THE Sydney Kings are the first NBL team to invest in the NBL’s Next Stars program with the signing of American high school star Brian Bowen Jr for the upcoming season.

The 201cm small forward averaged 21.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game as a senior in high school at La Lumiere, Indiana. He was a McDonald’s All-American in 2017 and ranked No.14 in ESPN’s 2017 Recruiting Class.

Bowen was one of the hottest high school prospects in the US but was embroiled in controversy last year when he was suspended by the Louisville Cardinals after a college basketball corruption scandal which alleged that his family accepted payments in exchange for him choosing to attend Louisville.

He tried to play for South Carolina but, due to an NCAA ruling, removed himself from the college and the 2018 NBA Draft altogether.

Bowen, nicknamed “Tugs”, is eligible for next year’s draft and said playing in a strong NBL for the Kings alongside Andrew Bogut would help him fulfil his NBA dream.

“I am honoured to be the first player under the NBL’s Next Stars program and feel it will be the perfect next step as I continue the path toward fulfilling my dream of playing in the NBA,” Bowen said.

“In joining the Sydney Kings, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to start my professional career and look forward to learning from all the team’s veteran pros, like Andrew Bogut, Jerome Randle and Brad Newley. I can’t wait to get out to Sydney and join the team.”

The Next Stars program contracts NBA draft-eligible players and develops them in Australia with a view to fast-tracking their readiness for the NBA.

Kings coach Andrew Gaze can’t wait to work with Bowen.

“We’re looking forward to working with Brian and helping him on his basketball journey,” Gaze said. “Brian has great size and athleticism and will provide us with options in the three spot.”

Bowen’s signature won’t be the last signing for the Kings this pre-season. Under Next Stars rules, teams must sign an 11-man roster that is additional to the Next Stars player recruitment.

This will open the door for the Kings to sign a local player to complete their roster.

Sydney general manager of basketball Jeff Van Groningen confirmed the Kings were looking at a number of local players.

“We are still considering options at this point,” Van Groningen said.

“We will weigh these up and update in the near future.”

Van Groningen said Bowen would greatly assist the team’s depth at the three spot.

The Kings, including marquee man Bogut, open their pre-season campaign against Japan at Sydney University on Friday from 7.30pm.