"Like my second dad": The unbreakable bond fuelling Kings' rise

Sydney Kings’ Brian Goorjian has long been known as a players’ coach, holding strong connections to his athletes.

This year is no different, with superstar guard and NBL26 MVP runner-up Kendric Davis regularly speaking about how tight the pair’s connection is.

“He [Goorjian] is like a father figure to me,” Davis said during an interview at Monday’s NBL awards night.

“He believed in me and has spent a lot of time with me.

“I don't have a dad, so he's like my second dad.

“It feels good to have that positive energy around me now.

“We both stayed true to who we are and [honestly] it’s a match made in heaven.”

The feeling is obviously mutual, with the newly crowned Lindsay Gaze Trophy winner speaking highly of his star import.

“There was a lot of talk about Kendric before he came to us, and I have a very close friend, David Patrick, and he said to me, coach, if you have an opportunity to get Kendric, go there,” Goorjian said.

“[After we signed him], we then spent some time in Las Vegas together and developed a bond there.

“I've been in this game a long time, and I’ve never had a better human being. That's more important than the basketball.

“[Not to mention the impact] he’s had on our team, on Sydney basketball and on the NBL. He brings people to our game.

“I walk into the gym every day and see him, and it just gives me energy and joy.”

The seven-time Coach of the Year doubled down at Tuesday’s Finals launch, believing the American is ‘as good as he’s coached’ and only ‘scratching’ what he can become as a player.

“I don’t get that [Coach of the Year] award without him,” Goorjian said.

“It felt like the missing piece. He’s had an incredible year. My trophy is a reflection on the season Kendric’s had.”

The Kings will open their post-season campaign on Wednesday, March 11, with game one of the Playoffs Series at Qudos Bank Arena from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.