Kings thank departing Lisch for commitment to club

The Sydney Kings would like to thank Kevin Lisch for his commitment to the club for the past seven seasons after he decided to return to the United States with his family to pursue a career outside of basketball.  

Lisch, a Saint Louis Billikens alum, joined the Hoops Capital side prior to the 2016-17 NBL season, which was the first of four he spent with the purple and gold as a player.  

During his 80-game stint in the harbour city, Lisch averaged 13.6 points, three assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals and helped the Kings reach the 2019-20 Grand Final against Perth.  

“The Kings, including the ownership group, have obviously been a huge part of my development as both a player and coach, as well as a person off it, and for that, I have a lot of gratitude towards everyone at the organisation,” said Lisch, who explained his favourite moments during his tenure in the harbour city were the interactions with and relationship built with those inside the Kings’ locker room.  

“It’s been an unbelievable journey and to see the growth of the club during that time, from the so-called ‘dog days’ to the ‘glory days’ now with two championships, has been fulfilling and really fun to see.  

Check out the Kings’ thankyou video for Kevin Lisch above, via our Sydney Kings’ YouTube channel. While you’re there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

“The highs and lows we’ve experienced and weathered as a side during those years are things that will stick with me forever, including that special moment of being able to head coach a game last season against Tasmania – it’s not until you remove yourself from the situation that you appreciate the gravity of an achievement like that, which is something I’m proud of.  

“Without taking anything away from my previous teams, the Kings have been home for me and my family, who they have taken great care of during my seven years here in Sydney and for that, we’re all super appreciative.  

“Although it’ll be surreal to not be a part of the NBL for the first time since 2009, I’ll definitely be keeping tabs on the Kings and the whole NBL, which has grown into this amazing product and will continue to do so.”  

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Kings CEO Chris Pongrass had high praise for 36-year-old Lisch, explaining the club is in a much better place now than when he arrived in 2016.  

“I am lucky enough to have spent my entire Kings career alongside Kev – he was the first person I connected with when I landed in Sydney and have witnessed how impactful he has been for this organisation,” Pongrass said. 

“Kev is easily one of the most calming and humble people I have had the pleasure of working with. 

“His basketball intellect and ability to command a group were rewarding to witness and learn from. 

“While it is sad to see him leave us, I am looking forward for Kev and his family to return back to the US and pursue the next stage of their life.  

We wish Kev, Rachel, Benjamin, Sofia, Isabel and Isaac nothing but the best 

“Kev will remain part of the Kings family and will always have a place within our club.”