A powerful moment of heritage, culture and community was celebrated on Wednesday night as Throwback, Australia’s leading basketball lifestyle brand, officially opened its new 2,000-square-metre headquarters inside the former Sydney Kings training facility at 100 William Lane, Alexandria.
The opening marked an emotional full-circle milestone for Throwback founder Michael Lazaris, who, as a child, celebrated his 10th birthday in this very building while his father, Andrew Lazaris, helped run the Kings. Decades later, Michael has transformed the heritage-listed warehouse into a world-class hub for basketball culture, retail, training and community engagement.
More than 200 friends, families, basketball players, kids of all ages, and supporters attended the celebration, filling the restored space with energy and excitement as they experienced the reimagining of a historic part of Australian basketball.
The ceremony began with a warm and heartfelt Welcome to Country delivered by acclaimed actor Luke Carroll, whose presence set the tone for a meaningful and respectful evening.
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director, helped to officially open the new facility, acknowledging the significance of the moment not only for Throwback but for the broader basketball community and for Sydney’s growing sporting culture.
Former basketball greats Brad Rosen and Steve Carfino also took part in the opening, lending their support and adding a powerful link between the sport’s past, present and future. Their involvement paid tribute to the building’s storied history and the generations of athletes who once trained under its roof.
One of the most remarkable features of the new facility is the reinstated full-size 1990s basketball court previously owned by NBA champion Luc Longley, once used by Sydney Kings players and preserved for nearly two decades in storage. The original rings from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games have also been restored, infusing the space with national sporting heritage.
The expanded headquarters now includes:
- A custom-built full-size court
- A dynamic experiential retail space
- A dedicated “Jordan Zone” highlighting Throwback’s long-standing relationship with Nike
- Office and creative areas
- Warehouse operations
- A café and community hub designed to welcome fans, families, and athletes
Founder Michael Lazaris reflected on the evening as “a moment where everything came together family, history, community, and the dream we’ve been building for over a decade.”
From a 10-square-metre storeroom in 2011 to a landmark 2,000-square-metre cultural destination in 2025, Throwback’s journey stands as a testament to passion, resilience, and belief.
The new headquarters is expected to become a major gathering place for Sydney’s basketball community and a vibrant cultural landmark for sports fans across the country.
