Kings feel right at home at Qudos

The Sydney Kings want to see their beloved ‘NBA’ style home of Qudos Bank Arena full for their finals campaign starting tomorrow - Wednesday, March 11.

One of the premier basketball stadiums in the country, Qudos comes alive with plenty of energy and the first Kings semi-final is already shaping up to be one hell of an atmosphere.

Kings guard Matthew Dellavedova says Qudos reminds him of his time as an NBA player with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings.

“A cool thing about playing in Sydney is the size of the arena,’’ says Dellavedova, who grew up in Victoria.

“Qudos is like an NBA arena. To be able to get that many people in the one venue is special.

“To have the opportunity to play in front of 15-16,000 people is amazing. The support we have had all year at Qudos Bank Arena has been fantastic, and there is a real excitement around Sydney about what’s coming for the Kings.

“The Pink Hoops game was awesome. It just shows how big basketball has become in Australia that we can pack out an arena of that size.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it full for the finals.”

Kouat Noi recalls the first time he pulled on the Sydney Kings jersey for a home game after three years at Cairns Taipans.

“I love Qudos Bank Arena. The first time I stepped onto court there as a Kings man, the energy was so different. We have the best fans in the league. They really get into the game’’ Noi said.

“I can't wait for the playoffs. Let’s get a packed house. I want that energy again.”

Kings Coach Brian Goorjian, who has walked the boards of many different courts locally and overseas, says Qudos Bank Arena is something special as a basketball venue.

“We have a venue like no other, and when you've got 19,000 people there, it's worth 10 points for you.’’ Goorjian said.

“Getting home court for the finals was big for us. Opposition teams don’t like playing here because they know they are in for a tough time because of our passionate supporters. Our home court has been a palace for us.

“So, to lose this thing and not win a championship, somebody's got to beat us in that venue.

“We’re excited to be playing at home. We can’t wait.”