I have been lucky enough to play basketball around the world in the NBA and the Euroleague, but now my goal is making a mark on the NBL.
I could not be more thankful that I was given the opportunity to move to Sydney and play for the Kings. The team, the city and the fans all make living and playing here an amazing experience.
A question I’m often asked is where my favourite place to play has been. It’s a pretty tough ask to compare each league, because they are all unique in their own right.
Take playing in the NBA for example; it’s the pinnacle of professional basketball. You’re competing every night against some of the best players in the world and there is an incredible amount of talent and athleticism.
Playing in the Europe showed me that there were really talented players around the globe, and they have some of the most passionate fans I have ever seen. I have very fond memories of hearing 20,000 people chanting my team’s song!
Playing in the NBL has been exciting. In fact, it’s been the most fun I’ve had playing basketball in a long time.
The opportunity to play and enjoy myself on the court was incredibly appealing. I spent the last few years on the fringes, wondering if I’d play from each game to the next. As a competitor, it was very difficult for me and it became stressful. So having the ability to come to Australia and enjoy playing ball again was a major positive for me and I’ve been very thankful for the opportunity.
Coming to the Sydney Kings was great because I got the opportunity to play big minutes, and have security in my role within the team. I had the confidence of the coach and the organisation to play my game and redevelop my passion. It was nice to know that individuals within the organisation supported me and wanted to see me do well.
I had a few other offers on the table in other countries, but I found comfort in the potential opportunities here in Australia both on and off the court. I also enjoy the lifestyle, as it is similar to that of Southern California.
Now with a revamped league, things only appear to be getting better, and the foundation is being set for the league to grow larger than it has ever been.
Personally, I’m looking forward to being a part of building something special here in Sydney, helped by the incredible talent that has arrived in the past two seasons.
The Kings have brought back former NBL MVP candidate Julian Khazzouh, Boston Celtics draft pick Marcus Thornton and veteran guard Steven Markovic. It’s an exciting time at the club.
Around the league, Melbourne United, in particular, have struck me as recruiting a talented mix of players, including my former NBA (Phoenix Suns) teammate Hakim Warrick. I could go on with the teams throughout the league, as they have all done a great job of recruiting, and are doing their bit to ensure the league is as competitive as ever.
But perhaps what’s been most exciting is that the league secured a television partnership to get every game on screens across Australia.
In such a competitive sporting landscape, the significance of this step can not be undervalued. It is a crucial step in ensuring we can see basketball return as a major force in Australian sport.
All around, there has been an increased awareness of the league. This is partly due to the newly inked TV deal that the NBL has done with Fox Sports and partly due to increased marketing efforts around the country. More and more fans on the street engage with you as you walk by, asking if you’re the guy they saw on TV or in the news.
The best thing is it gives the league exposure to those who are not necessarily basketball fans. The TV deal will help get basketball to where it needs to be in Australia.
While media will always look for an angle, the amount of coverage helps. I didn’t see a third of this coverage last season. It’s all about entertainment, and pushing theleagueinto more news stories, and into more and more prominent positions online and in the paper. What supports the NBL more is fans getting to the games to support their team.
This new visibility helps players show what we can do on the court, as well as helping us develop a personal brand off the court. Brand building can be an extremely important element to a sporting career.
You see many high-level athletes like LeBron James or Stephen Curry generating major dollars through endorsements due to companies wanting to be associated with their brand. Athletes have a finite window in which they can compete at a high level. A great career for most may last 7-10 years and creating a platform to provide commercial sustainability when retirement hits should be a goal for all athletes. Michael Jordan has become the first billionaire athlete because of the strength of his brand.
I have begun that process through utilising the networks of the Sydney Kings as well as NBL to approach media outlets for coverage. This has helped lead to various business interests including merchandise sales, promotions, basketball camps and a few other projects here in the Australian market.
This is an exhilarating time for the NBL and I believe that the league will only attract more future and former NBA-calibre players.
It’s going to be an entertaining year for basketball in Australia and an even more exciting future. Personally, I can’t wait.
Oh, and go Kings!
Paul Nicholls
Roar Guru
It looks like the NBL's fortunes are finally turning upward. Thank you Josh for this article and welcome to the Roar. And I echo your thoughts "go Kings!"
Scott Pryde
Expert
Great to hear from one of the stars of the NBL on The Roar. Such an improving competition this year and it is only going to get bigger and better. Go the Kings!
Johnno
Guest
The NBL is gonna get much much better over next 5-years, with new TV-Deal. Imports like Josh, are definately as good as all the good imports of the NBL Halcyon days of the 80's-90's.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Go Kings totally! Loved the Kings since Isaac Burton days. Be great for basketball in Oz to reach those heights of cool again.
Internal Fixation
Guest
Actually PW, most non-Perth fans don't remember that. What I do remember are the years of cheap shots and flops that Redhage has given the league and that his little understudy, Wagstaff, has been learning. Maybe it was a cheap shot off the ball that started the whole thing...... Anyway I hate the Kings with a passion but great to see an article like this. Go you sixers!
AussieBokkie
Guest
Awesome Josh! We love having you in he NBL! Stay for a long time please -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Riordan Lee
Editor
Great stuff, Josh - awesome insight.
AJAY
Guest
Thanks for writing Josh, love the article.
PW
Guest
The only impact you have made is when you were suspended for intentionally striking Wagstaff. You will never be remembered as anything but a dirty player!
Kris Swales
Expert
Hope you're still in the league next year Chill, am on the Kings train for now but cannot wait to cheer the Bullets on against you!
Who Needs Melon
Roar Guru
I grew up playing basketball in Australia when it was probably at its height. Sadder than the sunset of my own playing days was seeing the Australian basketball landscape dwindle. I think articles like this one by current players - and talented 'star' players at that - are a HUGE boost for the sport. Got me reading and now I'm interested in watching and to see what develops. Let's hope we have some smart administrators return to the sport and bring basketball back onto the sporting map in Australia. Thanks for the article.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Gotta be one of the craziest things I've ever seen at a B/Ball game. Ironically I have friends, who are not fans of B/Ball, ringing me saying did see that clown at the B/Ball? Thus it probably gave the game more exposure than it had had for some time :))
Machooka
Roar Guru
Thanks Josh for the read... let alone your thoughts and insights into the NBL. I'm a long time fan of the Kings, and the NBL. Although it hasn't always been a good time for fans and players et al. In fact, it's pretty much been a struggle for the code to secure any ground in a country with so many sports are all competing for attention. And for the sponsorship buck, thus exposure. The good news about B/Ball is that a lot of people have played it at one time or another. And like most they then appreciate how difficult it must be to play it at the highest levels. I believe this has been the code's saving grace. Another has been the amount of young Aussies who have gone through the College system in the US, and then returned to Aussie to play the game. Of course, those Aussies who have gone on to play in the NBA have only added value to the whole B/Ball family back here in Australia. Anyhow, all the best with the Kings. And if the Kings do well, then B/Ball in Aussie does well! Although, I must admit, with so much B/Ball on TV now... NBL, NBA, College, and Euro it's been a little hard to focus on where to get your fill. I've been finding myself gravitating more, and more to the College game. I love it! It's a great package... fast, athletic, the big dance, and all the history that accompanies each school's programmes. Add to that you get to watch, in future talent terms, who's gonna get drafted into the NBA, and then get to watch their careers unfold on another level. Again thanks Josh for the read... and go hard buddy at the Kings. Bring back the glory days! :)
Crug in the cave
Roar Rookie
Oh and tell Marcus from all Hawks fan we are sorry. Every family has the crazy uncle ?
Crug in the cave
Roar Rookie
Thanks Josh. You are correct in the league under the new ownership is doing a great job getting the basketball message out there, compare it to the past it's like night and day. The league is building nicely and over time with a few more teams in the right markets, would love to see teams in Brisbane, Newcastle, second Sydney and Melbourne teams, another kiwi team and bring back the tassie Devils, we may approach the hay day nineties again, only with sustainable, functional, financially viable and well supported teams. With the strength of our junior systems, our stable economy and our obscenely good lifestyle, we can and always should have provided the perfect fit as you say for those that are future and former NBA players. Perhaps it is more appealing now as the world gets smaller and travel isn't such an issue. Of course we can't compete financially against Europe or China but we can compete on a basketball IQ level and offer a great lifestyle in a stable and safe country where you know your next pay check will be honoured. It will take all of us to keep the league growing and heading in the right direction. the fans have always been there, we the rusted on, we need the youth to fall in love again with our game, badgering their parents to take them, to buy their favourite players jersey. We need old fans re-engaged, we need to spread the love, as more players around the world hear guys like you speak about how great the league is down here and most importantly how much your enjoying life and basketball again we will be an attractive market. Oh, and go the Hawks, Josh the only mistake you made was going to the dark side.
Matt Gates
Roar Pro
Great write Joshy, keep it the good work. #kingsarecoming