The Sydney Kings continue their 2010 preseason this Friday night in Terrigal on the beautiful Central Coast when they take on an All Star team put together and coached by none other than Sydney Kings’ legend Steve ‘Mr Magic’ Carfino.
The former superstar point guard for the purple and gold spent three seasons in the Harbour City and helped lead the franchise to a pair of appearances in the playoffs including a semi-final berth in 1989.
Steve was beloved by Sydney fans and retired way too early thanks to a back injury he suffered in 1991, but has since had an outstanding career in the media – no surprise given he was considered one of the great entertainers ever to play in the National Basketball League.
He was the expert commentator for Channel Ten during their original broadcasts of the NBL in the 1990s, moved to Fox Sports and did an excellent job as their primary basketball analyst for over a decade, and now hosts his own show, MVP, on OneHD and will once again be an important cog of Ten and OneHD’s broadcast team as the network enters this season into a five year deal to cover the NBL.
He has put together a squad featuring eight players from the Manly Warringah team that recently won the Waratah ABA Championship, headlined by star swingman Ben Arkell, who was brilliant in the Waratah league this season and has previously played in the NBL with West Sydney and Cairns.
Of most interest to Sydney fans however will be the appearance of one BJ Carter in the All Stars line-up.
One of the favourite sons of the Sydney Kings and one of its most popular players, the 6’1” guard helped the Kings win two championships and featured in the top ten for three point shooting in the NBL for three straight seasons.
They used to say that if you cut BJ Carter he would bleed purple and gold. He loved this team unconditionally and was a great example of how persistence and hard work can pay off, as he fought his way to become a valued member for the Kings during their most successful on court period, and was a key contributor during the team’s extraordinary run during the 2007/2008 regular season when they went a franchise-best 27-3.
Unfortunately he was unsuccessful in winning a place on the 2010/11 Kings’ roster, but you can be sure he will be highly motivated to prove a point against the team he once revered and represented so well over six terrific seasons.
For their part, the Kings are coming off an encouraging performance last week in their first hit-out against legitimate NBL opposition as they took last season’s NBL Grand Finalist, the Wollongong Hawks, right to the wire in what was an intense and highly entertaining ballgame.
Julian Khazzouh proved he is going to be pushing for All Star honours this season with another impressive display up front, and Sydney fans understood just what talented import Rod Grizzard is capable of as he attacked the Wollongong defence relentlessly and produced a fine all-around game.
Kings’ coach Ian Robilliard will be looking for more out of his point guards Luke Martin and Luke Cooper against the likes of Carter and one-time Kings’ squad member Rod Proctor. Both Martin and Cooper struggled last week against the Hawks’ in your face defence and this game should help them get back on track.
Cooper will also relish the opportunity to go up against a number of his Sea Eagle teammates as will development player Kevin White, while All Stars big men Miles Pearce and Duane Jordan will provide tough opposition for the likes of Khazzouh, Blagoj Janev and import forward Taj McCullough.
This game is part of a four day camp for the Kings in Terrigal, culminating on Saturday with a coaching clinic at Central Coast Grammar school. While in Terrigal, the team will participate in an intra-squad Purple and Gold scrimmage Thursday at noon at the Bridgecoast Stadium, which will be played in front of a number of local schools, and then the Kings will have a meet the fans night at Club Terrigal on Thursday night before the big game on Friday.
The Kings-Carfino All Stars game should be another entertaining battle, so make sure you head up the F3 this Friday night to the Bridgecoast Stadium in Terrigal and cheer the boys on! Tipoff is at 7:30pm, and tickets are available at the door or by calling the stadium direct on 02 43853577. Ticket prices are $12.00 for adults, $6.00 for concession and children 16 and under, and just $30.00 for a family of two adults and two children.
Sydney Kings vs Steve Carfino All Stars
Friday, 10 September, 7:30pm
Gosford City (Bridgecoast) Sports Stadium
Duffys Road (Off Terrigal Drive)
Terrigal
