‘One hell of a player’ How three years travelling the hoops globe has Cam Oliver primed to star for the Sydney Kings

The man behind one of the biggest dunks in NBL history disappeared after just two years in the league. Now, Cam Oliver is back, and he tells MATT LOGUE why he left, and why he’s returned as a King.

Cam Oliver – the man who delivered one of the best dunks in NBL history – is back after travelling the hoops world and is vowing to be even better as he chases an elusive career championship with the star-studded Sydney Kings.

Oliver – nicknamed “Space Cam” – sent the Cairns Pop-Up Arena into a frenzy in 2021 with a hellacious one-handed dunk for the ages.

The American-born excitement machine showed no mercy as he athletically rose above the helpless Sydney players with what looked like ease.

“There’s some genuine anger and power in that dunk,” Aussie basketball great Andrew Gaze gasped on the broadcast at the time.

“Oh my glory-filled days – that is extraordinary ups.

“That is a team posterisation.”

BOOKMARK THIS TWEET 🔖

You're welcome. pic.twitter.com/HXTNw2HgAQ

— Cairns Taipans (@CairnsTaipans) January 23, 2021

Three years on, Oliver returns to the NBL with more wear and tear in his ageing legs but as a player loaded with experience and maturity following multiple stints across the globe.

From the NBA to Spain, Puerto Rico, China and everywhere else in between, the big man insists his time abroad has helped him “grow up” and now he is primed to showcase his finest form on the NBL stage.

“I believe in myself as being one hell of a player,” Oliver said.

“When you go overseas and play in so many countries, it’s great to make money and provide for your family, but I think I still have so much more to give. At times I think I got evaluated wrong and overlooked and even under-looked at points.

“I’m glad to be back in Australia to show the complete player I’ve become.

“If I retire, I want to know that I gave it my all at the very peak of my game.

“I now have a lot of maturity and self-confidence and it is really instilled in my heart and in my game.”

Cameron Oliver is one of the NBL’s best ever dunkers. Picture: Getty Images

Oliver could have continued his career overseas, but he says an itch to test himself in the ever-improving NBL was too hard to ignore.

It’s why he reached out to his agent with a simple directive: “I’m ready to compete again”.

One zoom meeting with veteran Sydney coach Brian Goorjian was enough to convince Oliver to pack his bags and join the Kings in a bid to win an NBL title.

“I’m ready to give it all I’ve got,” he said.

“I’ve never won a championship in my professional career or any significant type of award or accolade.

“So, that’s a goal of mine to go back home with some hardware.

“It has been one crazy journey.

“A lot of those overseas stints were nothing but a great challenge and I learnt a lot as a player and as a man.”

Cameron Oliver has returned to the NBL with the Kings. Picture: Getty Images

Oliver’s maturity has been on full display with Sydney this season. He has started off the bench in his six games to date.

Oliver concedes not starting would have been harder to cop as a younger player, but he can now see the bigger picture.

“Absolutely - I’m not here to complain about anything and I’m here to win and I’ll do whatever it takes,” said Oliver, who has averaged 14 points and 5.8 rebounds.

“I think being in the NBA has helped with that because you’ve got to play a role over there.

“So, whatever role Goorj gives me, I just want to make sure I excel in it.”

Oliver credits his positive mindset to his family – wife Alecia and three kids King (7), Ka’Mera (5) and Kaelyn (3).

He has lived away from his loved ones for the majority of his basketball career because he didn’t want to take the children out of their comfort zones in California.

It has been difficult for Oliver to leave his family behind, but he says the sacrifice has only made him stronger as a player and person.

“I think that has helped me to grow because I know I’m chasing my career for a bigger reason than me,” he said.

“It’s for my family. My wife is the head of the snake and has been so supportive to encourage me to chase my dreams and she’ll hold the fort down until I get home.

“It has helped a lot and being away from my family has made me really lock in to my job.”

FROM OUTER SPACE 🚀

Keep watching our clash with Cairns live on Channel 10 and ESPN via Kayo Sports. #TakeTheThronepic.twitter.com/SsfO8nO3IT

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) October 13, 2024

Oliver confirmed his family is heading to Sydney for a visit prior to Christmas and he can’t wait to reunite with them.

He is particularly pumped to see his eldest boy, King, who is thrilled to see his dad sign with the Sydney Kings.

“He (King) loves the fact that I’m playing for the Sydney Kings because it’s also his name,” he said.

“It’s a super coincidence, but he is excited and can’t wait to put a Kings singlet on.”

Oliver may be getting older, but as a natural-born competitor he refuses to put the full stop mark on his NBA aspirations.

“I would never close out on a dream – that’s something I’ll never do,” said Oliver, who has played six NBA games for Houston and Atlanta between 2020 and 2022.

“I’d never teach my peers, my kids to shut down a dream.

“So, I’ll always keep that (the NBA) open until I’m 35, 36 and older.

“As long as it is an option, I’ll never close down that dream.”

Originally published as ‘One hell of a player’ How three years travelling the hoops globe has Cam Oliver primed to star for the Sydney Kings