The Sydney Kings’ build-up to the 2018/2019 National Basketball League season has continued with the club announcing today it has signed forward/centre Daniel Kickert to a two-year deal (team option second year).
The 34 year old Kickert has played the past two NBL seasons with the Brisbane Bullets and is coming off a solid 2017/2018 campaign, averaging 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He was also a member of the Australian team that won the gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Known for his exceptional offensive efficiency, the 208cm (6’10”) big man produced an historic statistical season in 2016/2017. He shot the ball at 54.4 percent from the field, 45.9 percent from three point range and 95.0 percent from the free throw line for the Bullets, becoming the first player ever to join the fabled ‘50-40-90’ club.
Incredibly, he repeated the feat in 2017/2018, connecting at 52.2 percent from the field, 41.8 percent from three and 92.2 percent from the charity stripe. So impressive was this achievement, Daniel remains the only member of what is the NBL’s most exclusive offensive club.
After a standout four year stint at St Mary’s College in the United States where he was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, Kickert has had an excellent and varied professional career, with stints in Italy, Poland, Spain and the Ukraine.
Since returning to Australia in 2014 he’s continued to be productive and consistent, earning First Team All-NBL honours as a member of Melbourne United for the 2015/2016 season.
Internationally, Kickert has been an important member of the Australian national team program for well over a decade, representing his country at the 2006 FIBA World Cup and winning a gold medal for the Boomers at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.
His size, mobility and ability to stretch defences to well beyond the three point line make him an ideal addition to Sydney’s revamped frontcourt anchored by legendary Australian centre Andrew Bogut.
Kickert is thrilled to be joining the Kings.
“I’m unbelievably excited to be involved in what the Sydney Kings are doing on and off the floor. I can’t wait to get started with this group and with this franchise on the move”, he said.
Sydney Kings Managing Director Jeff Van Groningen said that Kickert’s experience and impressive skill-set will complement the team very well.
“We feel that Daniel brings a great deal to the club,” Mr Van Groningen said.
“He’s a highly decorated veteran who’s had an outstanding career so far and possesses size, elite scoring and the ability to play both power forward and centre. We welcome Daniel to the Sydney Kings family.”
Kickert will join the team at the start of their preseason training program.
Further roster announcements will be made in due course.
DANIEL KICKERT BIO
Born: May 29, 1983
Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria
Age: 34
Height: 208cm (6’10”)
Weight: 109kg (240lb)
Position: Forward/Centre
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Australian Team, FIBA World Cup (2006)
All-NBL First Team (2016)
All-NBL Second Team (2017)
Ukrainian Super League champion (2013)
PLK All-Star (2012)
First-team All-West Coast Conference (2004)
First Team All-West Coast Conference (2005)
First Team All-West Coast Conference (2006)
West Coast Conference All-Tournament Team (2005)
CAREER HISTORY
High School: Aquinas College, Melbourne, Victoria / Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, ACT
College: St Mary’s College (2002-2006)
Professional:
Basket Livorno, Italy (2006-2007)
CB Breogán, Spain (2007-2008)
CB Gran Canaria, Spain (2008-2010)
Turów Zgorzelec, Poland (2011-2012)
BC Dnipro, Ukraine (2012-2013)
BC Budivelnyk, Ukraine (2013)
BC Azovmash, Ukraine (2013-2014)
Iberostar Tenerife, Spain (2014)
Melbourne United (2014-2016)
Brisbane Bullets (2016-2018)
SYDNEY KINGS CURRENT ROSTER