"Long live the Kings": Sydney unveils mural to honour champs

"Long live the Kings": Sydney unveils mural to honour champs

17 Sep 2026

sydney kings

Sydney Kings unveil a three-storey Leichhardt mural honouring Brian Goorjian, Xavier Cooks and Kendric Davis ahead of their sixth NBL championship banner raising.

By
NBL.com.au

The Sydney Kings on Thursday unveiled a three-storey mural celebrating the Hungry Jack's NBL26 champions.

The mural, created by renowned artist Sid Tapia, captures Australia's most decorated coach Brian Goorjian, three-time champion Xavier Cooks and Championship Series MVP Kendric Davis.

The artwork celebrates the the Harbour City side's new season campaign 'long live the Kings,' set to create a legacy for the City of Sydney who backed the team as they delivered one of the most thrilling championship series in NBL history.

Head Coach and seven-time recipient of Coach of the Year award, Brian Goorjian, said he was moved by the tribute.

"The Kings and Sydney mean so much to me," Goorjian said.

"They rallied behind us and raising our sixth banner on Sunday is going to be really special.

"We've got some great new talent with us for the season, and I feel just as ready as every other season passed. Long live the Kings."

Finals MVP Kendric Davis is back and fired up ready for the start of the season.

"I've been working hard and training hard back home," Davis said.

"It's great to be back with my team before we hit the court this season.

"We start again from page 1 on Sunday, it's anyone's game but we're ready, we're prepared and we're hungry."

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Renowned for his work across Sydney, artist Sid Tapia said it was an honour bringing this piece of history to life.

"I see the perfection and beauty in my subjects, and to be able to translate that so uniquely through the community is precious."

Kings captain and three-time champion Xavier Cooks said he's proud to be a part of inspiring the next generation of talent across Sydney.

"I know how important role models and mentors were for me when I was growing up and chasing my dreams," Cooks said.

"It's truly an honour and privilege to be a part of inspiring young kids across Sydney to pick up a basketball and work hard to achieve their dreams."

"I've driven down this road many times and it's honestly quite amazing to be up there with KD and Goorj, it's surreal and I'm ready to do Sydney proud this season."

The mural is located at 678 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt, on the side of the John R Turk building.

Sydney will unveil its sixth championship banner on Sunday, during their Round 1 clash with Cairns at Afterpay Arena from 5pm AEST, live on ESPN.