Andrew Gaze to quit Sydney Kings

After guiding the Kings to the post-season for the first time in six years, coach Andrew Gaze has announced his departure.

Andrew Gaze will finish as Kings coach at the end of the season. Picture: Getty Images

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze will stand down as Sydney Kings coach at the end of the NBL season

Gaze confirmed this morning he will leave the Kings after the finals, having overseen his team’s run to the post-season for the first time in six years.

The 54-year-old former playing great said he loved coaching and wanted to continue doing so in future but more immediately he just wanted to spend more time with his Melbourne-based family.

Kings interim CEO Paul Kind thanked Gaze for his commitment to the team. “He has invested passionately in his role as our head coach and we respect his desire to return to Melbourne at the end of our season,” Kind said.

Illawarra’s Rob Beveridge is the favourite to replace Gaze at the Kings.

Gaze has overseen a 42-42 record through his three regular seasons in charge after coming in as a rookie NBL coach and enduring some tough times during the first two seasons.

However, he will hope to go out on a high, with his Andrew Bogut-inspired team having qualified for the playoffs for the first time in six years, setting up a semi-final series against Melbourne United.

Gaze said it was now “business as usual” and was adamant the decision would not impact on the star-studded team’s quest for their first title since 2008.