Anyang Kwan Jang vs Wonju DB: the KBL's best defence meets its fastest side

What does Anyang vs Wonju DB mean for the KBL top four?

Round 9 brings second against fourth: Anyang Kwan Jang, at 6-2, host Wonju Dongbu Promy, at 4-3. It is a direct meeting between two of the top four in the ten-team KBL.

It is also a clash of styles. Anyang own the league's best defensive rating, while Wonju DB play at the fastest pace and carry the second-best offence. The sides have not met yet this season, so this is the first look at how those approaches collide.

The individual story centres on John Mooney, the top-ranked player in the KBL by TeamKeys Rating. Whether Wonju DB can contain him, and whether Anyang can slow the visitors' tempo, frames the game.

How do Anyang Kwan Jang and Wonju DB arrive in form?

Anyang arrive with four wins and a defeat in their last five, the defeat being their most recent game. Wonju DB have won their last two, completing a W L L W W run.

Anyang's latest outing was an 84-76 loss at Seoul SK on 20 October. Before that they beat KCC Egis 81-74 and Suwon KT 89-69, both at home, holding each opponent in the seventies or below.

Wonju DB won 102-95 at Suwon KT on 23 October, after a 104-78 home win over Ko Gas. Their only recent setback was a 92-95 home defeat to Seoul Samsung.

Anyang defence vs Wonju DB attack: what do the numbers say?

The numbers separate a defence-first side from a high-tempo one. Anyang allow 75.5 points per game with a league-best defensive rating of 100.9, while Wonju DB score 94.1 with an offensive rating of 117.9, ranked second.

Anyang's attack is more modest, with 81.4 points per game and an offensive rating of 108, eighth of 10. Their pace of 75.1 ranks fifth, in the middle of the league.

Wonju DB play at a pace of 80.4, the fastest in the KBL, and allow 89.7 points per game. Yet their defensive rating of 110.8 ranks third, which suggests the high totals reflect tempo more than loose defending.

For Anyang, the task is to pull the game towards their own rhythm and make Wonju DB work in the half court. For Wonju DB, it is about running early and turning the contest into a high-scoring one.

Players to watch

Player	Points per game	TeamKeys Rating
John Mooney (Anyang)	20.6	99
Rhenz Abando (Anyang)	7.9	69.7
Jihoon Park (Anyang)	8.9	64.7
Henry Ellenson (Wonju DB)	24.5	90.9
Rayshaun Hammonds (Wonju DB)	20.6	85.9
Ethan Alvano (Wonju DB)	18.3	79.8

Players to watch: John Mooney vs Henry Ellenson

John Mooney is the player to watch, and his duel with Henry Ellenson at power forward can shape the game. Mooney ranks first of 59 players by TeamKeys Rating, while Ellenson ranks eighth.

Mooney averages 20.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 7 games. His last three outings brought 25, 15 and 14 points, and his work on the glass gives Anyang extra possessions against a fast-shooting opponent.

Ellenson averages 24.5 points and 8.2 rebounds in 6 games, with 28, 29 and 22 in his last three. Rayshaun Hammonds adds 20.6 points per game and scored 30 in one of his last three outings.

Ethan Alvano drives Wonju's tempo with 18.3 points and 8 assists per game. Anyang's support cast is quieter, with Jihoon Park on 8.9 points and Rhenz Abando on 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.