Between 'Great General' and 'Incompetent General': Seen Through Lee Sang-min

Lee Sang-min, once a star player known for his impeccable self-discipline, has now guided his team KCC to a championship victory, marking a significant transition in his career. KCC achieved a historic feat by becoming the first team to win the championship after finishing sixth in the regular league, showcasing Lee's coaching prowess.

During his playing days in the 1990s, a period described as 'a barbaric era' marked by verbal abuse and physical punishment, Lee Sang-min stood out. While his college coach, Choi Hee-am, maintained strict discipline over players like Seo Jang-hoon and Moon Kyung-eun, Lee was an exception. His exceptional skill and self-control meant he never caused his coach distress, until one instance in his senior year when Coach Choi disciplined him not for wrongdoing, but to set an example for his juniors.

Decades later, Lee Sang-min has reached the pinnacle of professional basketball as a coach. His leadership philosophy appears to have evolved, emphasizing listening over dictating. This approach has evidently resonated with his players, leading KCC to their championship win against Sono in the 2025-2026 professional basketball finals. The article implicitly draws a parallel between his disciplined past and his current, perhaps more collaborative, coaching style.