Sponsored by:
Specialising in Action, Team and Portrait Photography.
---
Advertising opportunities available.
Please contact me.
---
Thornton confirmed by Kings
TweetNBA second-round draft pick Marcus Thornton will join Josh Childress and Julian Khazzouh in an NBL “Big Three” at Sydney Kings.
Yes, you may have read about Thornton here yesterday but it is "official" now.
BIG 3, No.1: Josh Childress in action.
Thornton, 22 and a 193cm guard, was taken at selection No.45 by the Boston Celtics in last month’s NBA draft after dominating as a college basketballer.
He enjoyed a stellar four-year career at the College of William & Mary in Virginia where he finished as the university’s career leader in points scored (2178), 3-pointers (325), 3-pointers made per game (2.56) and games played (127).
He was named the Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year this year and also the Virginia State Player of the Year.
His 20 points per game ranked 17th in all NCAA scoring.
Thornton’s NBA Summer League campaign with Boston was highlighted by a 21-point effort against Miami Heat.
BIG 3, No.2: Julian Khazzouh back to be a King.
The Celtics are happy for Thornton to have a season playing against hardened professionals in the NBL, that process paying off for the Heat when they farmed James Ennis to Perth Wildcats for 2013-14.
The Wildcats won the championship and Ennis went back to secure a roster spot in Miami.
“It’s a great acquisition for this club,” Kings coach Damian Cotter said.
“Marcus’ versatility, athleticism and skillset are going to cause match-up problems for opponents,
and he’ll be coming into a situation where he will have the opportunity to lead a very talented
team.”
Adelaide 36ers coach Joey Wright, who watched Thornton in action in Las Vegas, said the Kings now would boast the “three most talented players” in the NBL.
BIG 3, No.3: Marcus Thornton completes the Kings' super trio.
Thornton joins superstar Childress and returning centre Khazzouh, who was runner-up for the league MVP award in his last NBL season in 2011 before he headed to Europe.
The Kings now have signed Thornton, Steve Markovic, Childress, Tom Garlepp, Khazzouh, Jason Cadee, Angus Brandt and Jeromie Hill.
Perth shortly is expected to reveal it has secured Casey Prather, 24 and a 198cm swingman who played at the University of Florida.
Online
