Heo Hoon shows steadfast focus on next EASL game despite wrist injury

Suwon KT Sonicboom point guard Heo Hoon willlikely play in his team’s next East Asia Super League game against the P.LEAGUE+’s Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on Wednesday. He’s been nursing a wrist injury since before the 2024-25 season began.

In KT’s EASL opener at Manila’s SM Mall ofAsia Arena on Oct. 2, Heo tallied 17 points and a game-high nine assists as the Sonicboom beat Philippine Basketball Association team, the San Miguel Beermen. Atop the post-game press conference dais — with an icebag taped over his left hand — he quickly dismissed questions about his wrist and assured reporters that he would continue to play.

Fast forward to KT’s 72-63 KBL regular-season win over the Seoul Samsung Thunders Sunday night and Heo greeted post-game media with an ice pack again. Though he notched another 17 points and seven rebounds, Heo admitted feeling pain in his wrist but maintained his stance oncompeting in future games.

“It’s not good,” Heo said. “I think I’ll have to play while getting an injection. I don’t know when the pain will get better.”

KT’s busy upcoming schedule doesn’t do Heo’s recovery any favors either. On Oct. 19, the guard played through injury in the Sonicboom’s 77-72 loss to Busan KCC Egis where he mustered just five points and four turnovers.

Then, after Wednesday’s EASL game against Taoyuan, the Sonicboom host the Seoul SK Knights on Friday and the Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus on Sunday. Heo stated that part of his want to continue playing EASL competition — despite such a quick turnaround — is due to the league’s unique nature.

“Although our schedule is busier with EASL this year, the league provides us an opportunity to represent the KBL against Asia’s best,” Heo said. “As a player in this league, I can’t sideline myself. I’ll try my best to take good care of my body so I’m fit to play. I’ll make sure that we win this year’s EASL Championship trophy.”

Like its inaugural 2023-24 season, the winner of the 2024-25 EASL campaign will receive $1 million. The second-place team receives $500,000 and third takes home $250,000.

A victory against Taoyuan moves KT to first in the Group A standings. After facing the Pauian Pilots, the Sonicboom enjoy amonth-long rest before hosting the B.LEAGUE’s Hiroshima Dragonflies on Dec. 4.

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