NBL rookie Angus Brandt wants to prove he belongs at Sydney Kings

ANGUS Brandt wants to be part of the Sydney Kings next season and he’s doing everything he can to prove he belongs at NBL level.

Basketballer Angus Brandt has just finished his first season with the Sydney Kings and been named NBL rookie of the year

ANGUS Brandt wants to be part of the Sydney Kings next season and he’s doing everything he can to prove he belongs at NBL level.

Brandt — who has an option year with the Kings next season — has stepped up in to the starting centre role since Julian Khazzouh tore his quadricep and his recent performances have been a positive light in what has been a bleak season for Sydney.

The reigning NBL rookie of the year has averaged 12 points and eight rebounds in the last four games, including a double-double against NBL most valuable player contender AJ Ogilvy last Saturday.

The 26-year-old hopes that he can enhance his reputation with another strong performance against Australian Boomers centre Nathan Jawai when the duo go head-to-head in Sydney’s game against the Wildcats in Perth.

“It’s exciting,” Brandt said. “I’ve already played against Perth and I felt I played pretty well against Jawai and as much as he is big and strong and things that people say are his strengths, I’ve got some attributes I can use against him.

“I’m probably a bit quicker than he is, I can shoot so I can stretch him out and I know in the last game he struggled with that.”

Knowing he had to step up after chatting with Khazzouh, Brandt almost buckled under the pressure he put on himself to step up. Fortunately the support of coach Joe Connelly and his team mates have helped him step up to the challenge.

“The first game after Jules got hurt I put too much pressure on myself. Joe did a good job of recognising that and having a chat to me to say that I don’t have to put all the pressure on myself and the guys backed him up on that,” Brandt said.

“(Joe) has been great. He’s come in and renewed my confidence in myself a little bit and that’s reflected in how I’m playing.”

Connelly has become a huge fan of Brandt’s work ethic, effort in his games and his passion and is thrilled Brandt is reaping the rewards of his hard work.

“He wants it so bad, but sometimes you can want it too much that it turns into something counter-productive,” Connelly said.

“He’s sort of relaxed in his role and he’s been one of my most consistent performers, especially in the last three games. He’s upped his rebounding numbers about a four a game and scoring wise he’s knocking down jumpers, but I think that is all prefaced by that he’s putting in extra work.

“He’s the first one here with Tommy working on his skill set and I think that confidence is carrying over. I’m pleased and proud of how he’s responded in this situation.”

Angus Brandt wants to prove he has what it takes at NBL level.

Khazzouh, who is three weeks away from beginning his rehabilitation on his quadricep, remembers his tough chat to Brandt during the game he got injured in Wollongong.

“Straight after I hurt myself he saw me in the changeroom and he looked really distressed,” Khazzouh said.

“I told him “I see what you do every day, and this is your time to show everyone what you’re made of’.”

Brandt has done a good job since listening to Khazzouh’s challenge, and the 26-year-old who grew up in the Blue Mountains could earn another year on the Kings roster if he maintains his consistent performances.

“I’d love to come back. I’m a Sydney boy and I love playing in front of family and friends and I think Sydney is the best city in the world,” he said.

“I spent about five and a bit years in America, so to come back home and play in front of my mum and dad and grandparents — and some of my friends come out to watch — has been awesome.”

Originally published as NBL rookie Angus Brandt wants to prove he belongs at Sydney Kings