Kings name Bill Tomlinson as assistant coach

The Sydney Kings will have a familiar face on the sidelines in NBL25 after naming Bill Tomlinson as their assistant coach.

Tomlinson, who spent time with the Kings from 1997 to 2007 in a variety of positions and alongside newly appointed head coach Brian Goorjian, will be the Hoops Capital club's coaching staff alongside Daniel Kickert.

"It's great to be back to the Kings after all these years - it feels like I'm coming home," said Tomlinson, who was part of the Kings' three-peat from 2003-05.

"When you're involved in so many championships and successful seasons at one place, it always holds a special place in your heart and I'm excited to be back.

"We made some incredible and exciting memories during Brian and my first stint together at the club and we intend to do the same this time around."

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Prior to his stint with the Kings, Tomlinson, who has ties to the Sutherland Sharks, coached the Hobart Devils and guided the Sydney Flames to the 1997 WNBL championship.

Since leaving the Kings, Tomlinson spent time in China, first assisting with their women’s national team and before coaching Shantou University.

Recently, Tomlinson has been working hard with Goorjan, Chris Pongrass, Luc Longley and Andrew Bogut on building the Kings' line-up for next season - which now includes recent additions, Keli Leaupepe, Izayah Lea'afa and Tyler Robertson, as well as the returning Shaun Bruce, Alex Toohey, Kouat Noi and Makuach Maluach.

"The foundations are obviously there for the club to be successful, with Brian and I just trying to tweak a few things and get a good balance across the board," said Tomlinson, who brings experience and 'older head' to the role in understanding what to takes to success in this league and all the highs and lows that come with it.

"We've got some exciting young players coming back from college in Keli and Tyler, a few players such as Koaut, Alex, Makuach and Klairus who we know have another level to go with their games and then we have a great leader in Shaun, which is a great spot for us to build this team around.

"We're now working through the process of surrounding these guys with more exciting talent, including a couple of imports, to help us on our quest for another championship."

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