The Sydney Kings have confirmed dual Olympian Brad Newley will join their NBL ranks on a three-year deal.
The franchise on Wednesday officially announced the swingman’s signing, following weeks of speculation.
The 31-year-old recently ended a four-season stint in Spain with Gran Canaria, capping off nearly a decade in Europe – including Greece, Turkey and Lithuania.
He has been a regular feature in the Australian men’s basketball team since winning gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and is expected to be named in the squad for this year’s Rio Olympics.
Newley becomes the seventh player to sign with the Andrew Gaze-coached Kings for the 2016-17 campaign, alongside fellow new recruits Mirko Djeric and last season’s MVP Kevin Lisch.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to come in and help a club that’s been struggling on the court for the past few years,” Newley said.
“But it looks like off the court things are picking up and the pieces that we are bringing in are really exciting. I just want to be a part of the growth of the Kings again.”
Newley said he felt the timing was right to come back to Australia with a young family and the direction the league was heading.
The 199cm small forward-shooting guard hasn’t played in the NBL since his three-year stint with the Townsville Crocodiles between 2004-2007.
“Brad’s renowned athleticism and overall skill set is now combined with an outstanding international career, a mix that will greatly assist this club in meeting its goals,” Kings managing director Jeff Van Groningen said.
“His willingness to commit to a three-year deal gives us a significant pillar to build around.”
The Kings are expected to announce more signings in coming weeks.
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