Kings make free agency splash with Bul Kuol signing

The Sydney Kings' NBL25 roster is well and truly starting to take shape, after announcing the exciting signing of Bul Kuol on Tuesday.

The Canberra product, who joins on a three-year deal (with the third being a mutual option), is the fourth new signing for the Hoops Capital club this free agency period - following in the footsteps of Keli Leaupepe, Izayah Lea'afa and Tyler Robertson.

These four will join the returning faces of Shaun Bruce, Alex Toohey, Kouat Noi, Makuach Maluach and Klairus Amir in Brian Goorjian's squad next campaign.

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"The Kings are an established club, that has a proven track record of success, so to have the opportunity to be a part of all that was really exciting and a chance I jumped at," Kuol said.

"I've never won any championships in my career and I feel Sydney is the best spot for me to try and end that.

"Not to mention having the opportunity to play for coach Goorjian, who is a master of his craft, and play closer to home were big factors in my decision to sign with Sydney.

"I honestly feel that if we succeed in Sydney, it'll be felt in Canberra - I want to build a legacy during my time at the Kings and I'm hungrier than ever to finally win that title."

After being born in Sudan, Kuol came to Australia at age nine - growing up in the nation's capital and attending Lake Ginninderra College.

During this time, he played SEABL (now NBL1) with the Canberra Gunners before attending California Baptist University in the United States.

Following four years with the Lancers and after graduating, Kuol spent another season with the University of Detroit Mercy, averaging 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals for the 2020-21 season.

The now 27-year-old then returned to Australia to play at the Knox Raiders in the 2021 NBL1 South season, which led him signing with the Cairns Taipans.

Kuol made an immediate impact at Cairns, being named the NBL's Rookie of the Year in 2022 and helping the Snakes reach the semi-finals against Sydney in NBL23.

A quick stint with French club Le Mans followed as did time with the South Sudanese national team.

In his final year at the Taipans, Kuol averaged a career-best 12.7 points, 1.7 assists and 0.5 blocks per game, to go with 3.1 rebounds and 0.7 steals.

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With all that already to his name, all signs are pointing to Kuol's best season as a professional in NBL25.

"I feel I'll bring a high level of energy and competitiveness to the organisation, with a team-first mentality as I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win," said the 201cm wing, who is excited to feel the love from the 'best fans in the league at Qudos Bank Arena' and be part of the Hoops Capital family.

"I'm coming to Sydney to not only prove myself but improve as a player, which starts on the defensive end.

"[First and foremost] I'm keen to elevate my strengths first, which starts with cleaning up my defence - which I know coach will be able to help me achieve.

"I believe I'm a good defender but I'm not a sharp defender yet, but being in that Sydney environment will get me there - especially with the group of players we're putting together who are all defensively minded.

"Off the back of that and feeding off my teammates, I believe my offensive game will take care of itself and continue to grow."

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Coach Goorjian is excited to add someone of Kuol's talent and pedigree to his team for at least the next three seasons.

"Bul is one of those players you can build your team around, thanks to his ability on both sides of the ball as a premier three-and-D player," the six-time NBL champion said.

"With the group we now have in place, he's a vital piece in that and has all the tools to be the best defender in the league - as he can lock down multiple positions on the court.

"After an up and down season last year with Cairns, I feel he's ready to blossom into the player I know he can be in Sydney and play a huge role in getting us to where we want to be as a club."

Stay up to date with all the harbour city club's off-season news here.