Sport

USA star returning to Kings’ court

SYDNEY Kings fans have reason to celebrate with star point guard Casper Ware Jr set to return for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

The American was looking into his options overseas but says he is happy to be coming back to Australia.
“I felt like I owed a little something to Sydney and I wasn’t done yet, so I want to get back and give them my all to try and get us that championship,” he said.
“Last year felt like home to me with the relationships I made here, and you usually don’t get a second opportunity at these things.
“I’ve been talking to Brucey [Shaun Bruce} and some of our other guys, and our biggest focus is let’s finish this job that we started last year.”
During the 2019-20 season, Ware averaged 18 points and four assists in 30 minutes a game and was one of the factors helping the Kings to a minor premiership and the club’s first grand final appearance since 2008, and head coach Will Weaver is thrilled to have him back.
“The way Casper trains, the way that he recovers, the relationships he builds with teammates, the energy he brings – those are things you’re excited about bringing back to our team, and hypothetically, would miss terribly if he left,” Weaver said.
“I believe we’ll benefit from the continuity between last season and this one, which tends to be the blueprint for successful NBL teams.”
Casper Ware is the ninth contracted player for the Sydney Kings joining Brad Newley, Xavier Cooks, Shaun Bruce, Craig Moller, Angus Glover, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter and Didi Louzada for the NBL season scheduled to start on December 3, although that date remains flexible. Memberships for 2020-21 are on sale at sydneykings.com.