Sydney signs third collegiate talent

A third collegiate talent will be calling Sydney home in NBL25, following the club’s announcement it has signed center Jason Spurgin on a three-year deal.

Spurgin spent time as a development player with the Brisbane Bullets prior to signing for NCAA side Southern Utah, and spent his senior year playing for Bowling Green State University.

The 210-centimetre center’s deal will see him rostered as a development player for NBL25, before being elevated to the main roster for the following two seasons.

Head coach Brian Goorjian believes the addition of Spurgin will help elevate the Kings’ young core of players.

"We're now a fair way down this path and we're really happy with all the players we've signed and Jason is no different, especially being in the important five spot," Goorjian said.

"He was a player that we identified early in the process that we'd love to have, thanks to his versatility and ability to shoot the ball.

"I see a lot of potential in Jason, as he's a player that improved every year at college and can continue to do so, solidifying himself as a player that can play in the league for a long time.

"Being in our system and environment day in, day out, he will continue to develop, especially in terms of scoring inside and outside the paint, his ability to handle and make decisions and his physicality and dealing with the rigours of playing in this competition.

"We're really excited to add him to our young core, which will hopefully build together for years to come."

Spurgin identified Sydney’s record of developing young talent as a key factor in his decision to sign with the club.

"Sydney has a history of winning, but also of developing young talent, so I can't wait to be a part of that," he said.

"I still have a long way to grow as a player, especially in terms of getting my body right to withstand playing at the professional level and developing my game by becoming more of a threat off the bounce, instead of just being a catch-and-shoot threat and down low in the post.”

Spurgin joins new fellow new signings Keli Leaupepe, Tyler Robertson, Bul Kuol and Izayah Le’Afa on Sydney’s NBL25 roster.