The Sydney Kings have today made public their desire to re-sign star players Julian Khazzouh, Jerai Grant and Anatoly Bose.
The trio lead the team in scoring (along with Aaron Bruce), rebounding and blocked shots.
Luke Martin, Graeme Dann and Ben Madgen already are signed through the 2012-13 season.
That leaves Bruce, Luke Cooper, Alex Gynes and import Kevin Ratzsch as the players receiving regular playing time who are yet to be approached, at least publicly, about playing with the team next season.
With the Kings hanging by a thread to an NBL Finals chance this season, with every win needed from here on in order to get into the top four, next season is obviously a big focus for the team. No doubt much can be learn from what was not achieved this season.
The Kings media release went on:
Head Coach, Ian ‘Moose’ Robilliard said that the team committee had commenced negotiations with the agents of the three players to secure their services for a further undisclosed contract period.
“We are waiting to hear back form each of the players’ agents, but the club has a strong desire to re-sign Khazzouh, Grant, and Bose for at least one more season. Anatoly Bose has a second-year option on his current contract that we hope he will accept,” Robilliard said.
“The contributions each player has made to the club during the current 2011-2012 season has been outstanding and we would like to take that continuity and their skills into next season,” he added.
“It is important to keep a strong core of players who know our playbook and who can mentor new players joining the team. We know the type of basketball team we want on the court and the type of basketball we like to play. It is important to secure players who can fit into our program and add something special to an already strong team.”
Sydney Kings Board member and Head of the Team Committee, Max Schroder, said that further announcements about other players that would remain with the team, and those who would be furthering their career elsewhere would be made in a timely manner. Luke Martin, Ben Madgen, and Graeme Dann, who are all on two-year contracts, will remain with the Kings for the 2012-2013 season.
“The Sydney Kings has a policy in place to allow some players to pursue off-season playing opportunities in competitions such as the NZNBL, SEABL, NSW Warratah League, and the Victorian Big V League. As a result, Martin Iti has already announced a desire to play in Wellington, New Zealand, and will depart as soon as our season ends; whenever that might be.” Mr Schroder said.
The organisation is confident of securing Julian Khazzouh, Jerai Grant, and Anatoly Bose before the end of the season. When the core group of players is confirmed, other players will be announced as the team is built up around them.
