Sydney Kings thank Coach Chase Buford

The Sydney Kings announced on Tuesday they will not be taking up their option to have Chase Buford return for a third year as Head Coach. 

As an organisation that supports growth and ambition of its players and personnel, the Sydney Kings supports Coach Buford, an incredibly talented Coach and leader, in pursuing the best possible opportunity in his career. 

Discussions began with Coach Buford in October 2022 about returning for a third season and have continued.

The Sydney Kings had formally granted permission for Coach Buford to interview for roles in the NBA. 

Coach Buford continues to consider and interview for a role in the NBA and therefore, and understandably, is unable to exclusively commit for next season to the Sydney Kings, which the club fully respects. 

With NBL24 looming, schedules require NBL clubs to have certainty on key personnel for purposes of planning, player recruitment and in the instance of the Sydney Kings, to be as prepared as it can be to defend its championships. 

“The timing is challenging but we are at a point where we must make a call to ensure we have certainty about key roles,” Kings Chairman and Majority Owner Paul Smith said. 

“We wish nothing but the best for Chase, this is a difficult decision but one that is made from respect to Chase and his ambitions, but also the best interests of the Sydney Kings. 

“Chase has played a monumental role in the success of the club over the past two seasons.

"The Sydney Kings and the entire Hoops Capital fraternity extend a huge thank you to Chase, Kelly and the Buford family that has become, and will always be, Sydney Kings.” 

The Sydney Kings will begin a global search for its next Head Coach.