Kim Jong-kyu

Kim played college basketball at Kyung Hee University and led them to back-to-back collegiate championships in 2011 and 2012.[1] He was thrust into the spotlight when Kyung Hee defeated traditional powerhouse Korea University in the 2012 final and he was named MVP of the game.[2] During his senior year, he was named regular season MVP.[3]

Kim was the first overall pick of the 2013 KBL rookie draft and was drafted by Changwon LG Sakers.[2] He only made his KBL debut in November due to commitments with the national team. His rookie season did not begin smoothly as he drew criticism for missing easy shots but gradually found his footing and became known as a dunk shot specialist.[4] He ended the season with 10.7 points and 5.9 rebounds and was voted KBL Rookie of the Year.[5]

At the end of the 2018-19 season, Kim chose not to renew his contract with Changwon LG Sakers and became a free agent. He joined Wonju DB Promy, becoming the league's highest-paid domestic player.[6]

Kim was a crucial player in DB's dominance in the 2019-20 season, forming a triumvirate with Heo Ung and Doo Kyung-min which contributed both defensively and offensively. Although they ended the season at the top of the league table, the result was forfeited due to COVID-19 restrictions and the cancelation of the last few rounds. Despite the abbreviated season, he led the league in rebounds among domestic-born players. He was named into the KBL Best 5 and nominated for the Most Valuable Player award but narrowly lost to Busan KT Sonicboom guard Heo Hoon.[7][8]

Kim participated in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.[9] Later that year, he was called up for the 2014 Asian Games hosted at home. The team won the gold medal, the first since 2002, and Kim and other teammates who had yet to serve their mandatory military service were granted exemptions.[10]