7 men’s clubs who scratched the ‘itch’… The first step in the Asian Quarter was ‘successful’
A good start.
The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) held the KOVO Men’s Asian Quarter Tryout at Halla Gymnasium and Sun Hotel in Jeju Island from the 25th to the 27th.
The Asia Quarter, which was implemented for the first time in history, increased the team’s player management efficiency and stimulated interest in the league through the participation of players from various nationalities, provided opportunities for foreign players attending domestic schools to continue their careers as domestic players, and sold overseas broadcasting rights in the Asian market. The purpose is to generate new income through
Previously, the women’s division was conducted first, and all seven clubs exercised the right to nominate. Men were no different. Seven clubs called each player one by one, and the first impression of the Asian Quarter was ‘favorable reviews’. Among the total of 24 challengers, there are 2 Mongolian, Japanese, and Taiwanese players each, 1 Filipino player, and by position, middle blocker has the most with 3, outside hitter 2, apogee spiker and libero 1 each.
First of all, power was reinforced at a relatively low price. Players selected for the Asian Quarter receive an annual salary of $100,000 (tax included). There is no limit to the number of contract renewals. Considering the domestic players whose salaries skyrocket as the season goes by, compared to their skills, the price is quite reasonable.
The clubs scratched the light spot properly. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, who exercised the right to pick the first choice, nominated Eddie of Mongolia, and it was a choice that focused on ‘offensive power’. Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, which has been in the lower ranks for the past few seasons, has not made any significant reinforcements such as recruiting a free agent (FA) this time around. Samsung Fire & Marine Manager Kim Sang-woo brought in Eddy, who was his student when he was coach at Sungkyunkwan University.
The second-place KEPCO also succeeded in reinforcing it by selecting Ryohei Iga, a Japanese libero that had been ‘steamed’. KEPCO coach Kwon Young-min said, “I have a lot of experience. Other players will be comfortable.”
The same goes for OK Financial Group and Hyundai Capital, which called Bayarsaihan (MB) and Chai Peichang (MB) respectively as the 4th and 5th nominations. One club manager said, “We shouldn’t think that we are the only ones who have been strengthened. The upcoming season will be even more exciting as all teams reinforce their strength.”ㅋㅋㅋ벳
Furthermore, meetings and interviews between the coach and the players were enough to understand the thoughts, beliefs, and personalities of the players outside of the game. Another coach smiled, saying, “It was a time when I was able to clear my doubts about the personality of the player I was looking at and whether he could fit into our team well.”
In the first year of implementation, some say that improvements are needed. An official from one club said, “If the salary is raised a little more, the number of applicants will increase and the range of choices will become wider.” This is the start. The upcoming 2023-2024 season is important.
Players selected from the Asian Quarter can officially join the team from July 1st.
