Kings bolster backcourt with Turner

The Sydney Kings have announced the signing of import guard Lamonte Turner for the remainder of the NBL25 season.

Turner joins Sydney as a nominated replacement player following the season-ending shoulder injury to wing Jaylin Galloway.

"Everything about this opportunity with the Kings was appealing to me," Turner said.

"I've seen and heard nothing but great things about the league and the Kings organisation and the players there.

"I've always been someone who wants to compete against the best and I believe Sydney is a great spot to do that."

The now 27-year-old guard spent time at both Sparkman High School and the IMG Academy before playing his college hoops at the University of Tennessee, which saw him win the 2018 SEC Sixth Man of the Year.

Since then, Turner has played abroad at Polan's Arka Gdynia, Finland's Kataja BC and Serbia's Košarkaški klub FMP

"I believe I can bring an extra spark and new energy to the group, which I hope my teammates can feed off," the 6'2 guard said.

"We've already got a strong roster in place and I believe I can be a good complimentary piece to that while helping put others in a position to succeed thanks to my pass-first nature.

"Having spoken to Goorj [Brian Goorjian] and the other coaches a lot, we all feel I can bring a settling presence on the court at the ball-handling position, allowing other creators to play off the ball and make opposition defences deal with another look.

"I feel I have the style of play that can blend nicely into the Kings' group and help us finish the season strongly."

Head Coach Brian Goorjian is excited about the new addition to the lineup.

"First and foremost, Lamonte is a point guard, a ball-handler, and facilitator who can get people the ball, which puts them in the best position to succeed," the six-time NBL championships-winning coach said.

"I have no doubt he will make everyone else on our team better while complimenting their abilities.

"Adding to that, he's an elite defender, who can pick up the ball full-court, while being tough and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

"Finally, he's a strong locker-room guy, who played and captained a top college in Tennessee, which has helped give him an awareness of the situation he is walking into with us."

Turner will make his debut for Sydney on Thursday, January 9 against Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena.