Bruce Almighty: Kings' "leader of men" joins 350-game club

By Courtney Ward.

Shaun Bruce is etching his name further into the record book on Saturday night, when his Sydney Kings host New Zealand.

During that Round 3 fixture at Qudos Bank Arena, the two-time NBL champion will chalk up his 350th game in the NBL - becoming just the 78th player to do so in the competition's proud 47-year history.

“I feel really fortunate [to bring up this milestone], because I know how hard it was to get here to play just one game,” 34-year-old Bruce told NBL Media.

“It doesn’t feel real to play this many, and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to be here for so long.

“To start as a development player in Cairns, who took it all as it came, I felt I made it at that point.

“As a kid, I used to watch the NBL religiously, so that was all I dreamed about - I just love the sport and have been very lucky to get to where I am now.

“So playing my first game was living out my dream, so I’d be lying if it ever crossed my mind that I’d play this many.”

Starting his hoops journey at Horsham, Bruce went on to represent Victoria at a national level, before beginning his NBL career as a development player at Cairns in 2013.

After four seasons with the Taipans, he had stints with Brisbane (two seasons) and Adelaide (one season) before joining the harbour city-based side ahead of NBL20. He has since has gone on to become one of the club's most inspirational leaders, on and off the court.

During 349 games, the guard, who idolised Darryl McDonald growing up, has amassed 1551 points, 714 assists, 586 rebounds and 123 steals.

“I came into the league as a scrawny guy, who could get picked on both physically and mentally, but understood the game and was lucky enough to play for and with a number of great coaches and players, whom I learnt as much as I could from,” Bruce said.

“For me, the biggest thing [in terms of longevity and my journey] is being self-aware of who I am as a player, how that fits in with the teams I’ve been on and how I can help them win.”

One player who’s been alongside Bruce for six of those 14 seasons is NBL23 MVP Xavier Cooks.

“We started off as teammates and have grown to be brothers in all aspects of life, including getting to know his family and watching him grow as a person,” the two-time NBL champion said.

“Then on the day-to-day, it’s been amazing to have someone to talk to and bounce ideas off.

“On the court, Brucey is one of those guys that every teammate loves - he’s the ultimate competitor.

“He is the benchmark of our club and sets the standards we all try to hold ourselves to, while being a leader that brings us all together - we’re so lucky to have him in Sydney, and he’s been such an integral part of our recent success.

“350 games is a huge milestone and a testament to him as a person and a player - he looks after his body and finds ways to be effective on the court and lead when on the bench.”

Echoing that sentiment is the club's CEO of Basketball, Chris Pongrass.

"350 games is more than just a number; it’s a testament to Brucey’s commitment, resilience, and loyalty. He has given everything to this club, year after year, and helped shape the culture we’re proud of today," Pongrass said.

"Brucey was one of my first signings when I arrived in Sydney, and I’ve been lucky to watch his leadership and competitive spirit firsthand.

"What he brings to the floor is obvious, but what he brings to the locker room, to the younger guys, and to this organisation behind the scenes is what sets him apart.

"You don’t get many players like him in this business - players who show up every day and genuinely care about people.

"Every club hopes to find a player who embodies its values.

"350 total games, two titles, and one of the longest tenured Kings in the team's history - a true legacy. I’m proud of him. We all are."

Finally, current Kings coach and six-time NBL champion, Brian Goorjian, knows firsthand the impact the Victorian Country product has on the organisation on a daily basis.

“He is a self-made man, who has squeezed absolutely everything he can out of himself,” the six-time NBL Coach of the Year said.

“Those characteristics that he brings make him the exceptional player he is, and it impacts the whole program - how he goes about his business really helps build the organisation from top to bottom.

“He’s a great leader of men, he’s respected by everybody in our group and has won championships with our club - he’s been a pillar of our organisation [for years now], on and off the court.

“Now, as we’re building something new, he’s instrumental from a cultural aspect and an important piece to our team’s guard spot.

“He’s had a great pre-season and if we’re going to get to where we want to get to as a group, he’s going to play a big role in that.”

Saturday’s match tips off at 5.30pm AEST, broadcast live on ESPN.