The in-form Kings veteran has chased ultimate team success across the globe, playing in Greece, Turkey, Lithuania and Spain.

But it has eluded him thus far, having fallen short in four grand finals including two EuroCups, one Spanish Cup and one in the Lithuanian league.

Fresh from turning 35 last week, Newley is all too aware a title has been a long time coming ahead of the Kings' semi-final series against Melbourne United starting on Saturday in Sydney.

"It's something that hasn't come to me easily," he told AAP.

"This is my 16th year and I've probably lost four or five grand finals.

"So to get to that next level would be very special to me."

The two-time Olympian can sense there is something different about this team after becoming the first side in NBL history to top the table for the entire regular season.

"You can definitely feel it," the longtime Boomers stalwart said.

"Out of those (finals) losses, I've only had one in a series.

"The other three were in cup finals - it was one-off games and they were played at the highest levels in Europe."

Newley averaged almost 12 points a game as a starter for first-year coach Will Weaver's new-look Kings after mass personnel turnover from last season.

"It'd be very special (winning an NBL title) considering our group only came together this year," he said.

"Only four guys have survived from last year and we've got a rookie coach who has done a fantastic job of utilising his horses.

"Without a doubt, it'd be a huge thing for us and it's something we're desperate to do."

Australian Associated Press