Kings part ways with Abdelfattah

The Sydney Kings have parted ways with head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah, following the club’s early elimination from the NBL24 Finals. 

Abdelfattah stepped in to lead the back-to-back reigning champions this season, but after winning seven of his first 10 games in charge, the Kings lost 13 of their remaining 19 matches, including the Play-In Qualifier defeat to New Zealand.

They entered the Finals in fifth place, as one of three teams to end the regular season with a 13-15 record.

His tenure also included the biggest win in the history of the NBL’s 40-minute era when Sydney overcame an undermanned South East Melbourne side by 55 points in Round 20.

Abdelfattah’s departure will likely lead to a dramatic shake-up of Sydney’s coaching ranks, following assistant coach Fleur McIntyre’s move to WNBA side Phoenix.

Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass thanked Abdelfattah for his service to the team.

“This was an extremely difficult decision to make - however, we have an obligation to our members and fans and felt a change was needed," Pongrass said.

“We would like to thank Mahmoud for his contributions to the Kings organisation and the Sydney community as a whole.

"He is a well-respected and talented coach and it was a pleasure to work alongside him this season. Mahmoud’s character, work ethic and constant positive outlook cannot be questioned.

“We are grateful for everything he has done this season and for the impact he made on this club.

"We thank Mahmoud for his commitment this past season.”