Jordan hunting Adrian Hurley Cup victory in return to court

It's been 483 days since Sydney Kings big man Jordan Hunter has featured in a regular-season NBL fixture.

That will all change on Saturday night when his Kings travel to Wollongong to take on arch-rivals Illawarra in their NBL23 season-opener - marking the first game of Sydney's championship defence.

For the Norths Bear product, he admits the Adrian Hurley Cup fixture is a perfect fixture for him to return to the hardwood.

"Playing against the Hawks on their home court is a perfect way for us to start our season and title defence," said Hunter, who missed all of last season due to a foot injury.

"These are the type of games you really enjoy and I'm excited that this will be my comeback game, as it'll give me and the team a real litmus test to where we are at.

"Missing last year was obviously tough but that's all behind me and I'm concentrating on the season ahead."

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The 25-year-old's transition back to the court started at the recent NBL Blitz in Darwin, averaging two points and 6.5 points across the three fixtures against Tasmania, South East Melbourne and New Zealand.

"It was amazing to finally get back on the court and play in some competitive games," said the St. Mary's alum, who was impressed by the play of Iggy Mitchell in Northern Territory.

"Obviously there was a little bit of rust and I was finding my feet out there but I was stoked to get back out there with the boys.

"As a group, we took plenty away from the Blitz in Darwin and I felt we got better as the games progressed.

"We all know that's not the best basketball we're going to play all year, but it's a solid starting point - which is a positive sign heading into week one of the season."

Hunter and his side have now returned to the training court at Auburn, to work on specific aspects before Saturday's Freeway Series showdown.

"One aspect we've concentrated on is bringing that game intensity and how hard we play in matches to the training floor, which will no doubt pay dividends for us in the long term," he said.

"We know this competition isn't a sprint and we're all willing to trust the process."

In terms of the round one clash itself, which will tip-off at 8pm AEST, Hunter admits his side are focusing more on themselves than trying to slow down Jacob Jackomas' side.

"Like any game, our main priority is looking after ourselves and what we can control on the court," the 209cm centre said.

"If we stick to our guns and play like we know we're capable of on the offensive and defensive end, that should help us take care of business.

"As a team, all know we'll be ready to hit the ground running come Saturday and how important a win will be to laying the platform of our season."

Adding to the theatre on Saturday will be the fact the Kings can not only set the all-time franchise record for consecutive games won on the road (13) but equal the all-time NBL record set by the Canberra Cannons between the 1984 and 1985 seasons if they triumph over their NSW rivals.