Kings’ decision leaves ex-Hawks coach searching

BASKETBALL: Former Illawarra Hawks mentor Rob Beveridge is set to look overseas for a coaching gig after the Sydney Kings announced American Will Weaver as their new coach.

Kings chairman Paul Smith said Weaver’s appointment might be seen by some as surprising or left-field, but it had been an exhaustive recruitment process.

Weaver is head coach of the Brooklyn Nets affiliate the Long Island Nets, who compete in the NBA G-League, and is also an assistant coach of the Australian Boomers. He is expected to link with the Kings sometime next month.

With no NBL vacancies left, Beveridge intends looking overseas for a coaching role after he and the Hawks mutually decided not to renew his contract.

A title winner with Perth in 2010, Beveridge guided the Hawks to grand final and semifinal appearances in his four years at the club.

With Andrew Gaze leaving Sydney at the end of the season, Beveridge’s record and his associations with Kings stars Andrew Bogut, Kevin Lisch and Brad Newley made him a strong candidate for that job.

“He was an outstanding candidate,” Smith said. “Frankly he made our decision very difficult because of the quality of the person and what he brought to the equation.”

Smith said Weaver, who he described as a cutting-edge coach, had signed a long-term contract and would continue to work with the Boomers.

“Will brings to the Kings and Australian basketball a very rounded, very experienced view,” Smith said.