Kings finalise coaching staff ahead of NBL21 tip-off

Following the recent announcement by the Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings that Adam Forde would be taking over as Head Coach, the Club has now locked in its remaining coaching staff ahead of the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

James Duncan who joined Sydney last season will fill the role of Lead Assistant, while Sam Gruggen comes on board as the Club’s second Assistant. Former Kings captain Kevin Lisch also steps into the role of Assistant Coach and Player Welfare Manager, and Lachlan Lonergan joins the team in a more formal capacity as the Club’s Video Coordinator.

Kings Head Coach Adam Forde was excited about the mix of talent he had surrounding him on the sidelines as the team continues their preparations for game one on January 15.

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“Having someone like JD who has already built really strong relationships with the playing group, but also now has a great understanding of how the league works, is important to our success; I know it fills me and the playing group with confidence” Forde said.

“Sam comes on board with credentials in high performance after working with Basketball Tasmania and most recently Basketball NSW. He spent some time with Shawn Dennis in Townsville, so he’s got an understanding of the NBL already as well.”

“He also adds another element in a sense that he’s a guy that can get on the floor and has some fresh new ideas, especially when it comes to player development” Forde added.

“It’s exciting to have Kev around because he brings a new perspective from the players side of things. There are things that I can teach the group from the sidelines but having someone like Kev who has done it for so many years at a high level, he can pass on his experience and advice to guys like DJ, Angus and Brucey”.

Toby Banfield remains in charge of the Club’s medical team as the Director of Performance, while the basketball department will once again be supported by Australian basketball icon, Luc Longley as Special Advisor.

“I’m very lucky to have all of these guys around me in my first year as a rookie Head Coach –  I know that with each of them bringing their different skillsets, we’re going to have a robust and experienced coaching department” Forde added.

CEO Chris Pongrass echoed Forde’s comments and agreed that the strong support networks and personal the Club has put in place to support the playing group were key to the team’s success in NBL20.  

“When TSE took over full ownership of the Kings, it was a focus for us to develop a strong basketball department which was backed up by an experienced performance and medical team that would help make us as a destination Club for athletes” Pongrass said.

“With Adam now leading the way, and the staff he has supporting him, we are in terrific hands heading into NBL21”. 

The Kings will tip off their season in a Grand Final re-match against the Perth Wildcats on January 15 before returning to Sydney for their first home game on January 24.

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