Could this be Andrew Gaze’s last season as Sydney Kings coach?
Andrew Gaze’s future as Sydney Kings coach will be high on the agenda in the coming weeks as the franchise looks to plan for the long-term.
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Andrew Gaze’s future as Sydney Kings coach will be high on the agenda in the coming weeks as the franchise looks to plan for the long-term.
Gaze is off-contract this season and facing increased pressure to deliver results for the star-studded Kings.
After leading the league, Sydney have slumped to third position following three blowout defeats at home.
This has prompted serious question marks over Gaze’s time at the Kings beyond this season.
Since joining Sydney as head coach in 2016, Australia’s best domestic basketballer has accrued a winning percentage of 48.1 per cent.
The Daily Telegraph understands Gaze’s future and the franchise’s overall plans and goals will be discussed internally within weeks.
It’s important to note that any resolution on the coach could take weeks, especially with the Kings battling to keep their season alive.
Despite Sydney’s substandard home form and uncertainty around his own future, Gaze remains upbeat about the team’s prospects this season.
“The attitude and atmosphere around practice is a whole lot better this week compared to what it was the previous week when Adelaide got a hold of us,” Gaze said.
“There are some encouraging signs there.
“But we are in a dogfight and we’ve got a real tough run home where we need to find a few more wins.
“We’ve felt like we let a lot of people down. The fans have been coming out and supporting us and the last three home games we haven’t been great.
“But the spirits are good and the confidence remains high despite that loss against Perth.”
Doubt around Gaze’s tenure comes as the Kings have 12 players off-contract at season’s end.
Only marquee man Andrew Bogut and development player Deng Acouth have deals beyond the current campaign.
It leaves the likes of Jerome Randle, Brad Newley, Kevin Lisch, Kyle Adnam and Daniel Kickert all looking to secure their futures.
Some of these players have player or club options in their contracts.
This contract uncertainty adds another dimension to a vital five weeks for Sydney heading into the playoffs.
The Kings face crucial away and home clashes against Brisbane on Friday and Sunday.
This miniseries will go a long way to determining Sydney’s fate this season.
If they can beat the Bullets twice, it would help them secure a post-season berth.
Alternatively, if they lose both or drop one it will add significant pressure heading into round 17 clashes against league leaders Melbourne and Perth.
The Kings finish the regular season with a home game versus the last-placed Cairns Taipans on Saturday, February 16.
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Originally published as Could this be Andrew Gaze’s last season as Sydney Kings coach?
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