Sydney Kings development player Hunter Madden commits to Idaho
Promising point guard Hunter Madden has announced his commitment to play for the Idaho Vandals.
A development player with the Sydney Kings in the NBL last season, the 6'1 point guard has signed a national letter of intent with the Vandals, becoming the latest in a long line of Australian players set to take to the court in the Big Sky Conference.
"We are thrilled to add Hunter to our program," shared Idaho head coach Zac Claus in the official release. "He has proven to be a high-level competitor both from his time leading his team at Shore School to this past season playing with the Sydney Kings.
"He is an offensive playmaker and we believe that he is going to bring a positive energy to our group. Hunter is going to thrive here at Idaho both in the classroom and on the court."
While Madden saw limited action across 8 games with the Kings last season, he thrived on the opportunity to train with and against some of the best professional players in Australia, including the likes of former number one NBA Draft pick Andrew Bogut and import guard Casper Ware.
"The Sydney Kings are thrilled that Hunter has committed to play for the Idaho Vandals," added Kings CEO/GM Chris Pongrass. "Hunter played a key role with our team last season; he is a driven competitor and a unique talent. Hunter has worked extremely hard to reach this point and we are excited for the impact that he will have on the Vandals' program."
Sydney's head coach and Australian national team assistant Will Weaver, also former head coach of the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League, also spoke highly of Madden.
"The Sydney Kings are thrilled that Hunter has committed to play for the Idaho Vandals," said Kings CEO/GM Chris Pongrass. "Hunter played a key role with our team last season; he is a driven competitor and a unique talent. Hunter has worked extremely hard to reach this point and we are excited for the impact that he will have on the Vandals' program."
It was a sentiment shared by Kings head coach Will Weaver, the former head coach of the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League, now also an assistant coach with the Australian national team.
"Hunter's competitiveness and commitment helped him grow tremendously during the last season," said Weaver. "We're very proud of him."
Madden also boasts international playing experience, stepping out with the Australian national team at the 2018 FIBA Under 17 World Cup. His role on that team was to play backup point guard to Tamuri Wigness, resulting in little playing time.
Starring for his junior club Norths Bears and the Shore School in Sydney, Madden has also been training and playing with AUSA, including competitions on the US-based AAU circuit.
A skilled and reliable floor general, Madden is set to help bolster the Vandals who are looking to move off the bottom of the Big Sky standings next season.