SBS 'Passionate Basketball Team' Wraps Up Season 1 with a Grand Finale

Former basketball player and broadcaster Seo Jang-hoon successfully concluded Season 1 of SBS's 'Passionate Basketball Team' on January 17th, marking a grand finale.

According to producer Seo Hyun-seok, 'Passionate Basketball Team' is a reality basketball growth show where Korean basketball legend Seo Jang-hoon takes the helm as coach, and K-POP stars and celebrities participate as players. The show was conceived with the idea of playing 'real basketball, not just celebrity basketball.'

From the planning stages, Season 1 of 'Passionate Basketball Team' was a challenging endeavor. The production team and Coach Seo Jang-hoon personally reached out to each celebrity player about a year ago, persuading them to join despite their hectic schedules. The members, juggling their careers in entertainment with filming, performances, and drama schedules, dedicated late nights and early mornings to practice on the court. Even on non-filming days, continuous training transformed the team from a mere 'entertainment cast' into a genuine basketball team.

Throughout Season 1, the Passionate Basketball Team gained real-world experience by competing against top-tier teams both domestically and internationally. Starting with their first game against Park Jin-young's BPM team, they faced off against top-level teams like Gimhae Masters, J-Crew, and Owls, delivering authentic performances regardless of the outcomes. The team visibly grew through these experiences, and viewers witnessed their transformation. Their understanding of tactics and teamwork improved, showcasing how a celebrity basketball team evolved into a real team.

The season's highlight was an overseas match held at the SM Arena Mall in the Philippines, with a capacity of 15,000 seats. The game, played in front of a packed audience, became an unforgettable moment for both the Passionate Basketball Team and the production crew. Through this match against a Philippine team, they shared an experience that transcended a mere friendly game, uniting through basketball. The members collectively expressed, 'It was an unforgettable time playing real basketball in front of so many fans.'

According to CU Media Group, "'Passionate Basketball Team' Season 1 was a project completed through challenging planning and filming processes. However, the pure passion for basketball brought them together every night, and their sincerity resonated with many viewers and fans. Although Season 1 has ended, the challenge of the Passionate Basketball Team continues. The production team and Coach Seo Jang-hoon are preparing for 'Season 2,' aiming for a bigger stage and deeper basketball experiences."

Reporter Kim Se-a, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr