Inside story: Sydney’s disrespect fuels Melbourne United’s hatred of the Kings
It’s no secret Melbourne United and the Sydney Kings don’t like each other. This is the behind closed doors moment that took the rivalry to another level.
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The fact Melbourne import guard Rayjon Tucker knows this story tells you everything you need to know about United’s hatred for Sydney.
Tucker was a world away playing in the NBA last year when United lost their NBL clash with the Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.
But as the former Milwaukee Buck prepares for his first clash with the NBL champs, even he knows what happened behind closed doors on the night that not only spurred United to last year’s 42-point hammering in the rematch but still burns so much down south that Tucker was told about it ahead of Sunday’s high-octane clash at John Cain Arena.
“Sydney beat them last year and they (United players) heard them (Kings) knocking on the walls in the locker room,” Tucker said.
“Once they came here, they (United) held them (the Kings) to 47 points, seven minutes without a score.
“I know it’s a huge rivalry for the cities and so it’s a huge rivalry for me.”
Buying into the rivalry might be part of his introduction into the United culture, but it means putting aside a strong personal connection on the opposition bench that helped guide his own career.
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Kings boss Chase Buford helped Tucker make it to the NBA when he coached the hyper-athletic star with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd when he caught the eye of the Utah Jazz.
When the lights come on Sunday afternoon, Tucker said he will be hellbent on piling another loss on the reigning NBL champions’ disastrous recent record at John Cain Arena.
“He’s not my coach now, so it’s all war,” he said.
“We had a great relationship, we’re super close, I respect him as a person and as a coach.
“All love at the end of the day but, once I step in between those lines, he’s the opposition.”
Buford will also put his friendship with Tucker aside come game-time on Sunday, but the Kings mentor has the highest respect for the United guard.
In fact, he places the 25-year-old guard on a pedestal alongside the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most athletic players seen in NBA history standing at 6’11 and weighing 110 kilos.
“Rayjon is an explosive athlete who is different to anyone that I’ve ever been around, other than Giannis,” Buford said.
“He is a freaky type of athlete with his size, power, and explosion. He is different.”
Tucker caused a stir during the pre-season when he wasn’t happy with coming in at fifth in News Corp’s new import power rankings.
He was so frustrated that he happily went on the record, declaring: “I’m the best import – there is no way there are four imports better than me.”
Tucker’s confident response had a polarising affect, with rival NBL players taking to social media to call out his brag.
Buford, though, is a fan of the guard’s brashness.
“I know the cockiness and the abrasiveness can rub some people the wrong way, but if you know me and how I like my teams to play, I loved that from Rayjon when I was coaching him,” he said.
“I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but that is just who he is, and I admire his confidence and his belief in himself.
“He is a good player, and we’ll have to be on our game to stop him.”
The Kings have lost 11 of their past 12 games at United’s Melbourne fortress — by an average margin of 14.4 points.
The last time Sydney visited, the Kings were embarrassed in a 42-point hammering — albeit without reigning MVP Jaylen Adams and with Dejan Vasiljevic and RJ Hunter hampered by injury.
Buford is aware of the Kings’ poor record at John Cain, but he is bracing his players for the challenge.
“They (United) are a tough team and we’re excited to go and measure ourselves up against a team coached by Dean Vickerman,” he said.
“The way they defend, you are going to find out about your team, so we’re excited to go and learn and find out what we are about playing in that environment.
“To be fair we did go 2-1 at John Cain Arena last season, granted two of those wins were against South East Melbourne and the other loss was a good pummelling at the hands of United.
“There is some history of the Kings taking big losses at John Cain, so we’ll take that.”
MELBOURNE UNITED V SYDNEY KINGS
Sunday, 4pm AEDT, John Cain Arena.
Live on Kayo, ESPN and 10 Peach.
Originally published as Inside story: Sydney’s disrespect fuels Melbourne United’s hatred of the Kings
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