“Misunderstood” no more: Kuol reveals the real Kendric Davis

Much was said about Kendric Davis' high profile move from Adelaide to Sydney in the off-season. But all that hasn't affected the University of Memphis alum, with the superstar guard averaging 22.4 points, 4.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game this season. All while leading the Kings to a 7-6 record at the FIBA Break.

One player not surprised by Davis' success in his new environment is Paris 2024 Olympian and Kings team Bul Kuol, who called the 26-year-old "one of the best human beings" during a recent interview on ESPN's 'Nothing But Net' program.

"I believe Kendric came into Sydney misunderstood," Kuol said to ESPN.

"I don't know what the media put out about him, but he's one of the best human beings you can be around.

"He's all about winning. He's bought into the system. He's easy to talk to. I've gotten close with him just being his teammate.

"We already had a lot of respect for each other, because we bumped heads a lot on the court when he was in Adelaide and most of the time he got the upper hand on me.

"It's a shame that I can't get him back now, but we go at it during practice.

"[Honestly] he's a hard worker, looks after his body well, comes to work every day and pushes himself.

"He's growing a lot in his leadership. He's holding guys accountable. He's on me a lot, trying to keep me on page because there's times I go off the rails.

"He's a high level competitor that's difficult to stop.

"You guys already know that he's a monster with the ball, but he's a better human being off the court."

Along with Davis, South Sudanese international Kuol, who is re establishing himself as one of the competition's top defenders, has been key in the Harbour City side's success this season.

While the Kings are content with their record and progress, Kuol admits there is still work to be done, as they Kings chase their sixth NBL championship.

"We don't look too far ahead. The main mission right now is continuing to grow our identities on the defensive and offensive ends," the Canberra talent said.

"We're figuring out our freedom there [on offence]. We have our structure, so guys are just getting comfortable on that side of the ball.

"But defensively, I think we're showing who we are. We're long, athletic. We have guys that can run the wing. We have multiple players that can guard the ball.

"We have versatile defenders, including X (Xavier Cooks), who is one of the most versatile fours in the league. The guy can dribble the ball up, can guard multiple positions.

"Tim [Soares] is a floor spacer. 'Goody' (Hunter Goodrick) is one of our enforcers. And then a guy like 'Robbo' (Tyler Robertson), who's sitting at the end of the bench, comes in and knocks down four threes [against Illawarra].

"As a group, we still have a long ways to go, but we're in a good place right now and heading in the right direction."

The Kings resume their Hungry Jack's NBL26 campaign on Wednesday, December 3 when they travel to Hamilton to play New Zealand in an Ignite Cup game, live on ESPN from 5.30pm AEDT.