Return of the MVP King

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Jaylen Adams has returned to the Sydney Kings.

The Sydney Kings will once again have an MVP on the court this season, with fan-favourite Jaylen Adams returning to the club for NBL24.

The NBL22 MVP and championship winner has signed a one-year deal with the Kings – becoming the side’s 12th signing for the 2023-24 campaign.

“I have such fond memories from my first time in Sydney, which at this point is like home to me,” Adams told the Kings' website.

“From the atmosphere and energy at the stadium to all the love from the fans, it was an easy decision to come back – especially after chatting with Mahmoud [Abdelfattah] and CP [Chris Pongrass].

“It’s a reunion I’m really looking forward to.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">? THE MVP MIXTAPE ?<br><br>We'll just let the video do the talking.<br><br>Shout out to the <a href="https://twitter.com/HungryJacksAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HungryJacksAU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL22</a> MVP, <a href="https://twitter.com/10jadams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@10jadams</a> ? <a href="https://t.co/5D3DsMg6eQ">pic.twitter.com/5D3DsMg6eQ</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1519246414965972992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Maryland product, who attended St. Bonaventure University before NBA stints with Atlanta, Portland and Milwaukee, averaged an incredible 20.8 points, 5.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game during his first stint with the Kings; being named MVP and All-NBL First Team.

After stints with Serbian side KK Crvena Zvezda and Chinese outfit Qingdao Eagles, the 27-year-old knew the best career decision for him was to return to the harbour city side.

“I’m one of those guys that want to get better every time I step on the court, so first and foremost, I want to build on what we did last time I was here,” Adams said.

“Obviously we have a fairly new group this time around, so my aim is to be more vocal and help the team gel as quickly as possible.

“Last time, we hung our hats on the defensive end and knowing Mahmoud the way I do, I know he will be preaching the same message next season.

“I’m confident with the squad we have assembled, that is willing to work hard, that we can deliver Sydney another championship.”

Adams is the club’s second import, alongside DJ Hogg, for NBL24 and will join a squad that already includes NBL Next Star Alex Toohey, Jonah Bolden, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Jordi Hunter, Makuach Maluach, Jackson Makoi and Klairus Amir.

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass is excited to welcome Adams back to Sydney and knows how important of a role he can play this season.

“It has always been a priority to bring JA back to Sydney,” Pongrass said.

“After the success we experienced with him leading our group in NBL22, we seized the opportunity to have him return to compete for a championship once again.

“He has an innate ability to impact the game at both ends.

“While he was obviously one of the most impressive offensive threats in the league, people often forget that he is an elite defender.

“He will be a focal point for us defensively and having such a unique two-way player gives me confidence in the remaining pieces we will sign over the coming weeks.

“Beloved by our fans, we are proud that there is enough trust by Jaylen to want to return to our program."