Kickert joins the Kings coaching department

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings are pleased to announce former Kings captain and Australian Boomer Daniel Kickert has joined the Club’s Coaching department ahead of the NBL22 season.

Kickert called time on his career at the conclusion of last season after playing for more than 15 seasons throughout Europe and Australia, including at three NBL Clubs – Melbourne United, the Brisbane Bullets and the Sydney Kings – as well as several stints representing Australia in the green and gold. 

Since his move to Sydney in 2018 he has played an integral role in the revitalisation of the Club, helping the Kings to a Minor Premiership, and the Club’s first Grand Final appearance since 2008. The ultimate leader, he also threw himself into the role of being a mentor for young bigs like Jordan Hunter who had a breakout season last year.

With a new group of young talent coming through the Club, Kickert is looking forward to his new role on the sidelines.

“I’m extremely excited to be staying on with the Kings” Kickert said.

“It’s been an amazing three years at the Club and I’m looking forward to now making my transition to the other side of professional sport, and I couldn’t be happier to be doing it in Sydney.

“Basketball in NSW is on an amazing trajectory right now, and I feel very fortunate to be involved in helping its growth.

“Hopefully I can impart some of my 20 years of basketball experience onto the playing group, and help develop their games and achieve their goals, just as my own coaches did for me throughout my career” he added.

Kickert will step into the role of Assistant Coach and Player Development Coordinator alongside Kevin Lisch, Fleur McIntyre and Lachie Lonergan who make up the rest of Coach Buford’s coaching staff.

New Kings Head Coach Chase Buford is looking forward to having Kickert alongside him for his debut NBL season.  

“We’re very excited to add Kicks to our staff” Buford said.

“Adding someone with his experience both around the league and with the Boomers provides valuable knowledge and insight to both our coaches and our players.

“He has already shown he is keen to jump in head first by investing his time and efforts into our team, and we can’t wait to incorporate him further into our group” Buford added.

With the NBL’s 2021-22 season set to tip off on November 18, pre-season is underway for the Kings, with the remaining players set to arrive in Sydney late September.

The Kings have finalised their roster for NBL22 with Jaylen Adams, RJ Hunter, Xavier Cooks, Tom Vodanovich, Jarell Martin, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (NRP), Biwali Bayles, Matur Maker, Makur Maker (Next Star), and Jaylin Galloway (Development Player) all contracted for the upcoming season.