Rucker snub lit the fire for Davis

When Derek Rucker unveiled his first Top 15 last season, social media lit up with feedback, and for one star point guard it turned into the spark he needed.

“When I first got here, they released the Top 15 best players and I wasn’t even thought of,” Kendric Davis said.

“Then they released another one and I wasn’t thought of mid-season.

“I was kind of thought of… but it was 'he’s just playing good, we’ll see how he finishes the year'.”

Now, Rucker has the Kings’ guard sitting at number two, after he delivered one of the strongest debut statistical seasons in NBL25.

While the star American's switch to Sydney grabbed headlines for plenty of reasons, Rucker believes it’s his determination to reach the NBA that makes Sydney the ideal destination.

“If he handles his business this season, as much as I hate to see players… go onto the NBA because we want to see players play here, but he will be in the NBA next season,” Rucker said.

“If he plays to 90 per cent of the level that he did with Adelaide and handles all of the so-called drama off the court and conducts himself in the proper manner… the talent is there, he’s an NBA talent.”

Davis has spoken about how the move to Sydney and a partnership with Matthew Dellavedova, while also learning under Brian Goorjian and Andrew Bogut, will give him the opportunity to chase his dream.

Rucker believes sharing the backcourt with Dellavedova is the ideal pairing for both guards to flourish, on and off the court.

“He’s going to learn how to be a pro if he hasn’t already and Delly is a guy who has shown tremendous longevity.”