McIntyre brings new perspective to Kings

Sydney Kings assistant coach, Fleur McIntyre, has made an immense impact since joining the team and episode four of NBL23: Unrivalled provides a unique insight into her contributions.

McIntyre joined the Kings in 2021, coming from the University of Notre Dame Australia where she was Discipline Head of Exercise and Sport Science professor.

McIntyre also has had previous coaching experience with Basketball Western Australia’s High Performance Programs, including coaching in both the NBL1 West Men’s and Women’s competitions, and as a former WNBL Assistant Coach for the Perth Lynx.

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Her transition into the NBL ranks came about from friend, Kings’ part owner, and Australian basketball legend, Luc Longley, who pushed her to apply for the job.

“I had a phone call from Luc Longley, he said to me what are you doing. I said I’m not sure, I need a job, I’m looking for my next thing, and he invited me to apply for a role with the Kings and I did,” McIntyre said.

“The rest is history and I’m now on my second season with Sydney.”

Bringing a female perspective to the team has done wonders for the defending champions, and McIntyre isn’t afraid to make her voice heard.

“I’m not shy of speaking in front of people so I think when you walk into this job and you can get up and deliver, the boys go ‘okay they know what they’re doing,” McIntyre said.

“That’s what made my transition really easy, I can speak to people, and I think if you’re hesitant in this job, they will eat you alive.”

Kings coach Chase Buford praised McIntyre for her ability to form strong relationships with the players, not only on the court, but off the court.

He also thinks she has a bright future in the sport and can become a head coach. 

“I think what makes Fleur so special is her ability to connect with the players, she earns their trust really quickly. Developing relationships, talking to them,” Buford said.

“I told her if she wants to be, she’s absolutely in line to be the first woman head coach in the (NBL). I’m trying to push her to explore opportunities in the NBA.

“She could add a lot of value in a lot of different ways for a lot of clubs.”

McIntyre added she takes a mindset of being a support system for the players into her role.

“In this particular environment sometimes you don’t have to have all the answers and you don’t have to solve all of the problems,” McIntyre said.

“People just need an ear, and I think some days I try and provide that when they need it and that little bit of extra support.”

Kings MVP finalist, Xavier Cooks, conceded he first had some hesitation about having a female coach.

But as soon as McIntyre stepped foot on the Kings’ court, she erased all stereotypes of a female coach, with Cooks claiming her to be one of the most influential figures in the NBL.

“When I first came here I was a little bit worried about having a female coach around the locker room culture. Boys will be boys,” Cooks said.

“Fleur is my girl, I love Fleur. Fleur came in first week and was making the same politically incorrect jokes and just having fun.

“She’s such a mum on our team.”

The latest episode of Unrivalled: Inside NBL23 is now available on the NBL website and YouTube channel, and Kayo Sports.

On the court, the Kings have progressed to the second Semi-Final Play Off and will host game one of series on Wednesday, February 15 from 7.15pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena - with tickets available here.