Sydney Kings unveil Aleks Marić as newest signing
The Sydney Kings have today announced the signing of 2012 London Olympian, Aleks Marić.
Marić joins a Kings squad that is already loaded with Australian talent, including current Boomers squad member Brad Newley and Kevin Lisch, as well as Julian Khazzouh, Tommy Garlepp and Jason Cadee.
“After so many years, I think it’s nearly 13, I’m really excited to play professionally in Australia for the first time, and rapt to have the opportunity to play in Sydney in front of family and friends,” he said.
In Marić, the Kings have acquired a quality 6’11” centre who has plied his trade in Europe throughout his entire career, including stops with Euro-powerhouses such as Panathanaikos and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Marić is a former Euroleague champion with Panathinaikos, and made the All-Euroleague First team in 2010. A proven winner, Marić has also tasted league success across his European sojourn.
Marić last played with Spanish ACB outfit, Rio Natura Monbus Obradoiro CAB, where he posted season averages of 6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and shot 54 percent from the field.
And at still only 31 years of age, Marić has plenty of quality years of basketball ahead of him.
"I'm really excited to have a big man of the quality of Aleks Maric,” said Kings coach, Andrew Gaze. “He'll complement Julian, Tommy and Jeromie really nicely and with potentially another big man import still to add we're going to have a formidable front line this coming season."
Said Kings Manager Director, Jeff Van Groningen, “It's another indication that the NBL is moving strongly in the right direction and a great result for our club to have Al join us".
At the Sydney Kings, Marić feels that he has found the perfect home for the next chapter in his basketball journey.
“Everybody, in their career, goes through times where they’re trying to find the right fit, and this is a great spot for me,” Marić told foxsports.com.au.
It will also a special time for Marić, who is set to play for his home town team, in front of family and friends, for the very first time.
“After a long time — since 2003 — finally I can come back home to Australia and play in my home city, which is very, very special for me," he told Olgun Uluc, of Fox Sports Australia.
“My family is over the moon. I mean, I’ve played my entire professional career overseas, so the chance to play at home in front of my family and friends, and give back to Australian basketball, means a lot.”
*Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference.