The challenge of reviving the ailing Sydney Kings has prompted Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze to accept the job of head coach, and he will have high powered support in reigning league MVP Kevin Lisch.
The Kings announced on Saturday seven-time NBL MVP Gaze, who has not coached in the NBL before, would be their head coach for a minimum of three years.
Sydney also announced American-born guard, Lisch who is now an Australian citizen, had signed a three-year contract.
Lisch, who returned to the NBL from overseas for the 2015-16 season, joining Illawarra, is just the third player signed to Sydney for next season.
Centre Julian Khazzouh and forward Jeromie Hill are the others.
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Rounding out a roster will be a priority for Gaze, who has the job of turning around a club that finished last on the 2015-16 ladder with just six wins from 28 games.
"What attracted me to the job is it's a massive challenge," Gaze told AAP.
"When you're inheriting a team that finished last, I guess the good thing is you can only go up.
"I can't take any credit for Kevin. I'd love to be able to, but the negotiations were well and truly under way before I made the commitment, but certainly I'm incredibly grateful that he's decided to join the team."
Gaze was encouraged by the recent change of ownership at the club and the move to Allphones Arena as their new home venue.
He is coaching second-tier SEABL side Melbourne Tigers, whose season starts this weekend. and will be allowed to fulfil his commitment to that club.
"Certainly a big part of the decision (to coach Sydney) was to have the owners and the general manager Jeff Van Gronigen's blessing that I continue to do that (coach Melbourne)," Gaze said.
"Fortunately they absolutely supported that, they encouraged it, they thought it was absolutely appropriate.
"That was the reason why I decided to take the opportunity, that I could have this incredible challenge, but still my maintain my obligations to the Tigers."
