Sydney Lands Superstar for NBL24

Star import forward DJ Hogg is set for a new home in NBL24, with the former Cairns Taipan agreeing to a two-year deal with the Sydney Kings.

Hogg starred for the Taipans in his debut NBL campaign last season with over 18 points per game, and earned selection to the All-NBL Second Team.

An NBA G-League champion with the Lakeland Magic, 26-year-old Hogg spent the first four years of his career in the G-League ahead of a move to Cholet Basket in France’s LNB Pro A.

In addition to earning Second Team honours, Hogg was also named as the Taipans’ MVP and Members’ MVP for his performances last season.

"Over the past few years I've heard positive things about the program and organisation in Sydney, which I got a taste of playing against the Kings last year," Hogg said. 

"I really want to keep this winning culture and mentality going in Sydney and do whatever I can to help the club win a three-peat.

"As a player I feel like I'm someone who can contribute to success on the court in numerous different ways. 

"If I can do that and win in Sydney it will mean a lot. The club is a proven pathway to the NBA ... which is definitely a goal of mine."

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass teased a major signing in his open letter to the club's members on Thursday, and says he's excited to have Hogg on his side as opposed to coming up against him.

"DJ is a remarkably talented young man ... he was a priority signing for us," Pongrass said.

"Shooting is a premium in this league and an area we identified as needing imporovement in the off-season - DJ addresses that.

"DJ killed us in nearly every match-up last season - I know our coaching staff had nightmares thinking about how we were to guard him during that finals series."

It isn't just Hogg's offensive abilities that made him a priority signing according to Pongrass.

"First-year imports in the NBL generally struggle with the physicality, but DJ thrived with his size and length," Pongrass said.

"We pride ourselves on being one of the top defensive teams year-to-year, so this only amplified our need to ensure he landed in Sydney."

Hogg is currently representing Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican Baloncesto Superior Nacional, and will link up with the Kings at the conclusion of NBA Summer League.

He is expected to arrive in Sydney in mid-August.

Hogg has joined Klairus Amir and Makuach Maluach in committing to the Kings for the upcoming season, while Jaylin Galloway, Angus Glover and Jackson Makoi have all signed new deals tying them to the club until at least the end of NBL24.