Adding Bogut to Kings' coaching ranks excites Pongrass

With the big acquisitions the Sydney Kings have made this off-season to their roster, their most important signing may yet prove to be among the coaching group - part-owner Andrew Bogut taking on a lead assistant role. 

“He reads the game differently,” Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said on NBL Now.

“I think that’s a unique ability of ex-players. I feel that’s why ex-players are also fantastic coaches.”

BECOME A SYDNEY KINGS NBL26 MEMBER TODAY

Bogut is much more than just the usual ex-player, having been inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame over the weekend, becoming just the ninth Australian to achieve such recognition. 

“I wasn’t anticipating him dipping his toe in the coaching space,” Pongrass said.

“Hearing how he’s going to take this role to support Brian (Goorjian) ... I’m really excited for our group.

“His basketball IQ ... his locker room presence and his relationship that he builds with players and holding them accountable ... all of these things I think will translate really well.”

Watch Chris Pongrass' interview with Peter Hooley feature via the Sydney Kings’ YouTube channel below. While you’re there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

Bogut has spent the last couple of seasons on the sideline for the Kings, taking it all in from an owners' perspective, rather than being in the heat of the battle in the game.

“Seeing him on the sidelines, sitting there and having an opinion on everything, now he gets to help implement that and I think that’s really exciting for our group,” Pongrass said.

Bogut’s resume sets him apart among Australian greats, with the former number one pick having won an NBA Championship in 2015, before returning to the NBL to win the MVP in 2019.

“In general for our organisation, to be able to have someone like that involved ... just really, really excited about the opportunity.”