Kings welcome NBL23 champion Soares back to Sydney

The last time he was in Sydney, Tim Soares helped the Kings win their fifth NBL championship during the 2022-23 season.

And now, after two seasons abroad, the Brazilian big man is returning to the Hoops Capital club on a one-year deal.

The 28-year-old becomes the 12th player signed to Brian Goorjian's side for NBL26, alongside fellow new additions Matthew Dellavedova and Kendric Davis, as well as returning Xavier Cooks, Bul Kuol, Kouat Noi, Keli Leaupepe, Shaun Bruce, Jaylin Galloway, Tyler Robertston, Makuach Maluach and Jason Spurgin  - there completing the team's full roster for the fast approaching 2025-26 campaign.

“I was always hopeful I’d get another chance to come back and play in Sydney, so I’m really excited to be given this opportunity again,” said King #235 Soares, who averaged 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.9 blocks across 20.9 minutes in NBL23.

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“Having the chance to join this talented roster, full of young guys and veterans who know the game, and be coached by someone from Goorj, was an easy decision to come back to Sydney.

“Not to mention, having two talented ball-handlers like Kendric and Delly on the roster will make my job easier as a big man, much like Xav did in our first stint together.

“Xav and I had great chemistry during our championship run together, with me being able to space the floor for him to attack the rim - which in fact benefits the whole team.”

Since his championship-winning campaign with the Kings, the São Paulo-raised big man has spent time with Grises de Humacao (Puerto Rico), Mets de Guaynabo (Puerto Rico), Nagoya Diamond Dolphins (Japan) and Koshigaya Alphas (Japan).

With all this international experience under his belt, The Masters University alum Soares knows he can impact the game in many ways for the Hoops Capital side in NBL26.

“I’m going to make sure all our guys are working hard every time they step on the court, through my energy but also experience,” said the Brazilian international, who admits his previous stints in Puerto Rico and Japan have helped him expand his game, especially in his ability to score in a number of ways

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“Last time I was in Sydney, one thing we were really good at was being consistent with all our workouts and effort through the season, which laid the platform for us to achieve what we did that season - so that will be something I’m be aiming to bring again during my second stint in Sydney.

“All those effort things, such as running the court hard, dominating the paint and glass and being a defensive presence, I’ll do my best to always bring the energy.

“I’ll also ensure our younger guys have someone on the roster they can trust and speak to about building their careers and what you have to do to play at the highest level you can.”

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Coach Goorjian is thrilled to add Soares to his squad and complete his roster for the NBL26 season.

“The five-man spot is a really important one for us, and after looking at ways to build on last year, we really needed to bring in someone who can bang with those bigger bodies on the inside,” said Goorjian.

“Tim is exactly that, while also being someone who can finish around the rim, protect the paint and also stretch the floor, which is key alongside Xavier.

“The elements Tim brings to the table complement the players we already have on our roster, so it really is a perfect fit - not to mention everyone I spoke to about him had nothing but good things to say about him.

“He’s going to be a great presence and leader for us on the court and also in the locker room - I can’t wait to get him here in Sydney.”

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