Goorjian’s first roster call as Bruce re-signs at Kings
Shaun Bruce will remain at the Sydney Kings as the first re-signing since the fairytale return of coach Brian Goorjian.
The announcement means 33-year-old Bruce will keep playing harbourside until at least 2026 after signing a two-year deal to stay on with the club.
The veteran guard has played 161 games with the Kings since joining in 2019 and was a regular of the back-court rotation in their two championship seasons under Chase Buford.
“I’ve really loved my time here in Sydney and there’s nowhere else I’d rather play,” Bruce said of the “easy decision” to re-sign.
“That’s what I love about the Kings, they put you in a position from day one and now with Goorj, it’ll be no different and I can’t wait.
“It’s been a fun ride so far and I’m excited to see how far we can push it in the coming years.”
Bruce joins Alex Toohey, Angus Glover, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir in the upcoming squad hoping to repeat their championship magic after the heartbreak of losing to the New Zealand Breakers earlier this month in the play-ins.
The Kings have already farewelled Jaylin Galloway, with the small forward signing a two-way contract at NBA side Milwaukee Bucks last week.
NBL coaching legend Goorjian rejoined the Sydney team on a three-year deal less than a week after Mahmoud Abdelfattah was sacked.
The Kings hope six-time championship-winning coach Goorjian’s arrival can immediately turn them back into title contenders.
Currently in charge of Australia’s national team, Goorjian coached Sydney to three consecutive titles from 2003-05.
The Kings had been hunting their third consecutive title this season but imploded following a 7-3 start to the year, winning only six of their final 19 games.
“Our expectation doesn’t change – we’ll all use this time to refresh before coming back with the mindset to win another title,” Bruce said of the disappointing end to the Kings’ season.
Kings chief executive Chris Pongrass said the two-season signing was a natural decision.
“Brucey is entrenched in this club’s DNA and someone we want around long into the future,” Pongrass said.
