Buford 'honoured' to coach Kings group

The world was watching game five of the NBL Championship Series.

For many of the players it was the biggest game they’d play in, many of the fans have been left with unforgettable memories, and Chase Buford has acknowledged the milestone night that his second title win has brought.

Buford has now won back-to-back championships in his two seasons in charge of the Sydney Kings with, largely, the same roster.

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While the likes of Tom Vodanovich, Ian Clark, Jalen Adams and Jarell Martin all left after the NBL22 triumph, the local core of Xavier Cooks, DJ Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Shaun Bruce, and Jordi Hunter all stayed for the repeat.

“It’s been an honour to lead this group of guys,” Buford said.

“The players we’ve got to coach the last couple of years have been a special group and this year was no different – top to bottom just a great group of guys to be around so I’m very honoured and lucky to be a part of it.

“Last night definitely felt like the biggest game I’ve got to coach in with everything at stake, game five situation, win or go home.

“I go back to game two and the valiant effort those guys who played bigger roles than they usually do to get the win, and then throughout the season guys putting their bodies on the line when maybe they weren’t 100 per cent – it’s really gratifying.

“It’s tough to play a team like New Zealand, they were terrific all year and terrific this season and we just had the better five minutes to end it.

“We’re just really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far and the platform we’ve built to keep growing the club and the game of basketball in Sydney and hopefully it’ll just springboard from here.”

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That further build will have to be implemented without a key cornerstone of Sydney’s dominance over the past two seasons. Xavier Cooks.

The reigning MVP, All-NBL First Team selection and 2022 Larry Sengstock Medallist has wasted no time in linking up with his new side – the NBA’s Washington Wizards – at the culmination of NBL23.

While Cooks was obviously far from 100 per cent across much of the series, Buford says the club is taking the time to celebrate before re-tooling for next season.

“We’ll get to roster building quickly and figure out what it looks like for next year,” he said.

“I’m just so happy for Xav to be able to achieve a lifelong goal. For a lot of these guys, that’s what we’re looking for – to help achieve their dreams along with the club’s dreams.

“It’s been really fun to see the way the city and the fans have embraced the club, and the way these guys have handled it. It’s been a fun group to cheer for and they’ve really embraced this, and we have so much gratitude for them.”

Cooks will be the fifth Kings player to make the leap over to the NBA from the NBL in five seasons and has followed in the footsteps of Andrew Bogut, Jae’Sean Tate, Didi Louzada and Brian Bowen.

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass says the club is proud to have become a proven pathway to the NBA.

“Players see this opportunity as maybe they’ll take a different role or less money to want to play for a club that invests in them and their future to get them to the next level.

“For us, that’s definitely something we’ll utilise.”

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