The Sydney Kings have confirmed that defensive standout Bul Kuol will miss the remainder of the NBL 2025/26 season after scans revealed a torn ACL.
The injury occurred during the Kings’ recent loss to the Adelaide 36ers, with the club announcing on Tuesday that Kuol will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Kuol has been a key performer for the Kings this season, playing a crucial role in the team’s defensive dominance.
The 27-year-old South Sudanese international has built a reputation as one of the league’s most impactful defenders and reliable two-way players, consistently providing energy and efficiency on both ends of the floor.
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After a slow start following his move from Cairns last season, Kuol has hit the form that initially made him so coveted by head coach Brian Goorjian.
This season, Kuol has not only excelled defensively but has also shot 44% from three-point range, marking a career-best in the NBL, while his overall field goal percentage is the highest of his professional career.
With Kuol sidelined, the Kings face a significant gap in their backcourt rotation and defensive identity and the loss has prompted speculation that the club may explore using its unused third import slot to help fill the void ahead of the playoffs.
The timing of the injury adds to the King's challenges, coming shortly after superstar Xavier Cooks exited last night’s game with an ankle issue.
With Cooks expected to miss at least some upcoming games, the Kings will be without their top two defenders for a team that has built much of its success this season on defensive strength.
Head coach Brian Goorjian has acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s depth and the opportunity it provides for younger players to step up during the stretch run.
After a challenging start to the year, the Kings had emerged as championship favourites thanks to a scintillating run of form from stars including Kendrick Davis and Matthew Dellavedova.
Those championship hopes now take a hit with Kuol out, and much will depend on scans for Xavier Cooks to determine how the Kings can manage their remaining games.
The Kings now turn their focus to their next challenge on the road against the New Zealand Breakers, knowing they must maintain momentum without two of their key defensive players.