Elite defensive stopper crosses to Kings

Izayah Le’Afa was one of Sydney’s biggest problems in the NBL23 Championship Series, but the terrier-like former Breakers guard is now a King after signing a two-year deal with the club, the second of which contains a mutual option.

Le’Afa has crossed to the Kings following two seasons with his hometown New Zealand Breakers, which included the legendary five-game Championship Series that resulted in Sydney’s second title in two seasons. Prior to his time with the Breakers, he spent two seasons with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The 27-year-old has often been lauded as one of the top ‘point of attack’ defenders in the NBL, and has connected with over 30 per cent of his three-point attempts in every NBL season of his career to date.

Le'Afa believes that defensive mentality will keep him in good stead to shine under Brian Goorjian at the Kings.

"I hope to bring all the little things to the team that help to win, like toughness, energy and team-first mentality," Le'Afa said.

"While I know Sydney has had a winning culture for the past few years, I feel I can contribute to that and help the organisation be even more successful.

"On the flip side, being in a new environment like Sydney, I feel can help grow my IQ for the game, leadership, being more of a knock-down shooter and continuing to elevate my defensive end of the floor - in essence becoming the best player I can possibly be.

"Goorj's team always set the tone defensively and I want to be a big part of that next season, as I take a lot of pride in that end of the floor."

Goorjian believes the signing of Le'Afa and fellow Sydney newcomer Keli Leaupepe indicates a shift in the Kings' defensive mentality.

"The common denominators for these players were they wanted to grow as players but also win at the highest level - mix in with a style of play that we want to play and that's how we started this build," Goorjian said.

"That style of play was addressing an issue the team had last year which was on the defensive end of the floor and signings such as Keli and Izayah are aimed to help that, with the energy they can bring on putting pressure on the ball and ability to guard numerous positions.

"In particular, defending teams in the backcourt is an area where Izayah can be a real asset with his physicality, energy and tough mindset, which can give the top guards in this competition issues.

"We're excited about what the defensive platform can do for us and Izayah is a big part of that."