How Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine helped Sydney Kings rookie guard Biwali Bayles push through his toughest time
Sydney Kings rookie Biwali Bayles was going through one of his toughest moments. Who did he turn to? Enter Anthony ‘The Man’ Mundine.
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When Sydney Kings rookie guard Biwali Bayles was at his lowest point last year, it was Anthony “The Man” Mundine who came to his rescue.
Bayles, 20, was playing college hoops at the University of Hawaii, but life for the gifted guard wasn’t a holiday.
After one season in Hawaii living in the restricted Covid times and with a reduced playing role, the Redfern-raised guard and proud Indigenous man announced he was leaving the college program to turn professional in Australia.
Behind the scenes, his childhood mentor Mundine, the former super-middleweight boxing champ and rugby league star, went to work in a bid to help Bayles find his feet before returning home.
The Man’s first contact – Bayles’s former Sydney Comets and NSW State coach Jacob Jackomas – was now an assistant coach at the Illawarra Hawks.
“Anthony called me when Biwali was in Hawaii and said, ‘He is in trouble, can you help him?,” Jackomas said.
“He had no one to help him at the time, but it was an easy help for me because I had coached him at the Comets and in the NSW State team.
“Biwali was stuck in America and needed a little bit of guidance, but he wouldn’t be where he is today without Anthony’s support.
“Mundine was unbelievable for Biwali – and he probably doesn’t get enough credit for the work he does.”
On the back of Mundine’s backing, Bayles was able to compose himself and secure a contract with the Kings. Mundine’s own son Anthony Mundine Jr is a budding basketball player.
“A lot of people think Choc is cocky and arrogant, but he is one of the most humble guys you will ever meet. He’d give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar if he had to. He has always helped me out since I was younger and on the right path and away from trouble.”
On March 3, Bayles headed back to his junior club – the Sydney Comets – to present the Kings’ Indigenous round singlet to officials and the kids.
“It was definitely a proud moment for me seeing all the kids who are in the same position that I was as a youngster,” he said.
“It was also great to give back and say thanks was quite emotional. The Comets have done a lot for me, and they gave me the opportunity to get into basketball.”
Bayles has experienced a rollercoaster rookie season with the Kings after fracturing his ankle against Melbourne United on Boxing Day.
He is back on the court, but is playing limited minutes off the bench as he looks to regain his form and fitness.
“It has been challenging. In saying that, I feel like I’ve learnt more this year than I have in the last couple of years.
“Even when I’m injured, I just try and learn from the other players and the coaches to soak everything in and find ways to get better.”
Injury aside, Bayles can see the bigger picture during NBL Indigenous round. He feels blessed to follow in the footsteps of childhood idols like Patty Mills and be a role model for his people.
“Obviously, I’m not on his level or platform, but I have my own little platform where I can inspire my community.
“That makes me feel good, because I was once that kid looking up to guys like Patty.”
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