Historic Triumph: Busan KCC Defies All Odds to Claim Seventh Basketball Championship

In a stunning reversal of fortune that will be remembered as one of the most improbable runs in professional basketball history, Busan KCC has captured the 2025-26 championship title. On May 13, 2026, KCC secured a 76-68 victory over Goyang Sono in Game 5, clinching the series 4-1 to claim their seventh overall championship.

The victory is a landmark achievement for the league, as KCC became the first team to win the championship after finishing the regular season in sixth place. Despite entering the season with “super team” expectations, KCC struggled through the regular campaign, only to ignite a fierce playoff surge that returned the franchise to the top of the podium for the first time in two years.

The architect of this turnaround, Coach Lee Sang-min, guided his squad through what has been described as a “0% miracle,” turning extreme skepticism into a championship reality through strategic resilience and late-season momentum.

The celebration was further amplified by a historic individual milestone. Heo Hoon was named the Championship MVP, a feat that cements an unprecedented family legacy. By earning the award, Heo Hoon joins his father, Heo Jae, and Heo Ung to create the first three-generation MVP lineage in the sport’s history.

For the defeated Goyang Sono, the loss marks a disappointing end to a hard-fought series, but players are already looking toward the future. Son Chang-hwan signaled a resilient outlook, stating that his basketball journey is now entering its “second act” as he begins preparations for the next season.

KCC’s ascent from sixth place to champions not only underscores the volatility of the playoffs but also establishes a new blueprint for underdog success in the league.