Kings praise departed Lisch for their devotion to the club.
The Sydney Kings would like to thank Kevin Lisch for his seven-season devotion to the club, following his decision 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 team prior to the 2016-17 NBL season, his first of four seasons with the purple and gold.
During his 80-game career in the harbour city, Lisch averaged 13.6 points, three assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, guiding the Kings to the 2019-20 Grand Final versus Perth.
Following his announcement of retirement as a player, Lisch joined the Kings’ coaching staff in December 2020. Since then, he has helped Sydney win back-to-back NBL championships in NBL22 and NBL23.
“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 the ice, and for that, I have a lot of gratitude to everyone at the organization,” said Lisch, who explained that his favorite moments during his tenure in the harbour city were the interactions with and relationships built with those inside the Kings’ locker room.
“It’s been an incredible trip, and seeing the club’s rise from the so-called ‘dog days’ to the ‘golden days’ now with two championships has been rewarding and enjoyable to witness.
Check out the Kings’ thank-you video for Kevin Lisch above, which can be found on our Sydney Kings YouTube channel. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our amazing videos.
“The highs and lows we’ve experienced and weathered as a team over those years will stay with me forever, including that special moment of being able to head coach a game against Tasmania last season – it’s not until you step back from the situation that you realize the gravity of an accomplishment like that, which I’m proud of.
“Without taking anything away from my former clubs, the Kings have been home for me and my family, whom they have taken excellent care of during my seven years in Sydney, and for that, we are all really grateful.
“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 praised the 36-year-old Lisch, saying the club is in a lot better condition than when he joined 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 in a statement.
“Kev is one of the most calm and humble guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
“His basketball intelligence and ability to lead a group were inspiring to see and learn from.
“While it is sad to see him leave us, I am excited for Kev and his family to return to the United States and pursue the next stage of their lives.”
We wish Kev, Rachel, Benjamin, Sofia, Isabel, and Isaac only the best.
“Kev will remain part of the Kings family and will always have a place within our club.”
Keep up with all of the club’s off-season news here.
