2023-24 season.

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Despite a heartbreaking KBL Finals loss to Busan, the KCC Egis had no answer to Heo’s whopping 133 points through five games — including an outrageous 37-point performance in Game 3.

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2. Moon Jeong Hyeon

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Poised for a breakout season, Moon Jeong Hyeon is Suwon KT’s 6-foot-5 starting forward.

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Though undersized, Moon utilizes a strong frame and savvy footwork to score with relative ease. He’ll be looking to increase his offensive productivity this year after averaging 4.8 points last season.

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3. Rashaun Hammonds

A former three-year player at the University of Georgia, Hammonds has spent most of his professional career overseas.

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After a year with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants — the Indiana Pacers’ NBA G-League affiliate — Hammonds joined Latvian club VEF Riga, where he became a 2022 LBL champion. A skillful left-hander, Hammonds is a powerful inside presence.

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KT By The Numbers

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Hiroshima’s 2023-24 Season

• Regular season record: 33-21
• Finished 3rd in KBL regular season standings 
• Defeated Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus (3-1) in quarterfinals, Changwon LG Sakers (3-2) in semifinals; lost to Busan KCC Egis (4-1) in the 2024 KBL Finals

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Suwon KT Sonicboom 2023-24 KBL Statistic Leaders

• Points: Paris Bass – 25.4 ppg
• Rebounds: Paris Bass – 10.9 rpg
• Assists: Jeong Seong-Woo – 4.7 apg
• Steals: Paris Bass – 1.8 spg
• Blocks: Paris Bass – 0.6 bpg

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Team Schedule

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