Sydney Kings GM Jeff Van Groningen talks Next Stars Program, Brian Bowen II and recruiting for 2018-19

Sydney Kings GM Jeff Van Groningen joins the show to talk about lessons learnt from last season, this seasons recruitment moves, signing NBA prospect Brian Bowen II and the NBL Next Stars program.  Topics discussed on the podcast include; Moments before the interview kicked off Melbourne United announced it had signed import pair Josh Boone and Casper Ware for the season we get Jeff's view on Melbourne's roster for and if they will be the Kings toughest opponent for 2018-19 (2:00) The methodology of the Sydney Kings putting together their roster for this season and what they learnt from their underperforming roster of last year (12:30) Why the Kings keep trying to hit home runs with roster choices instead of taking "safe options" to be mediocre (17:00) How the NBL Next Stars Program works (22:30) What NBA scouts are looking for with international draft prospects (33:00) Where is it expected that Brian Bowen II will fit within the Kings rotation (35:00) How the Kings expect to use internal competition to deliver an NBL championship (40:00) Paul Fox asks how can the Sydney Kings ensure draft prospects don't jeopardise their NBA chances with a season in the NBL (42:00) Warren Estcourt asks is the Sydney Kings current roster sustainable salary wise? (44:00) Would a second team in Sydney be a good or a bad thing for the Kings? (47:00) Nick Farley asks what do the Sydney Kings plan on doing with their final import spot and what trends can Jeff see in how NBL teams are using this roster spot in general? (48:00) All of this and a whole lot more... Listen to the full interview below or download on iTunes. Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball, head to Aussiehoopla.com. Check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Andrew Vlahov, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Brad Newley Current NBL Stars - Kevin Lisch, Rotnei Clark, AJ Ogilvy, Damian Martin, Daniel Kickert, Thomas Abercrombie, Jason Cadee, Stephen Holt, Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, Cam Gliddon Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Phil Smyth, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze NBA Stars Past & Present - Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti Aussie Basketballers Abroad - Ryan Broekhoff, Brock Motum, Jack White, Ben Madgen, Clint Stiendl, Ater Majok, Rhys Carter, Clint Stiendl The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Mike Mitchell, Terry Dozier, Isaac Burton, Shawn Redhage, Willie Farley, Al Green, Corey "Homicide" Williams, Andre Moore And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chuck Harmison, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner All that and much more. Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and email at [email protected]