Bogut’s Kings date set

RETIRED NBA big man Andrew Bogut will make his NBL debut when the Sydney Kings host the Adelaide 36ers in a blockbuster season-opener in Sydney on October 13.

The Kings’ clash against the 36ers — last year’s runners-up — will kick off an enthralling seven-game opening round of the 2018-19 NBL season.

On the back of Bogut’s presence, the NBL is hoping to break the all-time attendance record for an opening round, which was 48,007 set in 1995.

Bogut, who signed a twoyear agreement with the Kings after a stellar 13-year career in the NBA, will also feature in the first ever Melbourne Cupeve game between Melbourne and Sydney at Hisense Arena on Monday, November 5.

NBL chief executive Jeremy Loeliger believes Bogut — born in Victoria — can help the Kings revive their battles against United. “This game is set to ignite the rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney and should be another sellout after a season of record attendances across the league last season,” Loeliger said.

Other highlights of the schedule for the 2018-19 season include: EIGHT games across the Australia Day weekend including Sydney to host Perth on January 27 and Adelaide to host Melbourne on January 28. AN open-air game between last season’s grand finalists Melbourne and Adelaide at Hisense Arena on Boxing Day. TWO New Year’s games with the Illawarra Hawks to play Brisbane Bullets and Cairns Taipans hosting the Perth Wildcats at Cairns Convention Centre. NEW Zealand to host four regional games. REIGNING NBL champions Melbourne United will open their title defence against the Illawarra Hawks on Friday October 12. THE new-look Brisbane Bullets will play Cairns Taipans in the Queensland derby, Perth and Adelaide will renew their fierce rivalry and Illawarra will play Perth to complete the opening round.

There will again be two breaks between November 26 and December 4 and February 18 and 26 while the Australian Boomers take part in the FIBA World Cup qualifying games.