SK Wony, who plays for an average of 34 minutes, is there no burden of physical strength?

Warnie, who is playing in the KBL for five consecutive seasons from the 2019-2020 season to this season, is an athlete who cannot be left out of the ranks of the SK Wyverns in Seoul. Notably, he has played an average of 34 minutes and 32 seconds in 27 games this season, recording 26 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. He scores a career-high, and plays for the longest period of time in a season in which he has ever played. Thanks to Warnie, who remains steadfast, the SK Wyverns are enjoying 11 consecutive wins.

This season, Warnie spends the second most time in the league. Lee Jung-hyun of the Goyang Sono ranks first with 36 minutes and 12 seconds on average, followed by Warnie. However, Lee was away for about a month due to a shoulder injury. Warnie also missed the season due to a thigh injury, but it was not long. There were only two games. On top of that, he is also playing the East Asian Super League (EASL), which requires him to travel abroad.

Since last season, Warnie's playing time has increased significantly. He played in 27 minutes and 51 seconds (43 games) on average in the first season of the KBL, ranking 16th in the league, and 24 minutes and 59 seconds (54 games) in the 2020-2021 season, ranking 30th in the league. From the 2021-2022 season, he started to surpass 30 minutes (31 minutes and 44 seconds, 45 games, ranking fifth) on average, and he played 33 minutes and 3 seconds last season, becoming the second player (No. 1 Sono Lee Jung-hyun) in the league.

Not only did he play longer, but his role also increased. "Wonnie's role has increased more than before he joined the military," Ahn said. "Wonnie's role and playing time have increased, so would it be physically challenging for him?"

Coach Jeon Hee-chul on Sunday said, "I'm letting him play because he can play. I have to be good at judging. But if I play for about 30 minutes, I still have energy. He is really good at saving physical strength while playing games. He cleverly distinguishes between when he uses strength and when he does not. In the fourth quarter, he suddenly appears from somewhere. He saves strength and demonstrates his capability to the point of victory. Since he has seen players for a long time, he also knows what to do when he gets tired. He asks, "If I call you to the bench early in the day, you will gain strength. It's because if you get tired, you can get injured while working hard. But Wony still has energy."

"Wonnie is now good at judging things, such as when to take them out or when to distribute defense. Depending on the opponent, he is adapting quickly as well. (Oh) Jae-hyun, (Choi) Won-hyuk, and (An) Young-jun also have good pressure, but they cannot play this defense without Wonnie. It is possible because of Wonnie, so he contributes a lot to the offense, but he also contributes a lot to the defense," he added.  안전놀이터