The Sydney Kings have landed on American large man DJ Hogg as their alternative for NBL MVP-turned-NBA star Xavier Cooks.
The Kings anticipate Hogg to fit into the facility ahead position that Cooks made his personal within the back-to-back NBL titles that preceded his maiden NBA contract with the Washington Wizards.
The 2023/24 marketing campaign can be Hogg’s second within the NBL after a profitable yr with the Cairns Taipans that earned him choice within the All-NBL Second Team final season.
Before that, the 207cm Hogg spent three years taking part in faculty basketball for NCAA Division I college Texas A&M and had stints with NBA G-League sides Delaware Blue Coats, Wisconsin Herd and Lakeland Magic.
He gained the G League title with Lakeland in 2021 and performed beneath former Kings coach Chase Buford on the Herd.
Hogg has signed a two-year cope with the Kings, the second season of which is a mutual possibility.
“I really want to keep the winning culture and mentality going in Sydney and do whatever I can to help the club win a three-peat,” mentioned Hogg.
“As a player, I feel like I’m someone who can contribute to success on the court in numerous different ways.
“I’ve the power to stretch the ground, on the three or 4 place, and being an even-keeled participant, that may keep constant all through the whole season.
“If I can do that and win in Sydney, it will mean a lot as the club is a proven pathway to the NBA, with several Kings players making that jump over the past few seasons – which is definitely a goal of mine.”
Hogg’s dedication to the Kings leaves the aspect with two extra import spots to fill.
The aspect is prone to chase an import guard to companion Dejan Vasiljevic within the back-court however will prioritise securing a brand new coach after dual-premiership profitable mentor Chase Buford left to pursue NBA alternatives earlier this month.
The Kings are additionally set to go to marketplace for a marquee native participant and presumably a participant within the NBL Next Star Program, an initiative that permits golf equipment to signal abroad gamers who’re hoping to appoint for the NBA draft.
Hogg joins championship winners Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway and Jordi Hunter in committing to the Kings for subsequent season.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
