They hated us: Why Brian Goorjian feared bringing the Kings back to Canberra

Brian Goorjian was worried about bringing games back to Canberra. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading Save $100 + Bonus Tote All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other in your area He could remember 20 years ago when the Sydney Kings first brought home games to AIS Arena not long after the death of the Canberra Cannons. Kings coach Brian Goorjian had reservations about coming back to Canberra's AIS Arena. Pictures by Jay Cronan, Adam McLean, AAP Images Still holding a grudge about losing their NBL team in 2003, half the crowd hated the Kings when they came to town three years later. But he needn't have worried this time around. Instead, he was blown away by the support from the capital last year as it witnessed a thrilling Sydney overtime win that sparked its championship run. Now he's excited about coming back, with the third-placed Kings hosting the NZ Breakers at what will be a packed AIS Arena on Wednesday - in a game that doubles as an Ignite Cup fixture. "I know this - the guys are excited to get up there," Goorjian told The Canberra Times . "It was a great experience and we've got a core group back from [last season]. "It's an interesting one because 20 years ago when I first came to the Kings and we were based at the Entertainment Centre, we brought some games to Canberra and it didn't go well for us. "We lost games. The crowd was mixed. "Because so recently the Cannons [ended]; half were against us, some were for us. "So leading into the one last year, to be truthful, I had some reservations and it was just an incredible experience." Last year at AIS Arena, the Kings came from behind to send the game to overtime, before going on to beat arch rivals Adelaide 36ers 97-93. Goorjian credited the December 2025 fixture with sparking their charge to the championship. It was part of a six-game winning streak in the middle of the Kings' campaign. It also proved to be a preview of the championship series, which Sydney also won with a 113-101 victory in the game-three decider. The Kings' return to Canberra couldn't come at a better time for Goorjian, with Sydney coming off its first loss of the 2026-27 season - against the 36ers on Sunday. "I'm really excited, truthfully" he said. "When you look at last season, it was actually a turning point for us going up there, playing a home game there and beating the 36ers. "Just a really important game for us, pivotal in our season and a turning point for us winning that game in overtime by being behind most of the evening by 13-14 points. "Unbelievable support for the Kings, a capacity crowd and just an incredible environment, you know, an atmosphere where virtually you could touch the crowd. "They were really involved in the game and from that it led to a quite lengthy winning streak that got us right back into and leading us to a championship." The spotlight's been on the rivalry not only between the Kings and the 36ers, but the personal rivalry between Sydney guard Kendric Davis and his Adelaide counterpart Bryce Cotton. The pair came face to face and had to be separated in the final quarter of Sunday's encounter. It's led to some pundits saying Davis needs to curb his emotions for the good of his team. But Goorjian saw it differently. He loved the rivalry between the pair and said it was great for basketball in Australia. Goorjian felt it brought media attention and helped boost the profile in a country where football codes and cricket dominate the landscape. "The Bryce scenario and Kendric - nothing needs to be said," Goorjian said. "I like the battle that those two have and what's brought to that contest. "Controlling your emotions is important and I thought he did - a little event went on when the game was finished and again, it doesn't bother me. "A real 'I don't like you, you don't like me' [relationship] brought a lot of attention from right around the world and within Australia." NBL ROUND FIVE Wednesday: Sydney Kings v NZ Breakers at AIS Arena, 7.30pm. More from Sport As it happens Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks.