&
from web site
It started with a win and ended with an injury...
Professional basketball player Anyang Jeong Kwan-jang chose to part ways with foreign player Omari Spellman. It seems like he has drawn his sword due to the team's consecutive losses and poor performance since returning from injury.
On the afternoon of the 12th, Kwanjang Jeong posted on the official social media (SNS), “The club informs you that, in agreement with player Spellman, his contract has been terminated. “The replacement foreign player will be announced as soon as it is decided,” he said. “Please support the future career of Spellman, who debuted in the KBL in the 2021-22 season and helped win the season and East Asian Super League (EASL).”
Spellman entered the KBL stage in the 2021-22 season, wearing the Anyang KGC (currently CheongKwanJang) uniform, and recorded excellent results in his first year, averaging 20.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and a 3-point shooting percentage of 36.5% in 43 games. At the time, the team ranked 3rd in the regular league, but advanced to the championship game and met Seoul SK. The season ended with a runner-up finish with 1 win and 4 losses. Spellman did not show much performance in the championship game due to an injury at the end of the season.
The following year, the 2022-23 season, was different. Cheong Kwan-Jang took the top spot in the regular league by winning wire-to-wire, never missing first place. In the championship match, they produced a famous match against SK in a revenge match and succeeded in winning the overall championship with 4 wins and 3 losses. The inaugural EASL champion held during the season was also the responsibility of Cheong Kwan-Jang. Spellman performed well in 51 games, averaging 19.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a 35.9% 3-point shooting percentage. He also played his part in the championship game with 18.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. In EASL, he led the team to victory and was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
However, his first start this season was slower. His high off-season weight was noticeable, and due to a shin injury, he was unable to improve his physical condition in time for the opening season.
‘Defending champion’ Cheong Kwan-jang showed his potential even without Spellman. In particular, Daryl Monroe and Dubon Maxwell (Daegu Korea Gas Corporation) had good chemistry with domestic players. Not having a solution was a problem, but Jeong Gwan-jang, a 'team player' with all players doing their part, finished the first half of the season in the top place.
