The Sydney Kings coach, who mentored Creek in the US last season, said he liked what he saw the player in the NBL opener against Melbourne United on Thursday night.

Creek led the competition newcomers to a three-point win with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

Weaver coached Creek at the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League last season, as well as inside the Boomers camp at the recent FIBA World Cup.

He said he expected the 27-year-old to be snapped up by an American franchise soon enough.

"If he keeps shooting at 80 per cent from the three (point line) he will," Weaver said after Friday night's win against the Cairns Taipans.

"A guy that is that smart and that tough - good stuff happens to them."

Weaver said Creek's ability to keep improving made him a good NBA prospect.

"He shot the ball well in the Boomers' campaign and he clearly shot well against United.

"I thought he would have shot the ball better in Long Island, but he keeps working on it and trusting it."

The Kings coach left the Cairns Convention Centre with a smile after his team produced a come-from-behind victory to beat the Taipans 79-71.

Cairns led by as much as 13 points in the third quarter before Sydney scored 22 points to eight in the final term to seal the deal.

Star recruit Casper Ware (23 points) and skipper Kevin Lisch (18) were the standouts for the Kings, along with import Jae'Sean Tate, who provided a physical presence in the closing stages.

"Everywhere he goes, the wins follow," Weaver said of Tate.

"He plays harder than almost everybody. He's the strongest, hardest playing dude that we've encountered."

The Kings were without boom youngster Didi Louzada, who was a late withdrawal with a back injury.

Weaver said he was a day-to-day prospect, but hoped he would be fit to play against the Adelaide 36ers next Saturday.

Australian Associated Press