As they look ahead to the club’s 30th Anniversary Season, the Sydney Kings today announced that superstar point guard Jerome ‘The Handle’ Randle will return to the purple and gold for the 2018/2019 National Basketball League season.
Signed to a one-year deal in 2017, with a team option on a second season, the Kings have now formally put the new deal in place. Bringing back the dynamic floor general who had a tremendous impact in just 19 games of the 2017/2018 campaign is an integral part of the King’s planning for the coming year.
Randle became just the second player in NBL history – after Andrew Gaze in 1989 – to lead the league in scoring and assists, averaging 19.8 points and 5.3 assists per game. He also added 1.1 steals per outing, topped the NBL in minutes per game and was named to the All-NBL Second Team.
Randle and Boomer Kevin Lisch formed an embryonic yet incredibly exciting pairing as the team finished with six wins from their final seven games of the season. Randle was also named as the club Most Valuable Player at the end of season Sydney Kings Awards.
Providing a nightly highlight reel on court, he was equally outstanding off the floor, immediately assuming a leadership role and fitting in exceptionally well with the team’s culture. He was heavily involved with the Kings’ community programs right from the start and gave his time enthusiastically.
Randle is thrilled to be returning to Sydney for his second season.
“I’m very excited to be back with the Kings for another season. We really started clicking towards the end and I know that all the guys are chomping at the bit to get started again. We have some serious unfinished business and big goals to achieve. I’ve never been more ready for a new season to start”, Randle said today.
Sydney Kings Managing Director Jeff Van Groningen hailed Jerome’s return as an important step for the club as it looks forward to the 2018/2019 season.
“We were fortunate that Jerome was able to commit to the Kings after a stint with a Turkish club – their loss was certainly our gain. From the time we signed Jerome both parties had an eye on the future and the second year loomed as a chance to have everyone on deck – including Jerome and a healthy Kevin Lisch – right from the start. Two words? We’re excited”, Van Groningen stated.
As for the man who Randle joined in the record books, Sydney Kings Head Coach Andrew Gaze, the return of the ‘Handle’ provides a great lift to the team and genuine excitement for every Kings’ fan.
“Jerome reinforced his status as one of the elite players in the NBL during his time with us last season,” Coach Gaze commented.
“His leadership, both on and off the floor, helped revitalise our season and continue the development of our club culture.”
“Jerome’s commitment to his craft and achieving success is infectious and we are excited that he has agreed to continue his career with the Kings.”
“He is a delight to coach and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to coach him again.”