Le'afa joins Kings, Wildcats snare college star Pepper

The signing comes on the same day Brisbane lured championship-winning big man Tohi Smith-Milner and Perth locked in highly-rated college player Elijah Pepper.

A silky combo guard with strong defensive attributes, Le'afa has spent the past two campaigns with the New Zealand Breakers, helping the side qualify for the 2022/23 championship series.

Le'afa's two-year deal continues a busy free agency period for the Kings, who crashed out of the finals last season on the hunt for a third consecutive title.

Le'afa joins Keli Leaupepe as one of two new additions thus far as Sydney farewell dual-championship winners Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover.

Goorjian's roster is beginning to take shape with Shaun Bruce, Kouat Noi, Makuach Maluach, Alex Toohey and Klairus Amir all retained, but the side notably lacks a big man now that Hunter has left.

Ex-NBA star Jonah Bolden, the side's back-up centre last campaign, has also been linked with a move away from the Kings.

New Zealand international Le'afa was drawn to Sydney by the chance to play under Goorjian, the NBL's most prolific championship-winning coach.

"Being able to pick the brain and learn from one of the best coaches to ever do it is an incredible opportunity to grow my game and push me out of my comfort zone," Le'afa said.

"Not to mention all the pieces we have in place, it really feels like the club is building something special once again in Sydney."

Le'afa's Kiwi countryman, Smith-Milner has signed a two-year deal with the Bullets, the second season containing a club option.

Smith-Milner was a member of Melbourne United's 2018 championship-winning side and has since represented both South East Melbourne and Adelaide across a 141-game career.

Ex-NBA centre Aron Baynes, Brisbane's marquee man in the front-court last season, remains unsigned for the 2024/25 campaign but Smith-Milner joins young gun Rocco Zikarsky and Tyrell Harrison in adding size to the roster.

Elsewhere, the Wildcats have signed college star Elijah Pepper.

The Australian-born guard was crowned player of the year for the NCAA's Big West conference after guiding UC Davis to the 2024 conference final, which they lost to Long Beach State.

Former NBL players Casper Ware and Alan Williams are among the previous recipients of the same conference MVP award.

During his college career, Pepper broke the record as UC Davis' all-time leading scorer, which had stood since the 1970s, and was twice selected in the all Big-West first team.

"I'm super grateful to be in this position and signing for such a great organisation. I'm excited to get going," he said on signing with Perth.

Australian Associated Press