Kings lock down Hunter on multi-year extension

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings are excited to announce that rising star Jordan Hunter has signed a long-term contract extension with the Club, keeping him in Sydney until 2024.

The 24-year-old had a breakout season during NBL21 as the Kings starting centre, averaging 9 points, 6.17 rebounds and 1.11 blocks per game.

He also earned himself a Most Improved Player nomination for the NBL as well as taking out the Club’s Players’ Player Award as voted by his teammates for NBL21.

A Sydney boy, the talented big is thrilled to be staying on to represent his hometown.

“I’m very excited to be extending my contract with the Kings” Hunter said.

“It was a no-brainer for me, the Kings are putting together something really special here and I’m grateful to be a part of it now and for the next few seasons.” 

“It’s an exciting time for Sydney basketball. I was fortunate enough to train with the Kings when I was coming through the ranks, so I’ve been able to see how far they’ve come. We put together a great year last year, and to now have guys like Luc and Bogues on board with Paul, Paul and Chris - the calibre of people we have involved leading the Club is really strong.”

“With the Flames joining us, and the Women’s World Cup being played here, it’s just a really great time to be involved in Sydney basketball and it’s only upwards from here” Hunter added.

A graduate of St Mary’s College, Hunter is in his second season with the Kings after spending his rookie year being mentored by some of Australia’s best bigmen; Andrew Bogut, Luc Longley and Daniel Kickert.

Now working as a special advisor to the Kings, Longley was not surprised by Hunter’s impressive season in the NBL.

“Success they say is where opportunity meets luck and our young guys this season like Jordi have been lucky enough to have that opportunity, and they really made the most of that” Longley said.

“To me that’s one of the exciting things about being involved in a basketball team is seeing young guys grow into roles, and it’s been a good year for the Kings in that aspect". 

“Jordi did all the work himself this season, he’s found a way to play that really suits him". 

“He’s learnt how to navigate the referees, and to play around the fouls so that he can stay on the court for more minutes. His stats then start looking good and he’s got his confidence up, and he’s cemented his role in the group. Once those things all start falling into place, you can really shine as a player” said Longley.

“It’s been great to see him step through all of those hoops this season, and personally I’m very proud of him". 

CEO Chris Pongrass echoed Luc’s comments and was pleased to be locking down the local talent. 

“Jordi was one of my first signings when I joined the team, so it is a personal joy for me to see him develop into the player we had hoped he could be, and a privilege to keep him at the Club long term”.

“His growth over the past two years is a testament to the work he puts in behind the scenes – his body, his shot, his understanding of the game. He will continue to play a major role with us moving forward, and was important for us to maintain homegrown talent". 

“One of the most unique guys I have had the pleasure of being around he should be role model for all Sydney kids looking for a pathway to become a pro athlete".

With the shortened off-season, Hunter will look to take some time off before getting back into pre-season later this year. He joins Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover and Biwali Bayles as contracted players for next season with more announcements expected to be made in the coming weeks.

The exact start date of NBL free agency will be determined pending the end of the NBL21 Grand Final Series.