The Sydney Kings organisation announced today that it had commenced negotiations to re-sign three core players for the 2012-2013 season.

Current Captain, Julian Khazzouh, star import, Jerai Grant, and NBL rookie favorite Anatoly Bose, are all on the Sydney Kings’ radar for next season.

Head Coach, Ian ‘Moose’ Robilliard said that the team committee had commenced negotiations with the agents of the three players to secure their services for a further undisclosed contract period.

“We are waiting to hear back form each of the players’ agents, but the club has a strong desire to re-sign Khazzouh, Grant, and Bose for at least one more season. Anatoly Bose has a second-year option on his current contract that we hope he will accept,” Robilliard said.

“The contributions each player has made to the club during the current 2011-2012 season has been outstanding and we would like to take that continuity and their skills into next season,” he added.

“It is important to keep a strong core of players who know our playbook and who can mentor new players joining the team. We know the type of basketball team we want on the court and the type of basketball we like to play. It is important to secure players who can fit into our program and add something special to an already strong team.”

Sydney Kings Board member and Head of the Team Committee, Max Schroder, said that further announcements about other players that would remain with the team, and those who would be furthering their career elsewhere would be made in a timely manner. Luke Martin, Ben Madgen, and Graeme Dann, who are all on two-year contracts, will remain with the Kings for the 2012-2013 season.

“The Sydney Kings has a policy in place to allow some players to pursue off-season playing opportunities in competitions such as the NZNBL, SEABL, NSW Warratah League, and the Victorian Big V League. As a result, Martin Iti has already announced a desire to play in Wellington, New Zealand, and will depart as soon as our season ends; whenever that might be.” Mr Schroder said.

The organisation is confident of securing Julian Khazzouh, Jerai Grant, and Anatoly Bose before the end of the season. When the core group of players is confirmed, other players will be announced as the team is built up around them.

The Sydney Kings must win against the Gold Coast Blaze this Friday night at the Kingdome to keep their hopes of making the playoffs in April. The Sydney Kings beat the Gold Coast Blaze the last time they met in January but since then the Blaze have won four games in a row and now sit inside the top four. The Sydney Kings have lost the past three games - all to top-three teams, with two of the games going down to the final seconds. With only eight games left in the regular season – the Sydney Kings will realistically need to win seven of their remaining eight games to make the playoffs in only their second season back in the NBL competition. The Sydney Kings vs. Gold Coast game will be played at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday February 10, 2011. Tip-off is at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.au.