Menu
News Article
 

Lisch ready to take Kings' reins at NBL Blitz

20 Sep
3 mins read
For the second straight NBL Blitz game, the Sydney Kings will be coached by one of their assistants - with Kevin Lisch this time taking the reins.

For the second straight NBL Blitz game, the Sydney Kings will be coached by one of their assistants - with Kevin Lisch this time taking the reins.

After Fleur McIntyre led the Kings against Tasmania, Chase Buford appointed Lisch as the primary play-caller for Sydney's fixture against South East Melbourne in Darwin.

"I'm really excited with the opportunity Chase has given me to coach game two," said Lisch, who enjoyed watching his colleague McIntyre coach the side in game one.

"It's a cool opportunity and one I'm going to make the most of - which I am no doubt prepared for after my stint at coaching my son's junior side during the off-season.

"At the end of the day though, the whole squad has been putting in plenty of hard work the past few weeks and I'm just going to be there and help facilitate what we're trying to achieve to the best of my ability.

"While I'm sure there will be nerves, this is a club I played for over a number of seasons and means a lot to me, so I'll be doing the best I can to make everyone proud of this team."

GRAB YOUR SYDNEY KINGS TICKETS NOW

Although Lisch's side suffered a defeat in their NBL Blitz opener, the 36-year-old is confident his team has taken plenty away from the fixture.

"There are plenty of good and bad things to take away from that loss to Tassie game, which is what you'd expect from someone's first pre-season game," said Lisch, who highlighted the impressive play of Kings debutants Derrick Walton Jr and Jackson Makoi on Saturday.

"Tassie is obviously a really strong team, who are once again tough to score against.

"As a group, we know there's plenty of room for growth but that's why you play pre-season games.

"Since the loss, we've sat down and done a lot of film work with the players, just like we would after any game, looking at what aspects and line-ups worked and which need more time - we know we're going to be fine as a group, it's just going to take some time.

"As a player, one of the most enjoyable parts of the game is that there are always areas you can improve on and I know our group feel that way - they're all keen to get back on the court and produce a better performance."

When the Hoops Capital club hits the hardwood from 5.30pm AEST, Lisch admits there are a number of goals they want to tick off.

"First and foremost is solidifying what our identity is as a group and who we want to be this season," the Illinois native said.

"On top of that, we'd obviously like to score more than 53 points as a group but that comes with the processes, which the guys have been working hard on.

"Finally, getting back in that game feel and acclimatising yourself with all that comes with playing regular games, which we will be starting in less than two weeks times."

The Kings' second NBL Blitz game against the Phoenix can be viewed via Kayo Freebies.

Share
 

â–  More News

All
Official Partners