Magic Show: Goorjian sees similarities with past champions

Legendary coach Brian Goorjian has six NBL championships to his name, including a three-peat with the Sydney Kings from 2003-2005.

While the most recent of those came with the South Dragons, the first two came during his first NBL coaching gig with the South East Melbourne Magic.

Now, as the seven-time Coach of the Year enters yet another Finals campaign, he sees similarities between his current Kings side and the Magic of the early 1990s.

“There are a lot of similarities [between the Kings and Magic],” Goorjian said at Tuesday’s Finals Launch.

“We [the Magic] went through a merger and put together a team that, as soon as it was assembled, you knew you had an opportunity for a championship.

“[Although] we didn't start that way [this season], but I feel that way now [about Sydney].

“You go into this, and you go, the team's playing well, we've got the right group.

“That doesn't happen often, and this year, it feels that way.”

Further to that, Goorjian believes his regular season champions are confident in their own skin and have what it takes to add a seventh title to his collection.

“There's not a blueprint for this,” he said.

“Listening to the players and knowing their mindset is really clear, and just continuing to move forward in what and who we are.

“At this time of year, whatever team it is, you should know what you need to do and what you need to be good at to win.

“Just focus on that and making sure everyone's fresh, everyone's at their healthiest, and everyone's motivated.

“I reflect on the Boomers during COVID, and we talked a lot about whoever comes out of this situation and handles it the best has the best opportunity to meddle.

“This is a similar situation, handling this period of time and doing it right.

“Again, there's no blueprint, but feel like we'll get it right.”

The Kings will open their post-season campaign on Wednesday, March 11, with game one of the Playoffs Series at Qudos Bank Arena from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.