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Goorjian labels United the 'benchmark' ahead of historic fixture
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Brian Goorjian and his Kings are looking forward to the challenge of taking on the 'benchmark' of the competition on Wednesday.
Ahead of the historic Ignite Cup opener on Wednesday night, Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian has labelled his opponents as the 'benchmark' of the competition.
While some might see this as Goorjian playing mind games, it seems to be a genuine compliment by the six-time NBL champion on the undefeated Melbourne United, who sit at 3-0 after the first three rounds.
“In the time I’ve been back in the NBL, they [United] might be the best team I’ve seen from top to bottom,” Goorjian said to CODE Sports.
“I think they are the benchmark.
“All the players who aren’t in the NBA play for Melbourne. Whether it is Jock (Landale), Chris Goulding, you go through and they’ve always been a powerhouse.”
In the same breath, Goorjian and his harbour city side, who are 1-1 after Saturday's 22-point win over New Zealand, are concentrating on what they can control, while embracing the challenge that lies ahead.
“You look around the league and there is Adelaide and Perth and you look at the teams in it and that is the state of the league right now,” Goorjian said.
“So, we’re right now focused on us, having good days and keep moving forward to grow our group.
“I look forward to the challenge.”
While five-time NBL champions Sydney are looking forward to the challenge, NBL expert Pete Hooley has concerns about how their frontline matches up with United.
"The Melbourne game is going to be fascinating to watch, because Jesse Edwards provides a problem that they [Sydney] might not have an answer for," Hooley said via this week's episode of NBL Overtime.
"He's been formidable down low [this season]."
This Ignite Cup clash, which will be part of Wednesday's opening night Ignite Cup double-header (following New Zealand's fixture with Illawarra), tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.
Read the full story here >> ‘Best team I’ve seen’: NBL’s most successful coach Brian Goorjian heaps praise on United