Interview with Tony Akins (2010)

Tony Akins aka 전태풍 (Chon Tae-Poong) is fulfilling his dreams by playing professional basketball in the KBL (Korean Basketball League) and also playing with the Korean National Basketball team.

When we last spoke with Tony in late 2007, he was playing professional basketball in Europe and was just beginning his pursuit for an opportunity to play in Korea.

Although it didn’t happen right away, Tony became the first overall pick of the historic first ever KBL “Ethnic” draft in early 2009. The draft was instituted as a sort of “supplemental” draft that would allow mixed Koreans an opportunity to enter the KBL and not be classified as “foreign” players. This first draft had 5 draft picks. Unfortunately, the draft was surrounded by some controversy due to some Korean college coaches and players from the KUBF (Korea University Basketball Federation) who felt that they were losing opportunities to play in the KBL due to the mixed Korean players being drafted.

Controversy aside, Tony’s first season with KCC Egis was very successful as KCC Egis made it to the KBL Finals and faced Ulsan Mobis Phoebus. Although they came up short in their quest for a title, which would have been a repeat for KCC Egis, Tony was recognized as a top talent in the league. His statistics included 15.1 PPG (on 52.4 FG%, 81.0 FT% and 39.9 3PT%), 5.1 APG, 1.6 SPG.

Picking up from our last interview (HalfKorean.com Interview with Tony Akins – September 2007), we discuss his thoughts on the KBL “Ethnic” draft, how his adjustment to life in Korea has been, his new Korean citizenship and his pursuit to play for the Korean National Basketball team.

He is currently preparing for his second KBL season along with training for the Korean National Basketball team.

Please note that HalfKorean.com comments/questions are in BOLD.

First off, congratulations on your recent wedding! That is awesome that you found that special someone and they just happened to also be a fellow mixed Korean! If you don’t mind sharing, how did you guys meet?
We met in LA around the 1990’s. First we all went to the same mixed church and then our mothers became friends. My wife’s older brother, Charlie, and I became pretty good friends. Mina, my wife, and I didn’t really interact much because, you know, back then girls were yucky. haha A couple of years later my parents and I moved to Georgia, so we lost contact. A few years ago, my now mother-in-law contacted my mom and mentioned that Mina was now living in Korea. Sometime later, I came to Korea to submit my immigration papers. I was so bored because I didn’t know anyone here except my young cousins. I remembered that she might still be in Korea so I called her, but only with the thought of catching up with an old friend. And when I first saw Mina’s face, it was love at first sight. I had never known how beautiful being half-Korean was until I saw her. I surrendered that night.

So, since you have been spending a lot of time in Korea, how is your Korean?
It’s getting better but we don’t get much down time. Being able to take Korean classes is almost impossible so I’m basically learning Korean from my teammates, friends and coaches.

What has life been like living in Korea?
For the most part it has been great. Every now and then I run into conservative people who are fearful and scared of difference. I try not to take it personal because they are older and from a different time. But, on the other side, it feels great when the people accept me and and understand how difficult it is to adapt ones culture in a matter of a couple of years. I’ve met a lot of good people here.

When we last left off with the previous interview, you had just tried out for the KBL (in 2007) and it didn’t work out. Do you think you were one of the main reasons the KBL decided to start this “ethnic”/supplemental draft?
I’m not sure but I would like to think so. But, regardless of how it came to be, it is definitely something that has improved the league.

What did you think of the KBL “Ethnic” draft?
There are a lot of regulations for mixed Korean players that make a team apprehensive to draft a “mixed” Korean. Also, there was some conflict between some Korean college coaches, players, and the Korea University Basketball Federation (KUBF) regarding the “ethnic” draft.

Personally, I didn’t like that there was a half Korean draft, foreign draft and then a Korean draft. Either we are Korean or we are not. But, I also understood that this was a precedent in Korea. Sometimes change takes baby steps. I thought it was sad that these college coaches were opposed to welcoming basketball players that would make the league better as a whole.

It is funny you mention the controversy. At that time, I read an article regarding the backlash. What do you think of this snippet from the 2/4/2009 Korea Times article “Feud Brewing Over Ethnic Korean Basketball Players”):
“All the college players are like my sons. I’m upset that many university players were not drafted, though all of my Myongji University players went to the pro league,” said Park Sang-kwan, headman of Myongji University. All of the Seoul-based university’s players were selected in the draft. “I don’t think ethnic Korean players are real Koreans. They even do not know the national anthem. It is wrong to give them Korean player’s status,” Park added.
I never seen this article before. It really makes my blood boil. First of all, only five players didn’t get picked that year and only one didn’t get picked the next year. But, like I said before, it seems like it’s mostly culture and fear that keeps old men thinking the same way. Now I’ll ask and answer my own question — After the first season has the opinion of the people who protested the ethnic draft changed? Yes, of course. When we first tried to come to the league, players and coaches wouldn’t look at us in our eyes. Referees scrutinized us and gave us calls worse than they would the Americans in the league. It seems like we were the black sheep of the country. However, slowly but surely, as the season went on, we crushed the league. We were, by far, the best players in the league. Now the consensus on us has taken a great turn. But we are so far from getting the respect that we deserve.

Do you think they will continue the “Ethnic” draft?
Since there was only one pick in the 2010 KBL Ethnic draft, I think it’s done. I wish they would make it into one Korean draft. If the half Korean is good enough then draft him. If not, then don’t. Keep it simple. As corny and cliche as it sounds, we are all humans.

Were their any acceptance issues by your teammates or within the league? Was there any issue where people within the league wondered “why are these mixed Koreans playing basketball here?”
For sure. For all of us the first 2-3 months were probably the worst. I had an episode with my teammates when they actually got out of the pool when I got in because they didn’t want to be close to me. We’ve come a long way and we love each other now. It’s crazy to think how far we’ve come.

Did you get proper respect from younger players and get called 형 (hyung)?
Haha, it’s funny you ask. While we were in Vegas for the national team training, the KBA director made an announcement that Eric (Eric Sandrin) and I are official 형’s. I know someone telling others doesn’t make it final, but for someone of his age and position to acknowledge this was a victory in itself. I almost came to tears because it meant that much to me. haha

Did you spend much time with your teammates (outside of basketball)?
Yeah, we go drinking like it’s water. It’s good times. I swear Koreans party harder than any other.

During the season, I noticed that you had a nose injury that required you to wear a mask/shield. Are you fully recovered now?
Yes, it was the first time I ever broke my nose but I guess it was a toast to my first season as a Korean. It didn’t bother me too much after I took off the mask

What was it like to play with Ha Seung-Jin? Was he the tallest person you’ve played with?
Yes, he is so cool. He’s like a big kid. Sometimes I don’t think he realizes he’s 7’4″. It is a relief to play with him. He gets every rebound and contests or blocks every shot. He makes defense so easy.

I saw some of the video clips of the exhibition game the KBL All-Stars had vs. the NBA Generations team (D-League & NBA retired players) from back in September 2009 before the KBL season started. How was that experience? You tore it up pretty good! I believe you had 32 points and was the leading scorer of the game.
It was cool. To be on the same court as some of those guys was an honor. Such as Tim Hardaway. I always looked up to him when I was young. He is still a good player at the age of 40+.

How was your first KBL season? It must have been great since your team went to the KBL finals. You went to a good team as KCC Egis was the defending champion.
Yes, I couldn’t have asked for a better situation — a great coach and organization. KCC is down for the players first.

Was the KBL what you expected? Did you get to accomplish any personal goals you may have set for yourself prior to the season starting?
Yes, the KBL is great. I wish I would have started the season off much better. I didn’t realize how much having to learn the culture and getting used to the basketball style would affect me on the court.

Were you recognized in Korea (outside of basketball)?
No, not really. I think it may be because I’m not tall or something. haha

I have read that you are officially a Korean citizen now and that you are pursuing a spot on the Korean national team. Was this the reason you obtained Korean citizenship?
Yes, this was the sole reason I changed my citizenship. Now that I’m here, I have made some new goals. I want to help change Korean thought and interaction with foreigners and other cultures. I think it will benefit Korea.

What did your parents/family think of your citizenship change?
They agreed it was a great idea and rare opportunity.

Do you plan to finish your playing career in Korea?
Yes. I would like to spend my retirement here too.

How much longer do you plan to play basketball and what do you see yourself doing after your playing days are over?
I want to play until my wheels fall off. Then, I would like to work with the league to assist in structuring teams and coaching players with a focus on the longevity of players’ careers.

Big thank you to Tony for his time and good luck to him in his second KBL season and Korean National Team pursuit. You can follow him and his team at the official site for KCC Egis.

Interview by: David Lee Sanders

Posted: 8/30/2010