Andrew Bogut says the NBL is on track to become the most sought-after league outside of the NBA

A move to the NBL with the Sydney Kings helped revive the NBA career of Australian superstar Andrew Bogut, and now the Boomers big man has made a bold call on the league’s future.

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Andrew Bogut remembers when the American press didn’t know much about the Australian league, let alone show enough interest to ask questions about it.

Bogut isn’t talking about years ago, either.

Even as recently as his last stint in the NBA in 2018, the US scribes had little interest in talking about hoops Down Under.

Andrew Bogut made a big impact during his arrival in the NBL this year. Picture: Getty

But in the wake of Bogut’s successful return to Golden State via an MVP season with the Sydney Kings, the veteran big man says the NBL is firmly on America’s basketball map.

“People are now genuinely intrigued,” Bogut told The Daily Telegraph.

“I think this is a perfect storm for the NBL, especially for myself to come over here and play valuable minutes for a championship contending team.

“People over here are now thinking, ‘what is going on down there in Australia?’

“That league must be pretty good if I can come back in this shape and this form.

“It’s great for our league in Australia and it is great to get some more exposure.

“Even asking questions about it. They would have never have thought to bother with that in the past.”

Now a day rarely goes by when Bogut isn’t asked a question about the resurgent Australian domestic league.

He says the NBA fraternity has enormous respect for the Australian system, which is based around hard work and team basketball.

The likes of Matthew Dellavedova have helped Australian players earn a reputation as hard workers and good teammates. Picture: Getty

Throw in the NBL’s shorter and highly-competitive season and Bogut believes Aussie hoops is on track to become the most sought-after league outside of America.

“There are fringe NBA guys that might want to go and play somewhere for a year or two and I think we could be that No.1 destination,” he said.

“The EuroLeague is always very hard to compete with but at least the Australian NBL is provides stability.

“It is an English speaking country, you get paid on time and paid by what you sign and it finishes in February or March.

“I think there are a lot of positives to what the NBL is doing.”

Bogut says the NBL also deserves praise for his current form with Golden State.

Bogut (R) has made a huge impact for the Warriors since arriving on the eve of the playoffs. Picture: AP

Of course he has worked hard to have his ageing body in prime condition to compete against the world’s best players.

But Bogut also credits the strength of the NBL competition for helping him maintain a high level of form and fitness.

“I’ve made numerous comments saying the NBL is at a much higher level than people think it is,” he said.

“I think the NBL has fallen victim to the bad management over a decade-plus and people tarnished the players with that brush.

“In my opinion that was pretty unfair. There was work to do but not to the extent that people tarnished players with at times.

Andrew Bogut has stated he still plans to return to the NBL with the Kings next season. Picture: Brett Costello

“Now the league has come stability and people are starting to realise it is a competitive league.

“There are nine teams, not a lot of roster spots with the way the rules are now with developing players, so it is as competitive as can be.

“We’re seeing that with the quality imports we are getting now on an annual basis and we have more and more Australian guys coming from Europe.”

In other news, fellow Australian Ben Simmons has led his Philadelphia 76ers to the second round of the NBA Playoffs with a 4-1 series victory over Brooklyn.

Simmons finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists as the 76ers charged to a 122-100 win.

Philadelphia now play Toronto in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

Bogut’s Warriors will look to finish their series against the LA Clippers with a win.