Pongrass confident Kings will respond from United 'wake-up call'

Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass joined Sports Entertainment Network's Matt White this week to discuss a variety of topics, including the tough loss to Melbourne on Sunday, the upcoming face-off against rivals in Perth, as well as Alex Toohey as he draws more attention from NBA scouts.

Sunday night’s game at John Cain Arena saw the Kings blow a 19-point lead to rivals Melbourne United following a collapse in the second half - a tough defeat for Sydney and their fans as they fall another game behind Melbourne in first place.

“[It’s a] wake up call, for sure," Pongrass said.

GRAB YOUR TICKETS TO THE KINGS' HOME MATCHES NOW

“We definitely let that one slip through our fingers.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do coming out of the FIBA break."

The Kings now get two weeks off before their clash in Perth against Bryce Cotton and his Wildcats. 

When asked about the rivalry between Sydney and Perth, Pongrass said "The rivalry with Perth is more for the fanbase."

"For us, it’s just another game that we’re trying to win”.

Watch episode three of the Hoops Capital Podcast featuring Alex Toohey via Sydney Kings' YouTube channel above. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

Also discussed on Monday was Alex Toohey and his increasing popularity to NBA scouts.

“He’s a talent, handsdown - [he’s] invested in winning and is putting the team first," Pongrass said

“We’ve got the player's best interests at heart.

“We ride the wave of people saying that Sydney is the place to go to learn and develop and to use as a springboard to the NBA”.

That comment by Pongrass is backed up by the fact the Hoops Capital club has helped Brian Bowen, Andrew Bogut, Jae’Sean Tate, Didi Louzada and most recently Xavier Cooks, all land contracts in the NBA.