Taj McCullough released by Sidney Kings

Taj McCullough has been released by the Sydney Kings. He is the second import to be released as the team build a roster to meet the expectations of the Sydney market.
 
Head Coach of the Sydney Kings, Ian 'Moose' Robilliard, said that the team had persevered with McCullough, hoping that he would lift his game and make a stronger contribution to the team. He said that McCullough had been given considerable leeway and a number of opportunities to improve his game, none of which had been realised to date.
 
"The axe fell for Taj in the game against the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday night. It was always going to be a tough game and we really needed everyone on the team to play with passion, pride, and as a team," Robilliard said.
 
"In fairness to Taj, he himself acknowledged that he had not provided the necessary contribution to the team that everyone had expected," he added.
 
"The Sydney fans have lost faith in Taj, and with that hanging over his head and Patrick Sanders having such a standout game after just one week of training, I have to say the tough decision was a little easier to make," he added.
 
Robilliard said that the Sydney fans deserve to watch a team that fights for every possession, refuse to take a backward step, and is making an effort.
 
"That is the commitment I make to the fans and the team, and I want and expect the same commitment in return.
 
"We will reduce the minutes of players not putting in 110 percent, they are all aware that they need to lift their game, play as a team, have a hell of a lot more pride in the singlet.
 
"We have talked about accountability and, as a team, we have to be accountable to each other for our performance on and off the court. Case in point, Julian Khazzouh played well again. Ben Madgen, Ben Knight, and again Patrick Sanders stood up for team. It was great to see Ben Knight out on the court with so much focus; an aspect so essential to our game when building a team from scratch.
 
"We will renew our search for a replacement import immediately, we know what we need and we will be quite specific in finding the right player, with the right skill-set to make the Sydney Kings a competitive force for the rest of the NBL season.”
 
The Sydney Kings play archrivals the Wollongong Hawks at home at the Kingdome on Sunday December 12, 2010. Tip-off is at 6pm. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.