August 25, 2022 | Reporter: Kim Dong-young, Sports Seoul

The Korean Basketball League’s (KBL) Goyang Dayone officially launched its new team under the name Goyang Carrot Jumpers, following a grand inauguration ceremony held on August 25 at the Goyang Gymnasium. The team also announced its naming sponsor, the insurtech company Carrot General Insurance, and will compete under the new name starting next season.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Heo Jae, Head of Sports Operations at Dayone Sports; Kim Yong-bin, Chairman of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Construction; Kim Hee-ok, Commissioner of the KBL; Yoo Do-hoon, head coach of Daegu Korea Gas Corporation Pegasus; Choi Hyung-gil, General Manager of Jeonju KCC Egis; Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang; Kim Young-sik, Chair of the Goyang City Council; Park Gwan-soo, Executive Director at Carrot Insurance; and Jeong Ui-seok, CEO of Nassau, the team's official uniform sponsor.

Hosted by announcer Park Sun-young, the event featured introductions of the guests, a congratulatory video, and a commemorative speech by Chairman Kim Yong-bin. Commissioner Kim Hee-ok, Mayor Lee Dong-hwan, and Council Chair Kim Young-sik also gave congratulatory remarks, followed by a keynote address by Heo Jae, outlining his vision for the club.

Commissioner Kim remarked, “We send our best wishes for the future of the Goyang Carrot Jumpers. The basketball community and fans alike are watching this team with great interest. With the unveiling of the name and emblem, we hope this team becomes a new source of energy and growth for the KBL, and a catalyst that sets a new milestone in Korea’s sports industry.”

Heo Jae expressed the team’s ambition by saying, “The Goyang Carrot Jumpers will strive to become the most popular club in the KBL. We promise to stay close to our fans and lead a fresh wave of innovation in Korean basketball through a new style of team management.”

The team’s uniforms were also unveiled during the event. Featuring a vivid orange base with the sponsor name "Carrot" prominently displayed across the chest, the design aimed to reflect an energetic and active image. Nassau CEO Jeong Ui-seok commented, “We used a ‘vivid orange’ color palette to highlight the team’s fan-friendly identity and dynamic presence.”

Sixteen players, including team captain Kim Kang-sun and newly acquired free agent Jeon Sung-hyun, walked the stage runway wearing the new uniforms and posed for the audience. Head coach Kim Seung-gi and the coaching staff later joined them on stage.

Coach Kim declared, “We will reach the top as soon as possible and become the team most loved by fans.” Captain Kim Kang-sun added, “As a newly founded team, we’re preparing to make a fresh start. We hope the fans will come out and support us?we’ll show you great results.”

The team also revealed its new mascot, “Daegil,” inspired by Carrot Insurance’s character. Designed as a cheerful frog holding a basketball, Daegil symbolizes “good fortune” and will serve as the team’s official cheerleader. The team’s new emblem featuring Daegil was also presented.

Following a cheerleading performance and the unveiling of the official team anthem, the ceremony concluded with Heo Jae receiving the team flag, which he waved on stage, and framed team jerseys being presented to the attending dignitaries.