KB Kookmin Bank guard Heo Ye-eun will compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball Asia League (WBLA) in India starting September 21, according to a report by Segye Ilbo. Heo enters the tournament following a dense schedule that included the 2026 Basketball World Cup in Berlin, a gold medal win at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, and the Park Shin-ja Cup.
KB Kookmin Bank enters WBLA as WKBL champions
KB Kookmin Bank qualified for the WBLA as the integrated champions of the Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL) last season. The tournament brings together champion clubs from across Asia to determine the continent’s strongest professional team. KB is placed in Group B, where it faces Indian Railways of India and Denso Iris of Japan. The tournament final is scheduled for September 25.
Roster gaps increase Heo Ye-eun’s responsibility
Heo faces a significant increase in her offensive and operational role due to key personnel absences. Kang I-seul, who contributed to last season’s integrated championship, has transferred to Woori Bank, and center Park Ji-su is unavailable due to injury. Heo must now lead the scoring effort and rebuild chemistry with teammates after prolonged absences caused by national team duties.
Heo noted that overseas teams will likely have better physicality, expressing a desire to see what kind of basketball her team can play against such opponents and adding that she expects the tournament to serve as an opportunity for the team to grow significantly.
Tight turnaround before WKBL season opener
The WBLA schedule leaves almost no recovery time before the domestic season begins. If KB reaches the semifinals, the team is scheduled to return to Korea on the morning of September 27. Heo is slated to attend the WKBL opening media day that same afternoon. The new WKBL season officially tips off on October 1.
Final tactical rehearsal for Coach Kim Wan-su
Coach Kim Wan-su views the tournament as a final check for the team’s off-season training. Kim stated that the primary goal is to verify the elements practiced during the break, noting that a strong performance would provide confidence and help the team manage the upcoming season, provided players avoid injury.
WBLA and WKBL Schedule
| Date | Event/Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 21 | WBLA Start | KB Kookmin Bank begins play in India |
| Sept 25 | WBLA Final | Championship match for Asia’s top club |
| Sept 27 | Return & Media Day | Flight to Korea and WKBL official media event |
| Oct 1 | WKBL Opening | Start of the domestic professional season |
Heo Ye-eun’s tournament questions
Who does KB Kookmin Bank face in the group stage?
KB is in Group B and will play against Indian Railways from India and Denso Iris from Japan before the final on September 25.
Why is Heo Ye-eun’s role expanded for this tournament?
The team is missing key players Kang I-seul, who moved to Woori Bank, and Park Ji-su, who is sidelined with an injury.
How soon does the domestic season start after the WBLA?
The WKBL season begins on October 1, just a few days after the team’s scheduled return from India on September 27.
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