McIntyre set to enter NBL history books

Sydney Kings' Fleur McIntyre will enter the NBL record books on Saturday when she becomes one of the first women to coach during the annual pre-season competition.

The second-year Sydney assistant coach, who was a key figure in the Kings' championship run in NBL22, will be in charge of the harbour city side for their Blitz opener against Tasmania from 5.30pm Saturday at the Darwin Basketball Facility.

While she's stoked to be given this opportunity, McIntyre reiterated this story and achievement aren't just about her.

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"I fully appreciate the significance of this moment but to me, this is an opportunity for women as a whole," McIntyre said.

"If there are females of any age out there of dreams of getting into the professional sports industry, I hope this gives them confidence that they should chase those goals and become the best person they can be.

"On the flip side, I hope other organisations see this and create more opportunities for all women.

"Personally, I'm just grateful I get the chance to coach these amazing humans that I adore, while hopefully putting our best foot forward and making all of Sydney proud."

This opportunity has been in the works for some time, with head coach Chase Buford presenting McIntyre the opportunity during the opening week of their NBL23 pre-season.

"Any opportunity I get to coach these guys, whether it's in a scrimmage or in a game like pre-season will be, I always feel really grateful and honoured," she said.

"I'm especially stoked that Chase has the belief in me that we have the skills to take on this challenge.

"Obviously my approach will have to change a little, from sitting in those assistant coaches' chairs alongside Kev [Lisch] and Kicks [Dan Kickert] to standing on the sidelines - which can be a lonely place at times.

"But I've learnt plenty off Chase the past 12 months to prepare myself for this chance, particularly how well he sees the game and our style of play and the way we want to execute as a team - I'm just going to have to be 100 per cent on my game, as I'll be in a hot seat.

"I'm sure there will be nerves come Saturday, ultimately I'm super proud  to be able to represent the Sydney Kings."

Ahead of their first Blitz game this weekend, @3jvasiljevic gives an insight into what he's been up to since winning an NBL grand final. #WeTheKings pic.twitter.com/aDWvtA3NSj

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) September 14, 2022

Following that Darwin opener, the Kings will be coached by fellow assistant Kevin Lisch in game two against South East Melbourne (Wednesday, September 21) before Buford retakes the reins for game three against New Zealand (Friday, September 23).

She believes this trio of games present an excellent opportunity for her side to test themselves prior to their NBL23 tip-off on Saturday, October 1 at Illawarra.

"All eyes are on round one for us and our match-up with the Hawks but it'll be good to actually have a chance to compete against other people and not beat each other up like we've been doing at practice for the past few weeks," the Perth native said.

"With all of our scrimmages have been at such a high quality, I'm excited to see how that all translates during our three games in Darwin.

"As usual, the focus will be on us and what we can do to improve individually and as a team - both stylistically and laying foundations for us to build on during the NBL23 season."

Kings fans can watch all Blitz fixtures via Kayo Freebies.