Kings re-sign fan favourite Bruce for two more seasons

Two-time NBL champion and Sydney fan favourite Shaun Bruce has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the Kings, which will keep him at the club until the end of NBL26.

Bruce, who has played 161 games in the purple and gold since joining in 2019, has been an integral part of the Hoops Capital club's recent success and building the club into what it is today.

The 33-year-old Horsham product said it was an easy decision to re-sign with the harbour city side.

"I'm very excited to re-sign in Sydney," said Bruce, who joined the NBL's 300-game club in NBL24.

"I've really loved my time here in Sydney and there's nowhere else I'd rather play, so it was an easy decision.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR NBL25 MEMBERSHIPS NOW

"What sets the Kings apart is the care from the top of the organisation with the owners, all the way down to the players - everyone legitimately cares about Sydney basketball and wants to make it grow.

"It's been a fun ride so far and I'm excited to see how far we can push it in the coming years."

The NBL25 and NBL26 season will see the guard team up with new head coach Brian Goorjian - a prospect that he is thoroughly looking forward to.

"I've competed against Goorj and his teams are always ultra-competitive and I'm sure we will be the same," said King #209 Bruce, who believes his competitiveness and leadership (especially in terms of what it means to be a Kings) will be assets to the Kings organisation once again.

"I've had some great battles with Goorj teams over the years, so it'll be fun to be on the other side of that next season."

Watch Shaun Bruce's re-signing hype video via the Sydney Kings' YouTube channel above. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos. 

Bruce is now the fifth signed-on for next season in Sydney, joining Alex Toohey, Angus Glover, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir - a squad which he expects to once again compete for a championship in NBL25.

"The expectation in Sydney is to win every year and next season is no different," the 12-year NBL veteran said.

"While last season was a little down, our expectation doesn't change - we'll all use this time to refresh before coming back with the mindset to win another title.

"That's what I love about the Kings, they put you in a position from day one and now with Goorj, it'll be no different and I can't wait."

READ MORE: PAUL SMITH THANKS KINGS SUPPORTERS FOR NBL24 SEASON

From the club's perspective, Kings CEO Chris Pongrass is thrilled to have Bruce in Sydney for two more seasons.

“Brucey is entrenched in this "club’s DNA and someone we want around long into the future," Pongrass said.

"He is a veteran leader, a competitor and an irreplaceable piece of our group.

“There wasn’t even a question about him returning, we were all aligned in making it happen.

“It is quite remarkable to think that Shaun will surpass 200 games in the purple and gold, making him one of the longest-tenured Kings in its rich history.

"When all is said and done, he deserves to be recognised as one of the greats."

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