The Sydney Kings have come calling for Batemans Bay basketballer, Darcy Harding, with the 22-year-old set to join the side as a development player next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is the culmination of many years hard work for the forward, who has spent the last three years playing for the Albury-Wodonga Bandits in the South East Australian Basketball League.
His promotion to the Kings comes after he impressed at the two-day rookie camp, which was held at The King’s School in North Parramatta earlier this month.
Darcy said he was suited to the intense nature of the camp.
“I really enjoyed just being able to focus on basketball for two days straight in that environment,” he said.
“I felt like I performed well and left everything out on the court, which made me pretty confident.
“To be have the chance to work with the coaching staff they have in Sydney is massive for me.
“I have plenty of friends there, so it should be a fairly easy transition to make.”
Since starting his career with the Moruya Swans, Darcy has played games for Shoalhaven and Goulburn, as well as represented NSW for five years between the ages of 16 and 20 at the National Championships.
He also played for Australia at the FIBA Oceania Youth tournament in New Caledonia. In 2011, he was awarded a two-year scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport.
Darcy’s journey has been shared with his family, who have travelled long distances to watch him play.
His father, Nick, said Darcy’s achievements within the sport are a testament to his dedication off the court.
“We are extremely proud of him because he has put so much work in,” he said.
“He used to play in Canberra on Friday nights and we wouldn’t get back home until 1.30am.
“We still go Albury frequently to watch him play and I’m sure we will have plenty of trips to Sydney next year.”
Projected as a small forward, he is capable of swinging to either the shooting guard or power forward positions and continues to show great promise.
King’s coach, Andrew Gaze, said Darcy has a bright future ahead of him.
“He’s a good athlete and he’s got a good feel for the game,” he said.
“He’s continuing to work on his game, and we feel that with his size and athleticism he’ll become a quality player, and one that is worth our investment.”
Darcy will join the Kings following the conclusion of the SEABL season.
To have the chance to work with coaching staff in Sydney is massive for me.
- Darcy Harding