A Wolf in Kings’ clothing

TWENTY-THREE years after Mike Wrublewski founded the Sydney Kings, a Jewish businessman has once again taken the reins of Sydney’s only National Basketball League (NBL) team.

David Wolf was appointed as general manager last Thursday and paid tribute to Wrublewski immediately.

“I was a volunteer with the Kings for 14 seasons, performed every possible game-night job there is to do, and in the mid-90s, I was mentored by the
doyen of the Sydney Kings, Mike Wrublewski,” Wolf told The AJN.

“He made a big impact on me and if I had an idea he found time for me.

“For someone as important and as busy as him to do that really meant a lot, but that was Mike. He was able to make 100 people all feel important at the same time,” the 33-year-old said.

Wolf replaced Bob Turner, who many people regard as the driving force behind the Kings, after a boardroom reshuffle.

Kings executive director Stephen Dunn described Wolf as a rare individual because he translated his childhood dream into a career.

“One of David’s greatest achievements, and one that all basketball fans will appreciate, was his negotiation of the NBL naming rights sponsorship with Philips. This commitment brought stability to the game and substantial knock-on sponsorship to the Sydney Kings,” Dunn said.

Wolf has also secured sponsorship deals for the National Rugby League, the Commonwealth Games and said that his first task is to take the Sydney Kings into every major boardroom.

“The opportunity to merge this collective experience with my corporate career and help drive the Sydney Kings to new heights is extremely exciting, and I am looking forward to getting started,” Wolf said.
But it won’t be an easy job.

In 2008, the NBL terminated the Kings’ licence because the club’s owner couldn’t afford to pay its players.

After two years on the sidelines, the Kings returned last season, but only won eight games.

“I want the Kings to be the place to go even if you don’t like basketball because we are going to provide a great entertainment product.”

“If anyone has any lingering doubts about the return of the Sydney Kings after last season, they won’t by the end of the 2011-12 season. I can guarantee that.”

JOSHUA LEVI