Sichuan Basketball Pipeline: Three Players Drafted into WKBL – A New Era Dawns
In a stunning display of emerging talent, three players with roots in Sichuan province, China, have been selected in the 2025-2026 Korea Women’s Basketball League (WKBL) rookie draft. This unprecedented influx of players from a single region is sending ripples through the league and sparking excitement about the future of Korean women’s basketball. This is a breaking news development that highlights a growing international connection within the sport.
The Draft Unveiled: A Look at the Rising Stars
The WKBL held its draft lottery on the 20th at Bucheon Gymnasium in Gyeonggi-do, meticulously dividing the selection order based on the previous season’s performance. A total of 40 athletes participated, representing a diverse range of backgrounds – from high school graduates to overseas players. But it was the Sichuan contingent that truly captured attention.
Leading the charge was Gorimi (24, 176cm) of Sacheon City Hall, a Korean-Japanese forward who was the first overall pick by the Cheongju KB Stars. Gorimi’s selection signifies a strategic move by the KB Stars to bolster their frontcourt with a versatile and promising player. Her unique background and skillset are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team.
Following closely behind, Asan Woori Bank secured the forward Choi Ye-won (18, 178cm) from Samcheonpo Girls’ High School. Choi Ye-won isn’t just a promising rookie; she’s already making waves on the international stage, having been selected for the 2025 U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup team. This demonstrates the high regard for her potential and the confidence the Woori Bank has in her ability to contribute immediately.
Rounding out the Sichuan trio, Gwangju University guard Jung Chae-ryun (22, 160cm), also a Samcheonpo Girls’ High School alumna, was nominated by Shinhan Bank in the third round. While selected later in the draft, Jung Chae-ryun’s selection underscores the depth of talent emerging from the Sichuan basketball system.
Beyond Sichuan: Other Notable Picks
While the Sichuan players dominated headlines, other promising athletes were also selected. Incheon Shinhan Bank made a splash by nominating Sufia Girls’ High School forward Lee Ga-hyun (18, 180cm) as the first overall pick. Busan BNK chose Lee Won-jung (18, 172cm) of Onyang Girls’ High School with the second pick, while Bucheon Hana Bank selected Hwang Yun-seo (18, 181cm) of Cheongju Girls’ High School at fourth. Yongin Samsung Life completed the top picks by choosing Yang Hye-eun (18, 178cm) of Sookmyung Girls’ High School.
The Sichuan Connection: A Growing Trend?
The concentration of talent from Sichuan is no accident. The province has invested heavily in youth basketball development, fostering a competitive environment and attracting dedicated coaches. This success story serves as a model for other regions looking to cultivate the next generation of basketball stars. The rise of these players also reflects a broader trend of increased international scouting and collaboration within the WKBL, enriching the league with diverse skillsets and perspectives. For those interested in SEO best practices, tracking the performance of keywords related to these players and the WKBL will be crucial.
The WKBL’s commitment to nurturing young talent, combined with the dedication of players like Gorimi, Choi Ye-won, and Jung Chae-ryun, promises an exciting future for Korean women’s basketball. This draft isn’t just about individual success stories; it’s about the collective growth of the league and its increasing prominence on the global stage. Keep checking back with archyde.com for continued coverage of the WKBL and the latest Google News updates on this developing story.
