Fatherhood and ambition driving Vodanovich in NBL22

Fatherhood and a burning desire to make an impact will be driving Tom Vodanovich in NBL22 for the Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings. 

An off-season in lockdown at home in New Zealand meant Vodanovich was able to spend plenty of time with partner Jade and their new-born baby girl Leah, who is already the Sydney Kings’ biggest little fan. 

“With my daughter born in lockdown it meant I got to experience and spend the first eight weeks of Leah’s life confined to a house with her. Not many dads get to do that,” Vodanovich said. 

“Now to have her here in Sydney with me, she’s already got a uniform and a little lion. She will be our number one Sydney Kings supporter. 

“In lockdown with your new-born you experience how dependent they are on you and now for them to be over here with me, supporting me as I continue my career. This sport is not only a passion that I love, it’s what I do to support my family and that gives you some perspective.”  

On court, Vodanovich has earned a reputation as a skilled, versatile and aggressive forward, but what are his major attributes as a dad off it? 

“I’m definitely the chief nappy changer, I’m the fastest in the land,” he said with a laugh. 

“At nine weeks old Leah already likes a chat, so when I come home from training I like to give Jade a break and I love the dad-daughter chats we already have. I start the conversations, but I definitely don’t finish them.” 

That’s something he’ll have to get used to. 

In the week that Vodanovich has been back on the training court, his desire and competitiveness in driving the group has already been noticeable. 

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The Tall Black was called into the Kings line-up last season as an injury replacement but became a vital impact player for the side and earned a permanent position for NBL22. 

“I really want to bring an impact to this team.  Every time I step in at practice and in games, I want to make an impact,” the 27-year-old said. 

“I want to be a trusted and relied upon member of this team. I want to make an impact and set myself for opportunities into the future.” 

With a new-look, young Sydney Kings outfit ready to make its own mark on the National Basketball League, Vodanovich already likes what he sees, 

“We’ve got a great core group, but we are a really young team,” he said. 

“The leadership and the culture that has been built here has been embraced by the young guys coming in and I’d say they’ve even empowered that even more.” 

The Kings open the season with a December 5 blockbuster double header with the Sydney Flames and take on the might of defending champions, Melbourne United and their star NBA recruit Matthew Dellavedova.  

“Every basketballer looks forward to that first game of the season and to have Melbourne at home is pretty special,” he said. 

“I can’t wait. I know the boys are hungry and we will be ready to go.” 

The Kings fly to Melbourne this week in preparation for the NBL Blitz, starting their pre-season campaign on Saturday night against the South East Melbourne Pheonix. 

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