The Australian Basketballers’ Association (ABA) is pleased to announce the election of two new NBL player leaders.

Kevin Lisch of the Sydney Kings and Daniel Kickert of the Brisbane Bullets have been elected as President and Vice-President of the NBL playing group in a unanimous vote.

Kevin Lisch replaces recently-retired NBL star Mark Worthington as President of the NBL player cohort as he enters his seventh season in NBL, on the back of representing Australia at the Rio Olympics.

“It’s an honour to be elected by the players to the position of President,” said Lisch.

“We’ve seen a period of growth in Australian basketball over the past few years, and I’m really excited to lead NBL players as we look to push the game forward to even higher levels.”

Daniel Kickert replaces recently-retired NBL star Shawn Redhage as Vice President. Kickert has been a star since his successful return to the NBL after playing for years in the tough European competitions.

“The NBL is a great league and I’m passionate about playing in it. I’m humbled to be the NBL Vice-President and really looking forward to working with Kevin to represent NBL players within the ABA.”

Jacob Holmes, ABA CEO, paid credit to the past legends of the NBL who previously held the positions.

“As an association we would like to thank Mark and Shawn for their long and dedicated service to the ABA. It is testament to their leadership, and the focus on growing the game and the players position, that they left the NBL in better shape than it has ever been.”

Holmes went on to congratulate Lisch and Kickert on their elections.

“The ABA is extremely lucky to have both Kevin and Daniel take on these important roles,” he said.

“Kevin is a person of the utmost integrity. He is highly respected, both for his on-court excellence and the way he carries himself off the court. He is, in every sense of the words, a class act.

“Daniel has been a genuine leader since turning to the NBL. His advice, support and counsel are invaluable for the players, and the ABA as a whole.”