Kings sign Matur Maker to final roster spot

The Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings are thrilled to announce the Club has filled the final spot of the team’s roster for the upcoming 2021-22 Hungry Jack’s NBL season, inking Matur Maker to a one-year deal. 

Standing at 6’11, the young power forward joins the Club following three years playing in Europe and the NBA G League. Most recently he has been playing for the Denver Nuggets at NBA Summer League.

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Born in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, Maker grew up in Perth and Sydney before heading over to the US and Canada to complete high school. He is the younger brother of Australian Boomer Thon Maker and will re-unite with his cousin and NBA Draft prospect, Makur Maker, who the Kings recently announced as their Next Star signing for NBL22.

Having spent the last few years playing internationally, Maker is looking forward to returning to Australia and playing for Sydney.

“After playing in Switzerland, Slovenia, and the NBA’s G League over the last three seasons, I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to contend for a championship. Discipline, defence, caring for each other, as well as staying and playing together and for one another” Maker said.

“There were a number of things that led me to wanting to come back to Australia to play in the NBL for the and the Kings; commissioner Jeremy Loeliger has maintained a relationship with myself, my brother Thon, and cousin Makur over the years; and Chris Pongrass having the vision to work with my agent Mike George and mentor coach Edward Smith to get this done. It was Chris’ vision of the Kings being a “pit stop to get to the NBA” that reassured me he cares about my dreams for the future.

“I’m also very excited about the opportunity to play for coach Buford whose fast-paced style I admired when we faced his Wisconsin Herd team during my time with the RGV Vipers in the G League.

“Add to that having Luc Longley on staff who my brother Thon speaks so highly of, and Andrew Bogut as a part owner, the Kings organisation is constructed with very high calibre people.

“What excites me most is the opportunity to contend for a Championship in the purple and gold – and getting to play alongside my cousin Makur in front of family and friends. It’s going to be special year” Maker said.

Known for his length and athleticism, Maker’s versatility at both ends of the floor will be key to his success this season.

Kings Head Coach Chase Buford is excited to have finalised the roster, and to be welcoming Matur into the group.

“Matur’s competitiveness and versatility really stand out when you watch him play. He’s someone who is at his best in the open court which will be a great fit for how we want to get up and down the floor” Buford said.

Matur Maker rounds out the final piece to the Kings roster for NBL22. He joins Jaylen Adams, RJ Hunter, Xavier Cooks, Tom Vodanovich, Jarell Martin, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (NRP), Biwali Bayles, Makur Maker (Next Star), and Jaylin Galloway (Development Player).

The 2021-22 NBL season is set to tip off on November 18. 

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