Horsham product Shaun Bruce has earned himself an integral place with the National Basketball League's title favourites.
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Bruce has been playing a pivotal role off the bench for the ladder-leading Sydney Kings, averaging 19 minutes per game and a career-high 3.8 assists.
12 months ago, Bruce didn't have an NBL contract.
"It is funny to look back at that," Bruce said. "I was up in Cairns training with the Taipans, not really knowing what would happen next.
"Fortunately I got a few games in Adelaide and got my foot back in the door. Now I'm definitely grateful to be a part of the Kings, and what they are trying to do."
After signing with the star-studded Kings during the off-season, Bruce wasn't sure how much gametime he would be getting.
But an injury to veteran guard Kevin Lisch opened the door, and Bruce has seized his opportunity.
"Honestly, I probably didn't expect it," Bruce said.
"Coming in, we had a great starting lineup, and I knew i was going to really have to earn every bit of court time I got.
"An injury to Kevin did open up an opportunity for me ... Now I'm just doing whatever I can to help the Kings win games."
Bruce's best game of the season so far came last week against Melbourne United, as he scored 14 points and added eight assists at Melbourne Arena.
After the match, Sydney coach Will Weaver and star player Casper Ware raved about Bruce's impact.
"Man, I love that guy," Ware said. "I can't talk about him enough.
"I'm not surprised. He's been shooting those over me at practice. I've been like, 'Man, I got to step up.'"
Weaver said Bruce's team-first mentality stood out.
"He's a big part of pushing the rock up hill," Weaver said.
"The goal is to do enough work and get enough people pushing the rock so when it gets over the top, it rolls down the other side on its own. That's the metaphor for our program.
"People like Shaun ... are about what teams should be about."
Bruce said he is just happy to help the team.
"It's been a super enjoyable start. I'm really enjoying being a part of this organisation," Bruce said.
"They've got big goals and I am excited to try and achieve them."
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