The criticism that lit a fire under the Kings

From an Olympic medal and an endless amount of trophies, Brian Goorjian has achieved everything during his illustrious coaching career.

When he returned to the Hungry Jack’s NBL ahead of the 2024-25 season with the Sydney Kings, he knew there would be challenges, but he was ready to tackle them head-on, just like he’s done in every situation in his career.

After winning back-to-back championships under Chase Buford, Goorjian joined the Harbour City side, after they’d missed the Playoffs in NBL24.

In year one, things didn’t go to script for the Kings, with numerous injuries and players being unavailable.

But because of that adversity and scrutiny they endured, the competition’s greatest ever coach explained that the NBL26 championship was as rewarding as any during his 26-year tenure in the League.

“I've learned this since I've come back to Australia, the age thing. You lose, [and they’re saying] he's too old, that narrative is always there,” Goorjian said on NBL Now.

“I thought I had enough pennies in the jar before they would go there [with that narrative], because I thought it was quite obvious what was going on with our situation. I didn’t think we’d suffer one or two losses, and it would be a bonfire.

“Despite how the first year ended, we still made the [post-season], and I thought there was clarity on the way forward. I felt it was glass half full, and I felt good about it [our group] going into this season.

“Then we targeted some people [Kendric Davis, Matthew Dellavedova and Tim Soares] in the off-season and got them, which again put pressure on us at the start.

“So as we progressed through the year, there was a little bit of 'screw you' in me. I know a lot of players had that element of drive, too, of how the previous seasons ended.

“I said the whole way through, I really enjoy my team, and I just wanted to take it forward from last season. So when we won it, there was an element of don’t pat me on the back now.

“When you go over the championships [I’ve won], this one, [when you combine] the timing of it, where we were, what everybody was saying, [it was] rewarding [as any].”

As much as the seven-time Coach of the Year enjoyed last season with the Kings, he explained that his focus is on next season and what drives him to achieve even more in his career.

“You get a team together, and you want to win a championship, but for me, I love the game, I love the relationships and [making the] players and competition [better],” he said.

“I still have that energy, so getting up in the morning, going to my day and going through the process, I really do love it.

“You’ll know when it’s not there anymore, but right now, honestly, my mind is already focused on next year.

“[In the same vein] I’ve already been asked, how do you defend the championship? But I'm not defending anything.

“I wear that ring, as my team does, as a bond around our hearts. Nobody can touch that, as it’s ours for life.

“[Now next year] is a new pursuit, where I want to build on the relationships from this season, have a positive influence and help Australian basketball to grow.”

As it stands, Goorjian has Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova, Jaylin Galloway, Makuach Maluach, Kouat Noi, Keli Leaupepe, Tyler Robertson and Jason Spurgin.