Pink Hoops a cause close to the Robertsons' hearts

This Sunday's Pink Hoops double-header, in support of the McGrath Foundation (which is now supporting all forms of cancer), is an event close to everyone's hearts at the Hoops Capital club.

In particular, it's a cause that has ties to King #252 Tyler Robertson and his family.

In March 2023, the Robertson's lives changed forever, with the father of their family Andrew being diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

"While there were a few tears at the start, the support of my family with their love and encouragement when treatment started is what got me through," said Andrew Robertson.

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"For Tyler at the time, he was at college where he had his basketball family (coaches and players at the University of Portland) to help him through. 

"Tyler playing college overseas was something that helped me get through because I was able to watch his games and that’s what made me feel somewhat ‘normal’ for everything that was going on.

"Without my family's support, I don’t know what I would have done."

Further to that, Tyler mentioned that the period after the diagnosis was 'one of the toughest of his life'.

"It was undescribably tough being away from family [during that time] because I couldn’t be there to support," said  the Kings guard, whose team will battle Tasmania from 2.15pm on Sunday.

"But I was incredibly blessed with the coach I had at college and his family were able to be a big part in me finding ways to deal with it."

Fast-forward to the present day, after months of treatment, Andrew is now in remission and Tyler will be suiting up for the Kings in his first Pink Hoops.

"Cancer has played a big part in my life with obviously my dad being recently diagnosed but also both my grandfathers have battled it and one sadly lost his life to it," Tyler said.

"To be able to represent all the people [during Pink Hoops] not only I know but that those that my teammates, coaching staff and others within the organization, who know people who have battled cancer is truly an honour - especially getting a chance to wear the specially designed pink uniforms.

"Pink Hoops brings to light the massive widespread issue that cancer is and gives people a voice to be able to talk through things with those who might experience it, but also can influence people to get check ups earlier which I think is the more important part.

"The togetherness of both the club and the McGrath Foundation are showing by doing this event, is something that holds special to a whole of people, including myself."

Andrew, as well as the majority of the Robertson family, will be present at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday for the double-header - an event the former is extremely proud to be associated with.

"I am extremely proud of both Hoops Capital and Tyler for holding a round such as the Pink Hoops," Andrew said.

"Everyone at some stage in their life with be affected by someone who gets diagnosed with cancer.

"Whether it is a loved one or a family friend everyone gets effected and has to find ways to talk and cope with it.

"If Pink Hoops creates awareness and understanding around this horrible, universal disease then that’s a great positive to come out of it.

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"Patients fight hard, they want to live and they want to feel as normal as they can, so being able to see a game of basketball or something that they feel like they are apart of is why this event put on by Hoops Capital is so awesome.

"If this double-header can help raise money for research, for treatments, for the scans and x-rays, thats a great thing from this.

"Wearing the pink singlet doesn’t tell you when your next appointment is, it says I am a normal guy in the crowd there to watch and enjoy some Sydney Kings basketball.

"If everyone at the game can find a small way to donate towards the McGrath Foundation, it will give someone a little more ‘normal’ in their lives."

Tickets to the double-header, which will also see the Flames take on Adelaide from 11.45am, are still available here.