Simon adds more defensive silverware to collection

Wherever he plays around the world, Justin Simon has established himself as one of the top defenders in that respective competition.

This is shown by him winning the Big East Defensive Player of the Year (2019), NBL Best Defensive Player (2021) and BBL Best Defender (2022) in three consecutive seasons.

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And although he was snubbed for the NBL23 Damian Martin Defensive Player of the Year Award this season, the Californian product recently took out the Sydney Kings' Defensive Player of the Year sponsored by Prism, at the 2022-23 Hoops Capital awards evening.

"It’s great to get recognized by my teammates and coaches they do a great job of making me better on that end," Simon said.

"It [my defensive instincts] comes with just playing and watching lots of basketball, having great habits on that side and studying my opponents and continuing to gain knowledge on this hoop journey."

Simon will put that ability to the full test in the harbour city's upcoming Championship Series against New Zealand, where he will have the task of slowing down the likes of Will McDowell-White and Barry Brown Jr.

"This series is really going test our defence," the St. Johns alum said.

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"I think if we dial in on that end, we’ll give ourselves a great chance to win."

Game one of the Kings' best-of-five Championship Series against New Zealand tips off on Friday, March 3 at 7:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena, with tickets available here.