Busan BNK, which bolstered its roster with free agent signings Park Hye-jin and Kim Sonia ahead of the start of the 2024-2025 season, won its home opener.
BNK won 69-64 at home against Yongin Samsung Life in the Hana Bank 2024-2025 Women’s Professional Basketball League on Tuesday at Sajik Gymnasium in Busan.
BNK, which finished at the bottom of the regular season last year, signed Park Hye-jin from Asan Woori Bank and Kim Sonia from 엔트리 파워사다리 Incheon Shinhan Bank ahead of the season.
Even with the departure of goalie Jin-an to Bucheon Hana Bank, BNK is a stronger team than last season and was considered a favorite heading into the season.
In a media prediction poll at the opening media day, BNK received 20 of the 46 total votes to take first place.
In their first game of the season, BNK showed the “recruitment effect” with Kim Sonia scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds, Park Hye-jin adding 10 points, six rebounds, and a steal, and veteran Ahn Hye-ji paced the offense with 27 points, including five three-pointers.
Samsung Life was led by Bae Hye-yoon with 22 points, but Kiana Smith was held scoreless and had to settle for her first win of the season.