Bring it on: New rivals, same hunger for Kings star

Since the day he first stepped on an NBL court, Kendric Davis has proven why he is one of the top athletes to ever play in this League.

Across those two seasons, one with Adelaide and then with Sydney, the American guard has produced averages of 25.3 points, 7.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, helping him claim two runner-up MVP finishes (both to six-time winner Bryce Cotton).

Then after guiding the Kings to their sixth NBL championship during the 2025-26 Hungry Jack's campaign and winning the Championship Series MVP, Davis said "it's my time now".

Since that presentation, the 27-year-old has spent the off-season in the United States, watching other teams get stronger in an attempt to dethrone his Kings.

One signing in particular caught his and all hoops fans' eyes, when Melbourne United signed NBA talent Cole Anthony on a one-year deal.

Read more >> "They ain't getting sh** right": Davis not buying Kings snub

But during an upcoming interview with Channel 9's Wide World of Sports, Davis explained that he isn't fazed by coming up against Anthony or any of the other elite point guards around the League.

"I feel like this is my League. He [Anthony] is going to be gunning for me, which I love," Davis said.

"I love competition and don't shy away from it. What makes me good is what makes me bad. I love competition at any means necessary.

"[He's] a great player, highly respected and had a great NBA career. I played him in high school at a couple of camps. He's always been the number one point guard in the country when we were in high school.

"When I got the call [to say Cole Anthony was signing in the NBL], I was like sh*t, that's good for the League. That's good for me, it's good for Bryce, it's good for everybody. It's exciting and I'm looking forward to it."

See the full Interview with Kendric Davis on Wide World of Sports, Sunday 10am AEST (NSW / QLD), 12pm AEST (VIC/SA/WA) on 9 and 9Now.

Before Davis locks horns with Anthony, his Kings will open their title defence on Sunday, September 20 against Cairns at Afterpay Arena from 5pm AEST, live on ESPN.