Kings sign Kendle to replace injured Lisch

Jeremy Kendle is set to play in Sydney's NBL clash with New Zealand after being signed as an injury replacement for Kings captain Kevin Lisch.

American Kendle trained with the squad this week ahead of Thursday's Auckland clash after star point guard Lisch tore his calf last weekend.

The 29-year-old Kendle has limited NBL experience, playing seven games for Brisbane last season and averaging 11 points.

But being based in Australia made him a more attractive option for the Kings rather than undergoing an extensive search for a player overseas.

"We are very fortunate that Jeremy was available and ready to go," managing director Jeff Van Groningen said.

Two-time league MVP Lisch is expected to miss up to two months of the season after scans on Monday revealed the severity of his torn calf.

It left the Kings with just one other experienced specialist point guard in Jason Cadee.

Coach Andrew Gaze said Kendle had impressed at SEABL level.

"Great talent, very good scorer, good athlete, solid defender, smart individual," Gaze said earlier this week.

"We saw him a bit in the NBL last season with the Brisbane Bullets where he didn't hurt himself at all. I thought he performed admirably in that situation."

The Kings sit third-last on the ladder with one win from three games.