King to coach Cotton

Josh King is set to coach Bryce Cotton in Puerto Rico, after taking on the head-coaching role at Mets de Guaynabo.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix coach will be kept busy in the NBL off-season, with the Puerto Rican club confirming his appointment on Saturday.

King led the Phoenix to the Playoffs off the back of a 0-5 start to the season in NBL25, and boasts extensive coaching experience in Germany, Turkey and the Czech Republic.

The 39-year-old, from Indiana, USA, takes over a team featuring former Wildcat Cotton, as well as four-time NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, and pick two from the 2011 NBA Draft, Derrick Williams.

JJ Barea has been relieved of his duties as head coach, with the team sitting just outside the Playoffs with an 8-10 record.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Josh King to the Guaynabo Mets family,” co-owner Marc Grossman said.

King’s new coaching gig could open up the opportunity to build relationships with potential signings, as the Phoenix look to strengthen their roster ahead of NBL26.

Derrick Walton Jr. and Matt Hurt are reportedly chances to leave the club, while Joe Wieskamp is still to sign for next season.