The Sydney Kings have completed their roster for their pending return to the NBL by signing American import Rod Grizzard and promising young Australians Ben Madgen and Jared Scoines.
They join the seven players already announced last month to suit up for the purple and gold, led by talented big man Julian Khazzouh, US forward Taj McCullough and sweet-shooting guard Damien Ryan.
Grizzard, who has previously played for the Melbourne Tigers and Singapore Slingers in the NBL, will provide some veteran leadership and scoring spark to the Kings.
Madgen has been signed following a stellar four-year stint with Augusta State University in the US college system, while Scoines has been added as the team's under-24 player.
General manager Bob Turner expects the Kings to be competitive straight away when the 2010-11 season tips off in October.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"We didn't resurrect the Sydney Kings to make up the numbers in the NBL, we want another shot at the trophy," Turner said of the three-time former champions.
"With the signing of Rod Grizzard, Jared Scoines and Ben Madgen we have a team the fans are going to enjoy supporting."
The Kings have been resurrected after disgraced former owner Tim Johnston drove the club into the ground in 2008.
Former Sydney coach Turner has been the chief architect behind the revival and the team will mark their return to the league with an away clash against the Tigers on October 15.
The following day, they return to the Sydney Entertainment Centre to host the New Zealand Breakers.
Head coach Ian Robilliard is excited about the acquisition of swing man Grizzard.
"The Sydney Kings' acquisition panel did extensive research and interviewed Rod before signing him to the team," he said.
"He is coming to the Sydney Kings well motivated and fired up to ignite the city with his athleticism and overall game."
