Nine thousand two hundred ninety four.

That was the number of kilometers I traveled from San Francisco to Seoul, South Korea. It would eventually be the number that would catch the attention of Lee Gwanhee, the shooting guard for the Changwon LG Sakers of the Korean Basketball League(KBL).

관희야! 너보러 미국에서 9294km 날아왔어 was what was written on the poster that I excitedly held in my hands as I arrived Goyang Gymnasium 90 minutes prior to tip off. When translated in English, it states, “I traveled 9,294km from the USA to see Lee Gwanhee.”

Being a long-time fan of basketball, I do have knowledge of the sport, but was I there to have a play-by-play running through my head and keep tabs on game stats? Eventually, but not right away. I was first there to quench my curiosity of who the infamous Lee Gwanhee is, the 35-year-old star veteran basketball player who is still vying for his first championship ring.

Seated six rows above the Sakers bench, my eyes naturally scanned the venue for Lee Gwanhee first. And, finally, there he was – the red flag of Singles Inferno. Random thoughts and questions ran through my mind:

• Why is he number 0? It got me even more curious because players usually ask to be that number for specific reasons.
• He’s more handsome in person.
• He is not easily distracted.
• He seems approachable.
• His pre-game dribbling drills reminded me of Golden State Warriors Steph Curry’s routine.
• What is it with the hair? It reminded me of my son’s military haircut.

I was lost in thought when a new acquaintance from Canada brought to my attention that my poster, which I was already displaying, was catching the attention of the Sakers’ staff and players. Lee Gwanhee was alerted by a teammate of my poster, and after reading it, he waved. And I happily waved back. Right there and then, I felt content. My poster caught his attention, and it was acknowledged. It’s time to put it away.

But no less than 30 minutes later, Lee Gwanhee was seen climbing up the steps to my section. Please don’t come to me, I thought, I don’t even have lipstick on.

But as soon as he was right in front of me and asked if I wanted to take pictures, I completely forgot about how I looked and squealed with a delightful yes!! He was accompanied by someone who I found out later was the team interpreter, but his service was never needed, as Gwanhee conversed with me in English. After taking pictures, he asked me where I was from, how long I was in Korea for and asked why I came there. Without hesitation, I said, “For you!” I then went on to apologize for wearing a Steph Curry jersey, but made it up to him by saying in jest, ‘Steph Curry isn’t my favorite basketball player anymore, you are.” It elicited an amused smile from him as he went back down.

My face never stopped smiling the whole time. I was over-the-moon happy like I was in Disneyland! But even better than Disneyland! I felt so welcomed! It made me feel like a giddy 13-year teenager again.  I didn’t realize a simple poster would an impression and lead to an unexpected and kind gesture from Lee Gwanhee.

The Sakers went off to win their third game in a row, with Gwanhee making a clutch free throw that would help seal victory. As the team headed back to the locker room, he looked back and waved goodbye. Wow, I thought! What a nice guy! I was amazed at the lone fact that he still remembered me! Another unexpected gesture. This would end up being my favorite part of my whole interaction with him.

Lee Gwanhee not only scored 10 points in the game that night, but he scored personal points with me as well. He made a fan out of me. A real one that is.