THE name change for the Razorbacks, now called Sydney Spirit, has the ability to put basketball back on the map, says recruit Jason Smith.

The former Sydney Kings captain, who is a favourite to take up the leadership of the Spirit, said changing the name and colours of the Pigs could unite the city's basketball community. Smith, who had an offer to join the South Dragons, stayed in Sydney to help build up the game's profile.

"I see this a really great chance to catapult this sport in the city," Smith said. "Instead of division we have an opportunity to unify the fans and sponsors, there's a massive opportunity here. I'm really happy and excited to be part of this."

Disgraced businessman Tim Johnston was stripped of the Sydney Kings licence last month after he failed to pay his players.

The Spirit's new blue and white team colours and logo will be unveiled shortly, and they will play out of Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, a 4500-seat venue. They will set up their training facilities and offices in the precinct. Some games may also be played at the Kings' former home court, the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Of all the Kings now without a contract, Smith may be the only one to sign for the new franchise but said he would take up the captaincy if it were offered to him.

"I haven't spoken to management or coaching staff as far as that goes but I know that they are lacking leadership, as they have a very young team," Smith said.

Spirit CEO Steve Aquilina said yesterday he hoped that Smith's signing would attract Kings fans.

"We have been given a huge responsibility as the face of basketball in this city and we are determined to offer all Sydney sports fans a team that they can be proud of, irrespective of where they live," Aquilina said. "Our team will be the only Sydney franchise in the NBL this season and we feel it is vital that we represent the entire community of Sydney.

"By evolving into the Sydney Spirit, we believe we are offering all basketball fans in this city a team to call their own."

■ NBA superstar Andrew Bogut arrived for Olympic duty yesterday for a week-long Boomers camp on the Gold Coast, AAP reports.

The national squad will have their three pivotal players - Bogut and fellow big men Matt Nielsen and Dave Andersen - on deck for the camp. They will then travel to China for the Diamond Ball warm-up tournament and a clash with the US Dream Team in Shanghai on August 5.

A depleted Boomers outfit is just back from the Acropolis tournament in Athens where they lost to Greece and Croatia but defeated Brazil. But the task for Goorjian now is to quickly build his team around the 213cm Bogut, who recently signed a $76 million five-year contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, Andersen (212cm) and Nielsen (208cm).