NBL1 South campaign with Knox excites Leaupepe

Sydney Kings forward Keli Leaupepe is excited to line up for the Knox Raiders in the NBL1 South season for numerous reasons.

The first, it'll represent his first opportunity to play since hurting his hamstring at the end of December.

But it will also mark his first chance to play back in front of his friends and family in more than five years, after stints at Loyola Marymount University and the Kings.

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"It’s good to be home [in Melbourne]," King #249 Leaupepe said.

"I grew up playing on these courts and against these teams in my juniors when it was called SEABL - so coming back with more experience is going to be fun.

"It’s been years since some of these people have seen me play, so I’m excited to compete in front of them again."

Leaupepe's Raiders open their 2025 campaign against Kilsyth on Saturday at the State Basketball Centre.