Raging Bul: Kuol unleashed to lead Kings' charge

He’s one of the elite defenders in the NBL, but Bul Kuol showed in his time at the Cairns Taipans he can be an elite scorer as well. So if ever the Kings needed a player with his versatility, it’s right now.

Kuol is set to return to Sydney’s lineup for a vital clash against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night, overcoming a knee injury.

Another loss, and the Kings would slip to sixth on the NBL standings; the pre-season’s unrivalled championship favourites teetering on the brink of losing their Play-In spot. 

It won’t be easy against one of the league’s hottest teams, but Kuol is back at the perfect time to take on the Phoenix’s vast mix of scoring threats. 

“They need his defence, they need his size, a guard that can help on the glass ... an area where Sydney has been dominated this season,” Derek Rucker said on NBL Now. 

“Provided he’s healthy, he can significantly improve the fortunes of the Kings.”

Kuol can get it done at both ends. 

“The Kings have been lacking quality perimeter shooting, which Bul Kuol provides. He shot it at 41 per cent last year from the three,” Rucker added. 

“This year he was off to a similar type of efficiency level, at about 41 per cent again.”

Sydney will be without emerging forward Keli Leaupepe, sidelined with a hamstring injury.

But Leaupepe’s absence and Cam Oliver’s recent struggle for minutes could open the door for an emerging King to step up. 

“I’m hearing that Jason Spurgin is going to get a chance to show what he can do tonight,” Rucker added.

“Is he ready for the moment? … they cannot afford another loss at home.

“It’s tough right now on Sydney, because this team had expectations of a championship.”

Sydney hosts the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday night at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.