BASKETBALL
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Inspirational Sydney Kings leader Ben Madgen isn’t banking on arch-rivals Wollongong being slowed by fatigue at the Kingdome on Saturday.
The Hawks had the Kings’ number last season, winning all four of their meetings.
But both teams have undergone significant off-season changes and their first duel of the new season is likely to produce the usual fire and brimstone.
Wollongong got their 2014-15 campaign under way with Friday night’s home win against Townsville, while Sydney had the night off.
Such a scenario might have the Kings planning to run a leg-weary Hawks into the ground. Madgen doesn’t see it that way.
‘‘When you’re coming off preseason, this is the fittest you’re going to be, no-one has any niggles, so you could almost play every night right now and be OK,’’ Sydney’s co-captain said.
‘‘The Hawks are a really good team and they’re very well coached. We’ve played them a lot over the past few years and we played them once in the preseason, so the new guys know a little bit what to expect.
‘‘They’re always very tough. Last year they beat us four times out of four, so we really know it’s important to get off to a good start in this league.’’
Sydney handled the Hawks with ease in their only preseason trial a month ago at Moss Vale.
‘‘I don’t think you can take much out of a pre-season game. This is going to be much closer,’’ he said.
‘‘The Hawks definitely aren’t going to give us anything easy. It’s going to be one of those great battles that it always is between the Kings and the Hawks.’’
Sydney cleaned out half of last season’s playing roster and hired Damian Cotter to replace former coach Shane Heal.
They recruited two classy imports in the off-season in Kendrick Perry and former NBA journeyman Josh Childress.
Madgen is encouraged by what he’s seen from his revamped team.
‘‘We’re really happy where we are,’’ the 29-year-old guard said.
‘‘We played a lot of pre-season games, probably the most of any team. We’ve got such a new team and we really needed to build that chemistry in the preseason and get used to playing with one another. It’s been really beneficial to play all those games.
‘‘Everyone’s feeling confident with the way we’re working together and the way we’ve gelled. There’s no reason we can’t have a great start to the season. We really like our chances this year.
‘‘Josh and Kendrick are a great mix, with Kendrick coming straight out of college and Josh being the veteran guy. They complement each other well and really fit in with our group.’’