FORMER Horsham basketballer Aaron Bruce has signed with National Basketball League club Sydney Kings.
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Bruce, 26, signed a one-year deal with the Kings with the option of a second year earlier this week.
The point guard returned to the NBL this year, re-joining Adelaide 36ers for the second half of the season.
He hadn't played competitive basketball since 2009.
Bruce, who is playing for Eastern Mavericks in the South Australian state league, said he was excited to join the Kings.
"It's a club with a decorated history and nearly all the best point guards - Shane Heal, Steve Carfino and Damian Keogh - have all played at the Kings in my position," Bruce said.
"So to represent the Sydney Kings as a starting point guard is a great opportunity for me."
Bruce returned from America, where he had studied and played for Baylor University, in January.
He didn't play in his final year in the States.
"I didn't play competitively but I practiced every day with Baylor and people think I was doing nothing but I was working on my game," Bruce said.
He said he had rediscovered his passion for basketball and was excited about his future.
"I am happy to be back in Australia and playing basketball again," Bruce said.
"The time off allowed me to refocus and renergise myself.
"At this point my confidence, strength and ability is increasing."
The former Australian representative, who has been training twice a day, said he was unsure if he would wear the green and gold again and was focused on playing well for the Kings.
"At the moment I am trying to keep my vision and goals set pretty specifically - day-to-day and week-to-week," Bruce said.
"At the moment I am working hard to help the Sydney Kings and better myself as a basketball player.
"If that means one day I represent Australia or gets awards or some sort, that will all follow."
Bruce played alongside fellow Horsham player Mitch Creek at Adelaide.
Replacing the injured Rhys Carter, Bruce said he had to adjust his game style to suit the role he was playing.
"It was good to get the chance to play this year in different circumstances, coming in halfway through the year and playing a role instead of the guard position and starting like I am used to," Bruce said.
"It was different but the challenge made me grow and I am now ready to take my game to the next level."
