Is this Australia's strongest athlete?

Photo: Sydney Kings Media

Is Keli Leaupepe the strongest player in the NBL? The strongest athlete in Australian sport?

One look at the new Sydney Kings signing and you can’t help but be caught by one thing – his physical presence.

As a college freshman, Leaupepe started hitting the weight room. He quickly “fell in love”.

Now, his gym routine has to be seen to be believed.

Leaupepe’s one-rep max for the bench press is an incredible 180 kilograms.

“When I was a freshman in college, it’s kind of where I got my edge,” said of his obsession with weight training.

“I fell in love with the body-building scene for sure.

“When I really changed my body was when I got stronger. I started counting my calories and watching what I eat, I switched up my diet and I definitely saw changes after that.

“You can get an edge in the gym, but also the mental aspect … I channel my mental energy … whether I’m having a bad day or a good day - I get in the gym and it gets my headspace right.”

When Leaupepe signed with the Kings, “toughness”, “physicality” and “plays hard” were the words scattered across the supporting content.

CEO Chris Pongrass said the club had been chasing his signature for years.

With such meticulous preparation and dedication to his craft, it’s little wonder the 24-year-old caught the eye of his new club.

Leaupepe averaged 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game across 129 appearances for the Los Angeles-based NCAA division one university, Loyola Marymount Lions.

He spent five years in college, playing against NBA lottery picks and professionals before pursuing an opportunity in the NBL, along the way even catching interest from the NFL.

And just like when he first hit the college scene, Leaupepe knows it’s all about constant improvement as he begins his NBL journey.

“I was a bit skinny going in a freshman, then I filled out,” he said.

“Just consistency, just getting in most of the days and then seeing the changes.”