Shinhan Bank Selects Zainichi Korean Kaneda as No. 1 Pick in Rookie Draft

Incheon Shinhan Bank of the Women's Korean Basketball League has selected Manaha Kaneda (28, 175 cm), a foreign-national compatriot proven in Japan's W League, as the number one overall pick in the rookie draft.

Shinhan Bank exercised its number one overall draft pick to call Kaneda's name at the 2026-2027 WKBL rookie draft held at Cheongju Gymnasium today (the 19th).

Kaneda is a veteran who has played in the Japanese women's professional basketball league since 2024.

She has accumulated a wealth of practical playing experience through her time with the Chanson V-Magic and the Toyota Antelopes in Japan's W League.

Shinhan Bank head coach Choi Yoon-ah explained the background behind the selection, saying, "Having gained diverse experience in Japan, we judged that she is flawless as an immediate contributor. She is a player we have been watching for a long time, and as soon as we heard she was entering the draft, we decided we simply had to draft her."

Speaking in prepared Korean, albeit a bit awkwardly, Kaneda clearly expressed her thoughts: "I am so happy to be able to play basketball for Shinhan Bank. I will do my absolute best and work hard. Please support me moving forward."

Meanwhile, Busan BNK, exercising the second overall pick, secured Supia Girls' High School guard Lim Yeon-seo (18, 170 cm), who was considered the top high school prospect in this draft.

The third pick, Asan Woori Bank, selected forward Kim Ri-hye (24, 176 cm), a third-generation Zainichi Korean who previously played for the Aisin Wings in Japan's W League, while the fourth pick, Bucheon Hana Bank, brought in center Yuri Okura (21, 178 cm), a foreign-national compatriot.

Next, Cheongju KB, holding the fifth pick, selected Won I-ana (24, 169 cm), who participated by acquiring foreign-national compatriot player status while playing for the corporate team Sacheon City Hall, and Yongin Samsung Life selected Shukmyung Girls' High School forward Lee So-hee (18, 181 cm) with the sixth pick, concluding the first-round selections.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.