NBL champion and media personality Damon Lowery has weighed in on the MVP race, while Brian Goorjian says his Kings team is ‘right there’ among his best.
All of this and more in the latest edition of NBL Daily.
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NBL GOAT COACH BELIEVES THIS KINGS TEAM MAY BE HIS BEST
Brian Goorjian has coached across the NBL, the Australian Boomers program, spent time around the NBA and worked in leagues around the world – and when comparing his current Sydney Kings to past teams, this group might be his best yet.
Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Goorjian was asked where this season’s Kings ranked among the most talented teams he has coached.
“I mean, just in general, the game’s at an all-time high. So when you look back and compare, this team’s as good man for man as you know, I’ve had some good ones, obviously,” Goorjian said.
“Six championships and some real strong lineups. But this team’s right there.
“And in these times, the difference between my top teams that I’ve coached and this one is probably depth. When you look down the bench – even the guys in street clothes – they’re Division I college players.
“The end of benches used to be development kids or NBL1 guys you were trying to move forward. Not the case anymore.”
The Kings have surged late in the season led by MVP candidate Kendric Davis, alongside Xavier Cooks, Matthew Dellavedova and depth across the roster. Among those flying under the radar is big man Tim Soares, who is averaging 11.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in his return to the NBL.
For Goorjian, Soares’ impact goes beyond the box score and was central to the team’s turnaround.
“He’s got a physical presence, he really runs the floor, he shoots the ball and last year our locker room wasn’t great,” Goorjian said.
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“He played on the championship team and when I went to the leadership group and asked who they wanted to play with, everyone to a man said, get Soares back here.”
Goorjian also credited Matthew Dellavedova for transforming the team’s culture.
“Delly is the best I’ve ever had in that form,” he said.
“What he’s done is made the locker room a place of comfort where other guys feel comfortable sharing and being leaders.
“In my time with the Boomers, no one like him – the change in behaviour with this team has been driven by him.”
The Kings now face the Brisbane Bullets in the final game of the regular season, with a win securing top spot on the ladder.
Goorjian has seen almost everything in his coaching career – but the question remains: can he lead what he believes may be his best team yet to a seventh championship?
THE ‘NO BRAINER’ MVP CHOICE FOR NBL CHAMPION
NBL champion and media personality Damon Lowery has weighed in on the MVP race between Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis with one round remaining in the regular season.
Speaking on SEN WA Breakfast, Lowery was emphatic when asked for his selection.
“Kendric Davis – and let me say why,” Lowery said.
“There’s no right or wrong answer. Both of those guys are extremely worthy, but my pick would be Kendric Davis because his team is going to finish first.
“That means something to me. I want the MVP to come from the winning team, the best team in the league.”
With one game remaining, the Sydney Kings face the Brisbane Bullets – a matchup Lowery described as a “training run” – with the Kings able to secure top spot on the ladder.
Lowery also pointed to Davis’ performances against the league’s best.
“Kendric Davis’ averages against top-six teams are more points and assists than Bryce Cotton’s,” he said.
“And if you want a tiebreaker – they played each other four times. Adelaide lost three of them and Kendric Davis averaged more points and assists than Bryce Cotton.”
Lowery doubled down on his stance.
“To me, it’s a no-brainer – MVP, Kendric Davis.”
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The winner will be announced at Monday night’s Andrew Gaze MVP Awards, with the final three nominees to be confirmed following captains’ and coaches’ voting.
With the race this tight, the question remains – could we even see a tie between the two superstars?
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