Jayden Stone Returns Home to Join Championship‑Winning Sydney Kings
Australian guard Jayden Stone has inked his first professional contract with the Sydney Kings, bringing his career full circle after a standout college stint in the United States.
Stone, a native of Perth, will wear the blue and gold for the upcoming 2025‑26 season, a team that captured the 2025‑26 NBL Championship and sits second on the league’s all‑time title list.
From Mizzou to the NBL
After a season‑long injury derailed his plans at West Virginia, Stone transferred to Missouri in May 2025, where he quickly became a starter and helped the Tigers clinch an NCAA Tournament berth.
In his lone year with the Tigers he posted averages of 13.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists, numbers that contributed to the program’s resurgence.
Before arriving in Columbia, Stone had already proven his scoring prowess at Detroit Mercy, where he averaged more than 20 points per game in the 2023‑24 campaign, and earlier had two seasons at Grand Canyon.
A Milestone for the Young Guard
The move marks a significant milestone for the 22‑year‑old, who grew up in Perth before embarking on a trans‑Pacific journey that now sees him back on Australian soil.
Sydney Kings’ general manager praised Stone’s work ethic and versatility, noting that his defensive intensity and rebounding will complement the club’s championship‑contending roster.
Stone’s signing also underscores the growing appeal of the NBL for emerging talent, with the league’s recent surge in competitiveness and exposure drawing players from across the globe.
The Kings open their season against a formidable opponent, and Stone is expected to make his debut in the first few games, much to the excitement of fans eager to see a home‑grown talent in action.