Big man boot camp: Goodrick thriving under Bogut’s guidance

The Sydney Kings entered NBL26 confident in their frontcourt depth. The early loss of Keli Leaupepe and Jason Spurgin quickly tested that belief and forced a key decision by Brian Goorjian.

While the outside noise suggested the club needed to sign an import, the Kings instead looked locally and plucked Hunter Goodrick out of the NBL1 East, a move that is now paying dividends.

Goodrick was coming off a strong NBL1 East campaign with the Norths Bears, averaging 17.2 points and 11.5 rebounds, following a season in Slovakia after his college career at California Baptist University.

The fit mattered more than the numbers. Goodrick brought exactly what the Kings needed from a big: physicality, rebounding, hard screens and a willingness to do the dirty work.

Sixteen games in, he has become a genuine part of the rotation. That was evident in Sunday’s win over Melbourne United.

With Noi sidelined by an elbow injury, Goodrick logged almost 14 minutes, finishing with six points and 10 rebounds, continuing a 25-year-old’s journey of persistence as he makes the most of his NBL opportunity.

“For sure, I definitely thought it was possible and if I didn’t think that I probably wouldn’t be here now,” Goodrick said.

“If you asked me like five months ago if I would be here I wouldn’t really be sure and I got the opportunity, and I think it was just about making the most of that.

“The main thing for me is to just keep it simple and don't overthink it. Everyone at this level is still human and my main thing is not backing down to anyone no matter how big or big their name is, and whatever happens, happens.”

Goodrick’s rise has also been fuelled by the backing of Brian Goorjian, along with daily work alongside former NBL MVP, No. 1 NBA draft pick and NBA champion Andrew Bogut.

At first, the moment felt surreal.

“He's been huge and honestly sometimes I pinch myself that I'm talking to him and it's actually Andrew Bogut, but the first day I came in he knew my name and that shocked me a little bit,” Goodrick said.

“But he has so much time for me and I can ask him a question, and he won't just give a short answer, he'll go into detail and really give me advice that I haven’t really had before.

“I just try and soak it up from him and every day learn as much as I can from probably the best big man ever from Australia.”