Former King Backs Breakers Win

Tom Vodanovich has had one taste of NBL championship glory, and if his opinion is anything to go by, he’s preparing for his second.

Vodanovich was a member of last season’s Sydney Kings that defeated the Tasmania JackJumpers in three games, and this time he could lift the trophy at the expense of his former team.

He says he thinks it will be Tom Abercrombie – not Xavier Cooks – who will lift the title come the end of Game 5.

“I think Sydney at the moment is thinking they’ve got a battle on their hands,” Vodanovich told News Hub.

“I think they’re a bit worried and they’re going to have to play their best basketball to defeat us.

“I don’t think they can beat us.”

While Sydney’s import trio of Derrick Walton Jr, Tim Soares and Justin Simon is totally different from the imports Vodanovich played with in Sydney last season, much of the roster and coaching staff remains the same.

The former King has tried to use his inside knowledge as an advantage heading into Game 5.

“I’ve shared a few insights,” he said. “Obviously it’s the same group of guys, more or less, and it’s the same coach.

“I’ve given what I can to help our group get ahead.”

Vodanovich will become just the fourth player to earn back-to-back titles with different teams.

Given New Zealand won Game 4, Vodanovich believes his current team holds the advantage.

“I imagine [the Kings] were pretty confident coming into Game 4, and now we’re on the front foot.

Vodanovich and the Breakers take on the Sydney Kings in Game 5 of the NBL23 Championship Series tonight – Wednesday, March 15 – at 7:30pm AEDT.

Catch the game live and free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | Sky Sports and Prime for NZ.