Leaupepe embraces role as Kings' enforcer

To many NBL fans, Sunday's strong performance by Keli Leaupepe came as a surprise but not to anyone inside the Sydney Kings organisation.

The 6'6 forward/centre has dominated on the court since he arrived in the Hoops Capital in July, while always bringing physicality and energy to training.

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As a reward for this hard work, the Loyola Marymount University alum finished with five points, five rebounds (including two offensive), one block and countless effort plays in the Kings' eight-point HoopsFest win over Adelaide.

Coach Brian Goorjian loves what Leaupepe brings to his team, allowing others to shine in their own specific roles.

"He's a tremendous guy to play with and does all the dirty work - he's our enforcer," Goorjian said.

"He sets good screens, hits the open shot, defends the best big interior player on the other team.

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"Despite being an undersized big, he's strong and powerful and gets us second looks on offence with his work on the glass - he's done a great job in that during the pre-season and now through our first game and it's invaluable to us.

"When you look at the areas of improvement we've tried to instil from last year to this year, it was that gritty side of the game and he's become an important piece of fixing that issue."

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Goorjian’s team are currently in Perth for their clash with the Wildcats at RAC Aren on Friday, September 27 – tipping off at 9.30pm AEST.

The Hoops Capital side then returns to Qudos Bank Arena for their first home game on NBL25 against Freeway Series rivals Illawarra.

Tickets to the match, tipping off at 2.15pm AEST on Sunday, September 29, are still available here.