As was previously alluded to here, the Sydney Kings today have announced the hiring of former Kings star, Ian “Moose” Robilliard as the team’s coach for the 2010/11 season. The annoucement was made at a press conference held by General Manager Bob Turner at the North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre and was also announced via the team’s twitter feed @thesydneykings.
The team is still in the process of setting up an official website, but expressions of interest for season tickets at special early bird prices are available via http://www.nbl.com.au/kings.
Whilst full details of the press conference have not been yet published, Brian Goorjian was due to be present. He will act as some form of support to the coaching function, whilst continuing his role coaching in China.
UPDATE: The following are key excerpts from the press release.
On Ian Robilliard
In a playing career that spanned 11 NBL seasons, Robilliard started his NBL playing career for the City of Sydney Astronauts in the inaugural NBL season back in 1979. He then joined Newcastle in 1981 to play with the Newcastle Falcons. ‘Moose’ became a household name in the Newcastle district during his six years with the Falcons due to his tenacity and intensity on the court.
In 1989 then Kings Head Coach and current Kings General Manager Bob Turner enticed Robilliard back to Sydney to join him in his first season at the helm of the Kings. Robilliard played three seasons with the Kings and then joined Turner as assistant coach for two seasons.
After his retirement, Robilliard spent over a decade working with the Australian PGA before starting the highly successful Central Coast Academy of Sport, where he has been the Managing Director since 2004.
Bob Turner’s thoughts
“The consortium was looking for someone who could establish a solid and respected culture from the start,” stated Turner. “The key attributes the consortium was seeking were competiveness, a motivator, a leader of men and someone with great people and media skills to handle the pressure of Sydney. We also wanted a person affiliated with the Kings and Sydney, as well as a coach committed to the development program and who understands and supports the business of sport,” added Turner.
“His basketball and rugby background, affiliation with the Kings, experience with the PGA over ten years and ability demonstrated in the creation of the Central Coast Academy of Sport from scratch are all attributes that have provided valuable experience for Ian that will now benefit the Kings,” added Turner.
Ian Robilliard’s thoughts
“To be appointed to the role as Head Coach of the Sydney Kings is an absolute honour,” said Robilliard. “it is a role that I will undertake being mindful of the history of the club and with a keen eye to our future. The Sydney Kings is an iconic sporting brand in Australia and I will ensure the team to be assembled will represent Sydney with the passion and commitment we would all expect.”
“The investor group that has been assembled are basketball enthusiasts; they each have a true passion for the sport, and I must admit that I am humbled to be working with them to make sure the Kings are again competitive, that we play an attractive brand of basketball and we establish a footprint in Sydney that will be here for years and years to come. I accept that I have been charged with an incredible responsibility, to which I will invest all my time to give the venture every possible chance of success,” Robilliard added.
Brian Goorjian’s involvement
Brian Goorjian, the three-time Sydney Kings NBL Championship Coach, endorsed Robilliard’s appointment and also threw his support behind the resurrected team. Currently committed to Chinese club the Dongguan Leopards, Goorjian will add support for both Robilliard and the Kings in a newly-established role of Ambassador.
“I know as well as anyone what it takes to be successful in the NBL and in the difficult Sydney marketplace,” said Goorjian. “The outstanding qualities Ian possesses and the philosophy and work ethic he has always displayed are the hallmarks of great NBL coaches and I have every confidence he is the right man for the job. I will be doing everything in my power from China to help him re-establish the Kings as one of the great Australian sporting teams.”
