Sydney Kings sign Deng Acuoth as final spot on the 2018-19 roster

Time for a nice story to end the day. The @SydneyKings completed their #NBL19 squad with a surprise for @DengAcuoth, elevating the #NBLNextGen standout to a contracted roster spot ????

Story ???? https://t.co/YOzrRNOkeG pic.twitter.com/k9KAr1AWcb

— NBL (@NBL) August 23, 2018

The Sydney Kings are pleased to announce the signing of Deng Acuoth as the final spot on the 2018-19 roster.

After spending last season as a development player, Acuoth has earned a spot in the team’s contracted playing group after showing great dedication to his development and proving to be a reliable inside presence on the court.

Born in South Sudan, Acuoth was six years old when he left for his new life in Australia.

In 2013 he joined the Savannah Pride program, an initiative that was started with the South Sudanese community in Western Sydney which uses basketball to inspire and educate young Australians.

From there he found his way into the Kings Rookie camp in 2017 before being selected as a Kings development player for the 2017-18 season.

At 7ft, and exceptional athletic ability, Deng will play a key back-up role for the Kings big-men, Andrew Bogut, Daniel Kickert and Dane Pineau.

Head Coach Andrew Gaze was thrilled with the decision made to elevate the young rookie in front of the leadership group.

“He’s got huge potential” Gaze said.

“The work that he’s done and the progress he’s made has been extraordinary and he’s really earnt his spot on the Sydney Kings roster”.

“With what he’s done for us so far and what he can bring to the team supporting Boges and Kicks, we feel he’ll play a key role in helping us to achieve our goal” Gaze shared.

“It’s up to him to make the most of this opportunity and we’re excited to be the ones to help him through the process”.

A true seven-footer, Acuoth led the 2018 SEABL season in blocks and was sixth in rebounds. Playing with the Melbourne Tigers alongside fellow King Tom Wilson, he averaged 10.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Acuoth rounds out the final piece of the Sydney Kings roster for the 2018-19 season which tips off on October 13 against the Adelaide 36ers at Qudos Bank Arena.