Annon
Years ago
Sanders arrives Monday
Purple patch: Jesse Sanders is keen to help the Kings' title push. Photo: Getty Images
One of the first things Jesse Sanders did when he arrived home to Sugar Land, Texas last November was sign up to NBL.TV so he could watch streams of the team that had sent him packing.
The point guard was bitterly disappointed to be cut by the Sydney Kings for NBA player Sam Young after all the hard work he had put in during the pre-season and first seven games.
Few truly believed coach Shane Heal when he said Sanders could return to action later on, not least the player himself.
But when fellow import Charles Carmouche regretfully told the team late last week he had to return to the US urgently because of an illness in the family, staff wondered what the 24-year-old was up to.
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''They were trying to get hold of me but I had a different number,'' Sanders said from Texas on Saturday.
''When I checked my email before bed I saw two or three emails from management and the coach giving me a snapshot of what was going on, the situation with Charles having to leave. Everything moved pretty quick from there.''
Sanders will arrive on Monday with wife Courtney and head straight to Kings training. The side is gunning for a play-off spot and need him to fire. He said he was in great shape, despite not having signed another contract since leaving Sydney.
''The Kings had my rights for a certain amount of time, so I couldn't play for another team for about a month till I was a free agent,'' Sanders said.
''Thankfully the city of Houston has a lot of good ball players. I played in a few leagues and tournaments in the city. My agent was talking with some teams in Europe, but nothing was really a great fit. In hindsight, I'm grateful things worked out this way.
''I've been staying in the best shape, waiting for an opportunity, but I didn't think this opportunity would open up as early as it has.''
The former Liberty University star said he had ''left everything on the court in those first seven games'' with the Kings, felt ''blessed'' to have played previously in Sydney and, despite being ''very disappointed to leave'', was thankful to have departed on good terms.
''I'm definitely not coming back with a chip on my shoulder,'' he said.
''I'm excited and thankful and ready to chase the title with the guys. That was one of the hardest things, knowing the work we had put in and having to leave before we could finish what we started. It's a great feeling to go back, reunite and chase this title. It was not something I expected but now I get a second chance.''
He said he had been keeping an eye on the league and felt the Kings were looking good.
''I've had my NBL league pass up and running - my wife would have to kick me off there sometimes. I'd check games, check stats. I'm excited to play with Sam and everybody. Tom Garlepp looks like he's been playing well, Ben Madgen too.
''My wife and I have been praying for Charles and his family. But there's a vacancy there now that I'm thankful to be able to fill.''
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/jesse-sanders-returns-to-sydney-kings-as-charles-carmouche-makes-his-exit-20140222-338vr.html#ixzz2u3C0ch19
