State of Origin: Sydney Kings star Andrew Bogut a huge recruit for NSW Blues

THE Blues have found their biggest fan … literally. Former NBA star Andrew Bogut was born in Victoria but the soon-to-be Sydneysider has declared he is a NSW supporter.

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THE Blues have found their biggest fan … literally.

Andrew Bogut was born in Victoria, but the soon-to-be Sydneysider has declared he is a NSW supporter after watching Brad Fittler’s men win the 2018 Origin series.

Asked if the Blues can claim the Sydney Kings’ star NBA recruit as one of their own, Bogut emphatically replied: “Why not!

“I like the colour blue as well. I’m moving to NSW, so it is one of those things where I think I’ll don the Blues jersey going forward.”

Australian basketball player Andrew Bogut is on the NSW Blues’ team. Picture: David Caird

Blues supersub Tyrone Peachey, who grew up playing basketball and is a massive NBA fan, says it great to have Bogut behind NSW’s quest to claim their first Origin series sweep since 2000.

“I’m a mad hoops fan, I used to play as a shooting guard,” Peachey said.

“I go for the Lakers. I went to the Staples Centre in 2015 and watched Kobe Bryant in his last year.

“I’m stoked LeBron has signed up.

“How good is to have Andrew Bogut in our corner, I love it.

Hoops fan Tyrone Peachey is thrilled that Bogut is on board. Picture: AAP

“It shows how big Origin is when someone of his status is cheering on the Blues.

“Hopefully one day I get the chance to shoot some hoops with him. I can teach him to pass a footy and he can teach me to slam dunk.

“It would be cool to return the favour when he steps out for the Kings over summer.”

Bogut, who was the first Australian selected as the No. 1 pick in the NBA and won a championship with Golden State in 2015, attended both Origin fixtures this year and says he was impressed with the physical and fast-paced nature of the contest.

He also relished being part of the crowd experience, especially in Sydney when 82,223 mostly Blue fans packed ANZ Stadium.

Andrew Bogut is already feeling part of the Sydney sporting landscape. Picture: David Caird

“It was a good atmosphere — I really enjoyed it,” enthused Bogut, who spent 13 seasons in the NBA with five teams.

“It was a sellout. Queensland was up early and there were a couple of momentum swings.”

Bogut, whose wife is expecting their second child in the coming weeks, confirmed he will relocate to Sydney soon.

“I’ll probably move next month some time,” he said.

“I’m still working on the exact date and it will be near Homebush somewhere.”

The Kings are still finalising their pre-season games schedule but Bogut will definitely play for Sydney against Los Angeles Clippers at the Stan Sheriff Centre in Honolulu, Hawaii, on September 30.

Originally published as State of Origin: Sydney Kings star Andrew Bogut a huge recruit for NSW Blues