Passport Issue Delays Sydney Kings Star Kendric Davis’ Return to NBL
Sydney Kings star guard Kendric Davis is currently stranded in the United States due to an administrative passport issue, disrupting his preparation just one week out from the NBL Blitz, according to reporting by CODE Sports and Fox Sports Australia.
The 27-year-old reigning NBL Finals MVP was scheduled to return to Sydney and begin training several weeks ago. Instead, the passport complication has kept him overseas, forcing the club to work through the delay. A Kings representative told CODE Sports that the situation is an administration issue that the organization is working through as quickly as possible.
Davis is coming off a stellar second season in the league where he averaged 24.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists during the regular season, ultimately leading Sydney to a championship. Despite the ongoing travel delay, the club expects the star guard to arrive in Australia this week, though an exact return date remains unconfirmed according to Fox Sports Australia.
The absence already forced Davis to miss a pre-season clash against the Illawarra Hawks. That fixture was ultimately abandoned midway through the second quarter due to a wet court. Assuming his travel paperwork clears, Davis is slated to suit up for the NBL Blitz, where the Kings face the South East Melbourne Phoenix at Red Energy Arena on Wednesday, September 2 at 8:00 PM.
Adelaide 36ers Seek Cover Amid Roster Adjustments
Elsewhere in the league, the Adelaide 36ers are moving to secure an injury replacement player as former Sydney guard Bul Kuol works through his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, sources told Fox Sports Australia. Kuol sustained the knee injury against the 36ers during Round 15 of the previous season.
Although Kuol has continued his recovery ahead of his debut campaign in Adelaide, a precise timeline for his return is unconfirmed, with club projections indicating he may not take the court until late December. To offset the absence of one of the league’s top defensive talents under new head coach Trevor Gleeson, the 36ers are targeting familiar local depth.
According to Fox Sports Australia sources, Adelaide is signing former 36ers forward Jacob Rigoni as an injury replacement player. Rigoni, 27, previously appeared in 12 games for the club between 2023 and 2025. He arrives following a strong campaign with the Sturt Sabres in NBL1 Central, where he posted averages of 22.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.