Sydney Kings set to embark on three-day regional tour of Newcastle to bring NBL to the fast-growing Hunter

NBL expansion is one of the hottest topics in Aussie hoops and the Sydney Kings are set to bring the pro sport back to one of the country’s most-storied basketball regions.

One of a number of locations earmarked as a potential site for NBL expansion, basketball’s storied Hunter Region is about to get a King-sized taste of pro hoops.

Five-time NBL champions Sydney will go regional next month with a three-day tour of Newcastle, headlined by Hunters junior — and South Sudan Olympian — Kouat Noi and returning star, former NBL MVP Xavier Cooks.

Sydney has been among the NBL’s on and off-court yardsticks over the past three seasons and have retooled around legendary three-peat coach — and Boomers Olympic mentor — Brian Goorjian.

The Kings are unique in that they share the same Hoops Capital ownership as WNBL club Sydney Flames, which opens up further avenues to connecting with their local and regional communities.

Kings champ Kuoat Noi will return to his Newcastle roots during Sydney’s regional tour. Picture: Getty Images

The Flames toured the Hunter last year and the Kings can expect a rousing reception.

“Taking the Sydney Kings on the road gives our fans a chance to see their on-court heroes off the court and in local communities around NSW,” Hoops Capital director Matthew Denholm said.

“It was fantastic to take the Sydney Flames to the Hunter Region last year and to continue our engagement this year bringing the Sydney Kings continues our commitment to helping connect the grassroots with elite basketball.”

Newcastle hasn’t had an NBL team since the Hunter Pirates died in 2006 but there remains a will locally — and interest from the league — in resurrecting a franchise to take advantage of burgeoning basketball growth in the region.

“We’re certainly evaluating Newcastle on that list of half a dozen opportunities,” NBL chief executive David Stevenson told Code Sports in April.

“We’re interested to see. Newcastle has got a great history in basketball and we know that participation is growing there.

“It’s also not far away from Sydney, so there is lots to like about Newcastle.”

Former NBL MVP and Kings champ Xavier Cooks is set to be part of the tour. Picture: Getty Images

The Kings tour is supported by Harvey Norman and will take in coaching clinics, school visits, a signing session and a promotional appearance in Bennetts Green.

KINGS’ NEWCASTLE ROAD TRIP

August 22-24

Day one: Coaching clinic plus 30-minute signing session, 5-6.30pm, Newcastle Basketball Stadium

Day two: Training and signing sessions at two schools in the Hunter Region

Day three: Entire Kings squad appearance at Harvey Norman, Bennetts Green, 10-11am.

Originally published as Sydney Kings set to embark on three-day regional tour of Newcastle to bring NBL to the fast-growing Hunter