Eric Stephens Set to Announce His 250th Kings Game
Eric Stephens is set to celebrate a significant milestone tonight as he announces his 250th game with the Sydney Kings. Over 16 seasons, he has become the defining voice of the franchise, amplifying the atmosphere at Qudos Bank Arena. His journey with the team began in the early 2000s after relocating from Portland, Oregon, and has evolved through various club phases.
Career Milestone for Eric Stephens
This evening’s event marks a pivotal point in Stephens’ career. He originally joined the Kings as an MC during their inaugural seasons before transitioning into a permanent role as the court announcer. “It’s an absolute dream gig,” he reflects. “Calling names and numbers around the world all started in Sydney.”
An Evolutionary Journey
- Early Involvement: Announced at 41 games in the first two seasons.
- Growth with the Franchise: Adapted to the team’s evolution from championship years to rebuilding seasons.
- Constant Improvement: Aims to keep his announcing fresh by introducing new calls each season.
Stephens notes the heightened expectations from fans in Sydney: “There’s an expectation in Sydney that we set the standard for the league.” This ambition drives him to give his best performance at every game.
Impact on the Basketball Community
With 250 games behind him, Stephens has witnessed the increasing passion for basketball in Sydney, with larger, more enthusiastic crowds. “250 is a big number, especially considering we only do home games,” he says. “The biggest change has been the level of passion for the game.”
His contributions extend beyond simple announcements. Players like guard Tyler Robertson highlight Stephens’ ability to energize the crowd and enhance the game-day experience. “He brings the energy for us all,” Robertson states.
Contributions Recognized
Matthew Denholm, Managing Director of Hoops Capital, also praises Stephens’ integral role within the Kings’ identity. “Eric has called some of our biggest moments, and it wouldn’t feel like a Kings summer without him,” Denholm adds.
- Memorable Moments: Announced during critical championship runs.
- Community Connection: Maintains strong ties with fans and players alike.
As he approaches this impressive achievement, Stephens underscores the importance of his support network. “None of the opportunities I’ve had would be possible without the Kings fans,” he expresses. This evening, he will step back to the microphone, ready to create new memories while cherishing the past 250 games with the Sydney Kings.
