Kings not looking for frontcourt reinforcement

Kings not looking for frontcourt reinforcement

Thursday, October 9, 2025

sydney kings

Kings coach Brian Goorjian shut down talk the club is looking into frontcourt reinforcement.

The Sydney Kings' slow start to the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season continued on Wednesday night, falling to Melbourne United by 14 points at Qudos Bank Arena.

But despite falling to 1-2 on the season after the Ignite Cup defeat, Kings coach Brian Goorjian said the team's stance hadn't changed and they weren't looking for reinforcements in the big man positions, even though Keli Leaupepe (knee) and Jason Spurgin (foot) won't suit up this season.

"Right now, it's [on us] to be better at playing small ball," Goorjian said in Wednesday's post-game press conference.

"I thought when we went small, we dribbled too much and took quick shots, which played into their [Melbourne] hands.

"Whereas, we could have played fast, could have moved the ball, so we're going to have to [learn how to] play different."

A part of playing different is also centre Tim Soares, who won a championship with the Kings during the Hungry Jack's NBL24 season, staying out of foul trouble, with the Brazilian international fouling out in 22 minutes on Wednesday.

"We talk about [making defensive adjustments with Tim] all the time," Goorjian said.

"We had him dropping on one-balls and keeping his hands up, but [to that] I thought his fourth and fifth fouls were tough calls.

"You've got to compete when you're out there but we're definitely making an emphasis on playing defence without fouling.

"If we get in foul trouble like we did tonight, it's trouble for us."

The Kings now travel to Adelaide for a Saturday night blockbuster with the 36ers, tipping off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.