Jumbos' Jeong Han-young ups his game as team seeks to stay on top

Incheon Korean Air Jumbos' Jeong Han-yeong [KOVO]

V League rising star Jeong Han-young of the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos has been a key part of the defending champions’ remarkable run so far this season.

The Jumbos have dominated the league since the 2020-21 season, sweeping both the league and championship titles three straight times in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Versatile outside hitter Jung Ji-seok was one of the key players behind that success, but he has not played a single game this season due to back pain.

His vacancy, however, is not visible thanks to Jeong’s impact on the court. The Jumbos have won eight of the 12 league games to sit in second place on the seven-team table, and the 22-year-old outside hitter has recorded fourth-highest back row attack success rate at 71.67 percent this season as of press time Sunday.

His outstanding form also contributed to the Jumbos’ five-game winning streak from Oct. 29 through Nov. 15.

“I am just trying to do my best in every game rather than focusing on the fact that we managed that five-game winning streak,” Jeong said during an interview with the JoongAng Ilbo in November. “I am a little shy, but I am trying to overcome it. I try to look like I am okay.”

Having played alongside the Jumbos' Im Dong-hyeok and Lim Sung-jin of Suwon Kepco Vixtorm at Jecheon Industrial High School, Jung also received praises for his solid attack when he played volleyball in university.

He was not able to shine in the V League until this year, as Incheon side aces Jung and Kwak Seung-suk played big roles in the team.

“I feel like I am more confident now at receiving, and my attack skills have improved,” Jeong said. “I definitely feel more comfortable than I did in the opening game and I feel less pressure.”

Jumbos head coach Tommi Tiilikainen is also pleased with Jeong’s improvements.

“He has improved a lot and trained hard, and his efforts show,” Tiilikainen said. “He needs to show more and he will grow to be a better player.”

With Jeong’s rising performance this season, the Jumbos may repeat the glory of the past three seasons and defend their title in style.

The Jumbos would become the second V League team in history to win the league title four consecutive times, if they win again this year.

The Daejeon Samsung Bluefangs are the only side that has so far managed that run, having won the title four straight times in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

BY KIM HYO-KYUNG [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]