Busan KCC has made history by becoming the first sixth-place team to win the championship in the history of professional basketball in South Korea, capping off the 2025-2026 season with an unprecedented achievement. The team also set significant milestones for both its players and coaching staff, marking a notable chapter in Korean basketball.
KCC triumphed over Goyang Sono, winning 76-68 in the fifth game of the 2025-2026 KBL Championship Finals held at Goyang Sono Arena on May 13. With this victory, KCC secured the series 4-1, reclaiming the championship title for the first time since the 2023-2024 season. This win also marked KCC's seventh championship, tying them with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the most playoff titles in league history.
This championship has been dubbed the '0% Miracle,' as it is the first time since the league's inception in 1997 that a sixth-place team has advanced to the finals and won the title. KCC previously made history two years ago by becoming the first fifth-place team to win the championship.
During the playoffs, KCC achieved a stunning upset by defeating third-place Wonju DB in three straight games and overcoming second-place Anyang Jeonggwanjang with a 3-1 series win. They continued their momentum by winning six consecutive games against fourth-place Seoul SK and first-place Changwon LG, ultimately reaching the finals. After taking an early lead in the series, KCC faced a setback in Game 4 but sealed their championship in the decisive Game 5.
Lee Sang-min, who took over as head coach before the season, became the first coach in professional basketball history to win a championship as a player, coach, and manager with the same team. He has won three championships as a player during his time with KCC's predecessor, Hyundai, and added a coaching title this season after previously serving as an assistant coach.
After the game, Lee expressed his joy, stating, "Winning as a coach for the first time holds great significance for me. The pressure of preparing for the finals was immense compared to my playing days. I found it challenging to sleep due to the tension. Winning now feels even better than when I was a player."
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Heo Hoon, who celebrated his first championship victory. He received 79 out of 98 votes from the media, averaging over 38 minutes per game in the finals while contributing 15.2 points, 9.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds.
Heo Hoon, who joined KCC this season to play alongside his older brother Heo Woong, also followed in the footsteps of his father, former coach Heo Jae, who won the MVP award in the 1997-1998 season.
Meanwhile, Goyang Sono, which made its playoff debut this season after being established in 2023, finished as the runner-up.
Son Chang-hwan, the head coach of Sono, reflected on the season, saying, "I never imagined we would reach the finals in our first playoff appearance. Our original goal was to reach the top six and achieve a .500 winning percentage, so I am proud of what the players accomplished. Anything beyond that is a bonus. A new beginning awaits, and I will work with the players to build an even better team for next season. Act One has concluded, and we must prepare for Act Two."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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