BIO: Dejan Vasiljevic was born in Calgary, Alberta (Canada) before moving with his family to Australia. He spent his teenage years in Melbourne, playing his junior basketball with the Diamond Valley Eagles. Vasiljevic received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2014. He spent two years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2014, 2015).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Dejan Vasiljevic made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 23 years of age. He scored 15 points in his first game.

Sydney faced a significant roster overhaul after finishing runners-up to Perth in the COVID-shortened 2020 Grand Final series. All-NBL First Team forward Jae’Sean Tate (to Houston) and head coach Will Weaver (to Houston) departed for the NBA, while Kevin Lisch (retired), Andrew Bogut (retired) and Lucas Walker (retired) also left the roster. Kings assistant Adam Forde was promoted to head coach and added import Jarell Martin, Angus Glover (via Illawarra) and rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (via the University of Miami). Vasiljevic became Sydney’s first signing of the free agency period, agreeing to a three-year deal after four seasons at Miami, where he finished second in school history for career made three-pointers. During the preseason, Xavier Cooks suffered a foot injury expected to sideline him for three to four months, leading Sydney to sign Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) as an injury replacement just before the opening game.

Sydney opened the season against Cairns at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena on January 16, where Vasiljevic (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) came off the bench in his NBL debut, but the Taipans escaped with an 87-86 victory after Ware missed a three-pointer at the buzzer. Ware (18 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Newley (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) were Sydney’s other leading scorers, while Scott Machado (17 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led Cairns.

Vasiljevic (15.4 points and 3.6 rebounds across 21 games) moved into the starting lineup following his debut and started each of his remaining 20 appearances, shooting 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from three. Sydney struggled early while its younger roster adjusted to the changes, losing three of its first four games and falling to seventh place. The Kings’ injury problems also continued when Glover (3.5 points and 3 rebounds across 2 games) suffered a partial ACL sprain in his right knee during Round 2 and did not play again during the season.

Vasiljevic produced his first major scoring performance against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 30, making 12-of-23 shots and finishing with a then career-high 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists as the 36ers defeated Sydney 85-80. Ware (15 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Martin (13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Isaac Humphries (27 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Adelaide. “I made a promise to my girlfriend back in America that I’d come back and try to make the NBA next year,” Vasiljevic said..

COVID-related travel restrictions eventually saw the league relocate to Melbourne for the NBL Cup, where Sydney went 4-4. Against New Zealand at John Cain Arena on February 25, Vasiljevic (20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) recorded the first double-double of his professional career as Sydney defeated the Breakers 96-78. Hunter (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Ware (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) helped the Kings return to 5-5, while Corey Webster (24 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) led New Zealand.

Vasiljevic’s best scoring game came against Cairns at the State Basketball Centre on March 4, where he made 13-of-17 shots and all five of his three-point attempts to finish with 32 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Ware (28 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) joined him in carrying Sydney’s offence, but Machado (24 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) and Nate Jawai (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Cairns to a 96-92 victory. Despite the loss, Sydney collected three NBL Cup points and moved into second place on the tournament ladder.

Sydney continued to improve following the NBL Cup, with consecutive home victories helping the Kings climb into the top four by Round 12. Vasiljevic’s rookie season then came to an abrupt end against Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on April 8. Vasiljevic (2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) had played just 8:44 when he went down early in the second quarter with an Achilles injury, with scans confirming a ruptured Achilles tendon. Ware (20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Martin (16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) kept Sydney close, but Bryce Cotton (23 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and John Mooney (21 points and 10 rebounds) led Perth to a 73-69 victory. Vasiljevic underwent surgery the following day and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, missing Sydney’s final 15 games.

With Vasiljevic sidelined and Cooks nearing his return, Vodanovich (5 points across 36 games) shifted into the role of Vasiljevic’s nominated injury replacement. Louzada (8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 20 games) left Sydney (to New Orleans) in April to join the Pelicans, while Jarrad Weeks (via New Zealand) was signed as an injury replacement in May to provide additional backcourt depth. Cooks (10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds across 8 games) eventually returned in May after missing most of the season and produced a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds against Illawarra late in the year.

Martin (17.9 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) narrowly led Sydney in scoring, while co-captain Ware (17.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 36 games) remained the team’s primary perimeter scorer and was named to the All-NBL Second Team. Hunter (9 points and 6.3 rebounds across 36 games) developed into Sydney’s starting centre and finished runner-up to Sam Froling for the NBL’s Most Improved Player award, while Vasiljevic finished runner-up to Josh Giddey for Rookie of the Year. Other key contributors included Bruce (6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 35 games), Newley (6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games), Moller (6.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 36 games) and Kickert (6 points across 26 games). Ware won both the Kings’ Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards, Martin was named Members’ Player of the Year, Moller received the Coaches’ Award, and Bruce and Hunter shared Players’ Player honours.

Sydney’s perimeter shooting remained one of its biggest problems, with the Kings making 33.4 percent of their three-pointers and finishing 8-10 away from home. After establishing themselves inside the top four, five losses across seven games, including two defeats by more than 20 points, pushed Sydney back outside the playoff positions. During the run home, the Kings and Forde mutually agreed that his one-year contract would not be extended beyond the season, although he remained in charge as Sydney continued its finals push.

With Vasiljevic still sidelined, Sydney closed the regular season against Brisbane at Qudos Bank Arena on June 5, where Martin (28 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Ware (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings to an 83-82 victory, while Nathan Sobey (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Brisbane. The victory completed a three-game winning streak, but Sydney finished fifth with a 19-17 record.

2021/22
After finishing fifth with a 19-17 record and missing the playoffs, Sydney replaced Adam Forde (to Cairns) with unproven US coach Chase Buford, son of NBA executive RC Buford. Casper Ware (to Russia), Brad Newley (to Melbourne), Craig Moller (to Germany), Jarrad Weeks (to Tasmania), Didi Louzada (to New Orleans) and Daniel Kickert (retired) also departed, while the Kings retained Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin and Dejan Vasiljevic and added Jaylen Adams, RJ Hunter, Biwali Bayles (via Hawaii), Next Star Makur Maker, Matur Maker and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (via Perth).

Vasiljevic entered the second season of the three-year deal he signed with Sydney in 2020, with a player option attached to the final year, but his preparations were dominated by the ruptured Achilles tendon suffered against Perth the previous April. The reigning Rookie of the Year spent around eight and a half months rehabilitating the injury, missing the NBL Blitz and Sydney’s opening two games before being cleared to return in mid-December ahead of his original recovery timeline. “I was very emotional because it had been a long time,” said Vasiljevic, who played each of Sydney’s remaining 31 games and did not miss another game through injury.

Vasiljevic (12.4 points across 31 games) was initially managed from the bench during his return before moving back into the starting lineup, starting his final 27 games of the season as his minutes and scoring gradually increased.

On January 23 against Brisbane at Qudos Bank Arena, Vasiljevic (23 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) made five three-pointers as Sydney snapped a four-game losing streak with a 97-73 win. Martin (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Adams (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) provided support, while Lamar Patterson (16 points and 8 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Vasiljevic’s best scoring game came against Illawarra at WIN Entertainment Centre on April 14, where he made six three-pointers and finished with a career-high 33 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Sydney defeated the Hawks 107-102 in overtime. Martin (21 points and 6 rebounds) and Adams (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Sydney secure its 13th consecutive victory and lock in a playoff berth, while Tyler Harvey (35 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led Illawarra.

The early-season injuries to Adams and RJ Hunter, who was eventually ruled out after three appearances with a patellar tendon injury, and Jordan Hunter, who missed the entire season following foot surgery, contributed to Sydney’s slow start. Former NBA champion Ian Clark (13.9 points across 16 games) was added during the season as an injury replacement for Jordan Hunter and provided another scoring option. Adams (20.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals across 24 games) was named NBL MVP and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Martin (15.8 points and 8.4 rebounds across 31 games) and Cooks (15.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks across 31 games) formed one of the league’s strongest frontcourts. Cooks was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Makur Maker (7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds across 21 games) and Angus Glover (5.3 points and 3 rebounds across 30 games) added further depth.

Sydney closed the regular season against Illawarra at Qudos Bank Arena on April 24, where Vasiljevic (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist), Cooks (20 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Martin (13 points and 5 rebounds) kept the Kings close before Justinian Jessup (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks to an 87-84 win. The result left Sydney third with a 19-9 record and set up a semifinal rematch against Illawarra.

Sydney opened the semifinals at WIN Entertainment Centre, where Vasiljevic (12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) helped the Kings defeat Illawarra 89-79. Adams (30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Clark (16 points) led Sydney, while Duop Reath (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Antonius Cleveland (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) were Illawarra’s best.

Game two moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Vasiljevic (7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals) contributed as Sydney recovered from a 15-point deficit to win 99-87 and complete the sweep. Adams (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Martin (23 points and 9 rebounds) and Cooks (16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks) led the Kings, while Harvey (21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Reath (20 points and 3 blocks) led Illawarra.

Expansion Tasmania finished fourth with a 17-11 record before upsetting first-placed defending champion Melbourne in three games to reach the Grand Final.

The Grand Final opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Vasiljevic (14 points and 4 rebounds) helped Sydney defeat Tasmania 95-78. Adams (18 points and 3 assists), Clark (17 points and 2 steals) and Cooks (14 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Kings, while Jack McVeigh (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Mikyle McIntosh (14 points and 4 rebounds) led Tasmania. Adams suffered a low-grade left hamstring strain during the victory and missed the remainder of the series.

Game two moved to a sold-out MyState Bank Arena, where Vasiljevic (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist), Cooks (20 points and 11 rebounds) and Martin (20 points and 10 rebounds) carried Sydney without Adams, while Josh Adams (36 points) led Tasmania. With Sydney leading 87-86, Vasiljevic hit a deep three-pointer with eight seconds remaining to seal a 90-86 victory and give the Kings a 2-0 series lead, while the win was Sydney’s 12th consecutive road victory, the most by any team during a single NBL season. Following the game, Vasiljevic revealed he had received abuse and death threats on social media, saying “There were personal jibes and jabs after the game.”

Dejan Vasiljevic with the 𝘿𝘼𝙂𝙂𝙀𝙍 🗡️

📺 Watch the #NBLFinals Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/XDIgoHVKo9

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 8, 2022

Game three returned to Qudos Bank Arena, where Vasiljevic (8 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) started and helped Sydney complete the sweep with a 97-88 victory in front of an NBL Grand Final record crowd of 16,149. Cooks (23 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks), Martin (22 points and 17 rebounds) and Clark (22 points and 3 assists) led Sydney, while Josh Adams (27 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals), McIntosh (14 points and 8 rebounds) and Josh Magette (12 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals) led Tasmania. Sydney won its fourth championship and first in 17 years, completing a perfect 5-0 postseason and collecting its 19th win from its final 21 games, while at 33 Buford became the fourth-youngest championship-winning coach in NBL history behind Bob Turner, Ken Richardson and Jim Ericksen, two of whom were player-coaches. Cooks was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 19 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across the three games.

17 years in the making 💜💛#WeTheKings #NBL22 pic.twitter.com/Wz7uIGjTr6

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 14, 2022

2022/23
After winning the 2021/22 championship, Sydney lost its star import trio of Jaylen Adams (to Belgrade), Jarell Martin (to Tel Aviv) and Ian Clark (overseas), while Makur Maker (to Washington) also left the team. The Kings retained Xavier Cooks, Dejan Vasiljevic and Angus Glover and added Derrick Walton Jr to replace Adams, Tim Soares (via Europe), former Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon (via Illawarra), Kouat Noi (via Cairns) and rookie Jackson Makoi under championship coach Chase Buford. Vasiljevic had re-signed on a two-year deal with a mutual option for a third season and NBA and European out clauses. “I remain loyal. I said: ‘It was the Sydney Kings or nowhere’,” Vasiljevic said.

Sydney opened the season at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Walton Jr (32 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal), Cooks (24 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Vasiljevic (16 points and 3 rebounds) led the Kings to a 106-97 victory over Illawarra. Lachlan Dent (19 points), Tyler Harvey (18 points) and George King (14 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks.

Vasiljevic (13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 35 games) remained Sydney’s starting shooting guard and third-leading scorer, providing perimeter shooting alongside Walton Jr and Cooks. No injury-related absence was confirmed during the campaign.

The Kings began their championship defence with three consecutive victories, including a 91-71 demolition of Melbourne at John Cain Arena. Sydney held United to six points during the second quarter while producing a 25-0 run, with Cooks (23 points and 9 rebounds), Vasiljevic (15 points), Soares (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Simon (12 points and 5 rebounds) leading the Kings. Jordan Caroline (10 points and 10 rebounds) and Lachlan Barker (10 points) were Melbourne’s leading scorers. The victory was Sydney’s fifteenth consecutive road win, breaking the NBL record previously held by Canberra’s championship teams of the 1980s.

Sydney suffered its first loss of the season when Cairns won 83-78 at Qudos Bank Arena. Vasiljevic (20 points), Cooks (15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Walton Jr (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Kings, but Sydney made only 14 of its 25 free throws. Shannon Scott (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Keanu Pinder (16 points and 11 rebounds) and DJ Hogg (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns without the injured Tahjere McCall.

The Kings responded by defeating Brisbane 102-85 on the road, with Simon (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Vasiljevic (16 points and 5 rebounds), Walton Jr (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Soares (13 points) leading Sydney. DJ Mitchell (20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Aron Baynes (15 points and 5 rebounds) and Jason Cadee (13 points and 4 assists) led Brisbane.

Adelaide then handed Sydney another home loss, winning 92-88 after returning from its preseason victory over the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Walton Jr (23 points and 6 assists), Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds), Simon (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Noi (12 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney, while Craig Randall II (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Daniel Johnson (17 points and 8 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Mitch McCarron (15 points and 5 rebounds) led Adelaide.

Sydney appeared headed towards a third consecutive home loss against Cairns before Noi (13 points and 4 rebounds) made a three-pointer at the buzzer to complete a 106-103 victory. Cooks (18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) fell two assists short of a triple-double, while Shaun Bruce (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Vasiljevic (12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Walton Jr (12 points and 3 assists) helped the Kings improve to 8-2. Hogg (27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks), Sam Waardenburg (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Pinder (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Cairns.

The Kings returned to the top of the ladder after defeating New Zealand 81-77 at Spark Arena, extending their road winning streak to 17 games. Simon (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals), Cooks (13 points and 4 rebounds), Soares (11 points and 8 rebounds), Walton Jr (9 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Vasiljevic (8 points and 6 rebounds) led Sydney, while Barry Brown Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Izayah Le’afa (15 points and 4 assists) and Dererk Pardon (11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led New Zealand. Cooks injured his ankle during the second quarter and was ruled out for between two and four weeks, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Boomers’ World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Sydney then escaped with an 83-82 victory over Illawarra after Bruce (8 points) made a three-pointer at the buzzer. Glover (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), Walton Jr (12 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals), Soares (12 points and 4 rebounds), Vasiljevic (10 points and 5 rebounds), Simon (10 points and 8 rebounds) and Noi (10 points and 4 rebounds) carried the Kings without Cooks, while Harvey (32 points and 5 rebounds) led Illawarra.

Following Buford’s suspension for his conduct towards officials, assistant coach Kevin Lisch took charge against Tasmania and guided Sydney to a 97-77 victory at Qudos Bank Arena. The Kings shot 69 per cent from the field and scored 56 points in the paint, with Cooks (23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Vasiljevic (13 points and 7 rebounds), Simon (12 points and 6 rebounds) and Walton Jr (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) leading Sydney. Clint Steindl (13 points and 2 steals) and Sean MacDonald (11 points and 2 steals) were Tasmania’s leading scorers.

Vasiljevic admitted he had endured a month-long shooting slump during the middle of the season but continued to shoot aggressively, before producing his best game of the season against South East Melbourne on January 4. He made his first six three-point attempts and finished with 42 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal while connecting on 10-of-14 shots from outside as Sydney defeated the Phoenix 118-102 at Qudos Bank Arena. Cooks (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Soares (15 points and 4 rebounds), Jordan Hunter (10 points) and Noi (10 points and 4 rebounds) supported him, while Mitch Creek (32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists), Kyle Adnam (20 points and 6 assists), Alan Williams (14 points and 10 rebounds) and Junior Madut (13 points and 6 rebounds) led South East Melbourne. The 10 three-pointers set a Kings record for a 40-minute game and made him the third Sydney player to reach double figures from outside after Aaron Trahair and Shane Heal. “I’m starting to find myself and it happened tonight,” Vasiljevic said.

DJ Vasiljevic (42 points) led the Sydney Kings to another big win as the Phoenix sunk to their third straight defeat.

Check out the best moments. pic.twitter.com/7Gt0JCeKNW

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) January 4, 2023

Sydney produced its biggest victory of the season one week later, defeating Brisbane 116-67 and recording the largest winning margin of the NBL’s 40-minute era. Cooks (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists), Soares (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Walton Jr (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Simon (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Vasiljevic (11 points and 4 rebounds) led the Kings, while Nathan Sobey (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Tyler Johnson (13 points and 4 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Vasiljevic became the 34th Sydney player to score 1,000 NBL points during the Kings’ 111-104 loss to Perth at RAC Arena. He made six three-pointers and finished with 26 points and 4 rebounds, while Cooks (15 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Glover (14 points) and Simon (13 points) provided support. Bryce Cotton (21 points and 11 assists), Brady Manek (21 points and 8 rebounds), TaShawn Thomas (20 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Corey Webster (18 points and 10 rebounds) and Luke Travers (16 points and 4 rebounds) led Perth.

He followed with 24 points and 5 rebounds while making five three-pointers as Sydney defeated Tasmania 91-77 at MyState Bank Arena. Walton Jr (16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Jaylin Galloway (13 points), Cooks (12 points and 6 rebounds) and Simon (11 points) helped the Kings improve to 18-7 and build a two-game lead on top of the ladder, while Isaac White (11 points) and Rashard Kelly (10 points and 6 rebounds) were Tasmania’s leading scorers.

Two days later, Cooks recorded the first triple-double of his NBL career as Sydney defeated South East Melbourne 111-106 and secured a top-two finish. Walton Jr (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Vasiljevic (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cooks (16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) led Sydney, while Creek (29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists), Trey Kell III (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Gary Browne (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the Phoenix.

With Sydney preparing for the postseason, Vasiljevic withdrew from Australia’s final World Cup qualifying window after initially making himself available, choosing to remain with the Kings and concentrate on their attempt to win consecutive championships.

Sydney lost its final two regular-season games, with Vasiljevic scoring 18 points in both defeats. Adelaide won 115-108 behind Cleveland (23 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block), Robert Franks (19 points and 5 rebounds) and Ian Clark (18 points and 2 steals), while Soares (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals), Vasiljevic (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Simon (15 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney. Perth then defeated the Kings 96-84 behind Tai Webster (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Travers (22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) and Manek (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals), while Vasiljevic (18 points and 7 rebounds) and Cooks (15 points) led Sydney.

The Kings finished first with a 19-9 record, securing home-court advantage throughout the postseason. Cooks (15 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 33 games) was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Walton Jr (15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 33 games) joined him in the All-NBL First Team. Simon (10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 35 games), Soares (9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds across 35 games), Noi (8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games), Glover (7.1 points and 3 rebounds across 31 games), Hunter (5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds across 35 games) and Galloway (5.1 points across 30 games) were the team’s other major contributors.

After Cairns defeated Perth in the Play-In Tournament, Sydney opened the semifinals at Qudos Bank Arena with a 95-87 victory. Cooks (27 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Walton Jr (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Soares (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Simon (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings, while Hogg (24 points), Jonah Antonio (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) and Scott (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Cairns. Vasiljevic finished with 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Game two moved to the Cairns Convention Centre, where Walton Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), Simon (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Noi (12 points and 4 rebounds) led Sydney, but Cairns forced a deciding game with a 93-82 victory. Hogg (25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), McCall (20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Waardenburg (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Taipans, while Vasiljevic finished with 4 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Cooks rolled his ankle after landing on Hogg’s foot, Buford was ejected and Soares was later charged for striking Waardenburg during the physical contest.

Vasiljevic responded in the deciding game by making three three-pointers and finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds as Sydney defeated Cairns 79-64. Cooks (11 points and 11 rebounds), Noi (11 points and 11 rebounds) and Walton Jr (10 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Kings advance to the Championship Series, while Ben Ayre (20 points and 4 assists) and Waardenburg (17 points and 12 rebounds) led Cairns.

New Zealand opened the Championship Series by defeating Sydney 95-87 at Qudos Bank Arena. Simon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Hunter (15 points and 4 rebounds), Walton Jr (12 points and 6 assists) and Vasiljevic (11 points and 4 rebounds) led the Kings, while William McDowell-White (19 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Brown Jr (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Jarrell Brantley (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led New Zealand. Walton Jr suffered severe cramp and Cooks left the game with leg corks during the fourth quarter.

Game two moved to Spark Arena, where Walton Jr (2 rebounds in 4:50) and Cooks (2 points and 4 rebounds in 9:05) were unable to continue because of their leg problems. Noi (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Vasiljevic (16 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals) and Glover (12 points) led the undermanned Kings to an 81-74 victory, while Brown Jr (21 points), Brantley (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Le’afa (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led New Zealand. Vasiljevic made a long three-pointer at the first-quarter buzzer before opening the second quarter with a drive and another three as Sydney built its early lead.

Back in Sydney, Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds) led the Kings in scoring as they defeated New Zealand 91-68 in front of an NBL-record crowd of 18,049. Soares (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Simon (13 points and 6 assists), Walton Jr (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Cooks (10 points and 8 rebounds) helped Sydney move ahead 2-1, while McDowell-White (11 points and 6 rebounds), Brantley (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals), Brown Jr (10 points and 3 assists) and Rayan Rupert (10 points and 3 rebounds) led New Zealand.

New Zealand forced a deciding game by defeating Sydney 80-70 at Spark Arena. Walton Jr (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (12 points and 2 steals), Cooks (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Vasiljevic (6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings, while Brantley (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block), Brown Jr (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDowell-White (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) combined for 62 points for the Breakers.

The Championship Series returned to Qudos Bank Arena for game five, where New Zealand led by 12 points during the first half before Sydney took control with a 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter. Walton Jr (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists), Cooks (19 points and 11 rebounds), Glover (12 points and 9 rebounds) and Noi (11 points) led the Kings, while Brown Jr (22 points and 4 rebounds), Brantley (16 points and 4 rebounds) and McDowell-White (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led New Zealand. Vasiljevic (0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) was held scoreless, but Sydney won 77-69 in front of an NBL-record crowd of 18,124, completing back-to-back championships and delivering the club’s fifth title.

It was the last game of the season, and it delivered all sorts of drama.

Re-live the best bits thanks to @HungryJacksAU ⤵ pic.twitter.com/KxOiNZnVDW— NBL (@NBL) March 15, 2023

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2023/24
After finishing eighth with a 13-15 record and missing the postseason for a second straight year under coach CJ Bruton, Adelaide made several changes to its roster. Anthony Drmic (to Tasmania), Ian Clark (to Melbourne), Kai Sotto (to Japan) and Daniel Johnson were among the major exits, while imports Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland were allowed to pursue opportunities overseas.

Bruton brought back Jason Cadee (via Brisbane), Isaac Humphries (via Melbourne) and Jacob Wiley, while adding Trey Kell III (via South East Melbourne), Next Star Trentyn Flowers, Alex Starling and import Jamaal Franklin. Franklin was released during the NBL Blitz, and Adelaide dropped four of its opening five games before returning to the market.

Prior to NBL24, Vasiljevic was granted a release from the Kings to pursue opportunities overseas. “It was a difficult decision, but after winning two championships at my age, an opportunity overseas was hard to pass up,” Vasiljevic said, expressing gratitude to the Kings organisation for their support.

Vasiljevic then joined Washington’s 2023 NBA Summer League roster, producing 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting and making four three-pointers in a win over Oklahoma City before signing an Exhibit-10 training camp contract. Washington waived him before training camp and he had a G League deal available, but elected to return to Australia. Sydney said it had amended his contract in good faith and completed its roster believing he would play internationally, while retaining the right of first refusal over any NBL return. Kings co-owner Andrew Bogut later claimed Vasiljevic was already training with Adelaide when Sydney was asked to clear him and argued the club had released him to chase his NBA dream rather than join another NBL team. Vasiljevic responded that Sydney had “made me look like a villain”. The Kings relinquished his rights on October 17, allowing Adelaide to sign Vasiljevic (via Washington) to a one-year deal the following day.

Vasiljevic made his Adelaide debut at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 19, finishing with 17 points and 1 rebound as South East Melbourne defeated the 36ers 102-85. Kell (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Wiley (14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) provided support, while Creek (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix.

Vasiljevic (19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 23 games) immediately became Adelaide’s leading scorer and finished fifth in the NBL for scoring, providing the backcourt with the shooting and shot creation the team had lacked during its 1-4 start.

Vasiljevic’s first major scoring performance for Adelaide came on November 17, when he finished with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists as the 36ers defeated South East Melbourne 96-93 and ended a three-game losing streak. Wiley (17 points and 14 rebounds) and Flowers (13 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped Adelaide complete the comeback, while Williams (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Phoenix.

The season reached its low point in Hobart on December 2, where Vasiljevic (15 points and 3 rebounds), Wiley (14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Humphries (9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Adelaide, but Doyle (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) powered Tasmania to a 94-59 win. Adelaide shot 29 per cent from the field and made only two of 11 three-pointers while producing its equal-lowest score of the 40-minute era. With the 36ers sitting at 4-9, Bruton was dismissed and assistant Scott Ninnis took over as interim head coach.

Under Ninnis, Vasiljevic’s equal season-high scoring game came against ladder-leading Melbourne on January 6, where he scored 15 points in the opening quarter and finished with 30 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists as last-placed Adelaide defeated United 100-96 in front of a record crowd of 9,564. Kell (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Humphries (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) helped complete the upset, while Krebs (23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Melbourne.

Vasiljevic helped Adelaide win five of six games during January and signed a three-year extension on January 30. “This decision was a no-brainer for me, I am somewhere where I am wanted,” he said.

Alongside Vasiljevic, Kell (17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 25 games) and Humphries (15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games) delivered career-best seasons, while Wiley (10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 26 games) led the team in rebounding. Galloway (5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds across 27 games), Cadee (5.5 points across 26 games) and Flowers (5.2 points across 18 games) provided additional scoring. Adelaide finished as the NBL’s second-best rebounding team at 43.5 per game but ranked last in three-point percentage at 29.9 per cent. Humphries won the Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP, while Vasiljevic received the Members’ Choice MVP, Galloway was named Most Improved Player and Cadee collected the Coaches Award.

Vasiljevic scored at least 20 points in each of Adelaide’s final five games, but the 36ers finished ninth with a 12-16 record, one win and percentage short of the Play-In Tournament. His best game of the season came in the final round at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 18 as Adelaide defeated New Zealand 76-70, with Humphries (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Wiley (6 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) providing support, while Jackson-Cartwright (24 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Breakers, and Vasiljevic (25 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) played 36:49 minutes in the win.

2024/25
After finishing ninth with a 12-16 record and missing the postseason in 2023/24, Adelaide completed another major off-season overhaul. Former captain Mitch McCarron (to New Zealand), Trentyn Flowers (to Los Angeles Clippers), Jacob Wiley (to Spain), Tohi Smith-Milner (to Brisbane), Kyrin Galloway (to Cairns), Trey Kell III (to Illawarra), and Akech Aliir (to South East Melbourne) all departed, while Scott Ninnis was replaced by Mike Wells as head coach before the season.

Isaac Humphries re-signed on a three-year deal, with Fiston Ipassou, Keanu Rasmussen and Jacob Rigoni also retained. Wells added Kendric Davis (via Santa Cruz), Lat Mayen (via Cairns), Ben Griscti (via UC Riverside), Patrick D’Arcy (via Sturt), Jarell Martin (via Galatasaray), and Tom Kubank (via South Adelaide). Martin’s pre-season foot injury led to former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell (via Philadelphia) joining as a nominated replacement player before earning a contract for the remainder of the season.

Vasiljevic entered the first season of the three-year extension he signed in January, keeping him in Adelaide through the 2026/27 season, and was appointed captain following McCarron’s departure. The coaching change occurred only months after he had recommitted to the club, with Vasiljevic describing Ninnis’s dismissal as a major shock to the playing group.

Adelaide opened the season against Sydney at HoopsFest in Perth on September 22, where Vasiljevic (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) made four three-pointers, but the Kings won 102-94. Mayen (23 points and 4 rebounds) and Harrell (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) supported Vasiljevic, while Adams (25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Sydney.

Vasiljevic (18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds across 24 games) embraced the captaincy and remained Adelaide’s leading local scorer, providing perimeter shooting alongside Davis and Harrell. His strong start earned selection for Australia’s November FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, but a hamstring strain suffered against Tasmania on November 30 interrupted his season and kept him out for five games before he returned in late December.

Vasiljevic produced one of his strongest early performances against his former club on October 11, finishing with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists as Adelaide defeated Sydney 89-79 and collected its third consecutive win. Davis (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Harrell (18 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided support, while Oliver (16 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Vasiljevic’s best scoring game came in Cairns on January 19, where he made 10 three-pointers for the second time in his NBL career and finished with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist as Adelaide defeated the Taipans 99-75. Davis (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Harrell (17 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) helped the 36ers improve to 11-13 and strengthen their push for sixth place, while Groves (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 steal) led Cairns.

Vasiljevic recorded his only double-double of the season against Brisbane on January 31, finishing with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, but the Bullets defeated Adelaide 92-89. Davis (24 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Harrell (20 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) also contributed, while Prather (26 points and 7 rebounds) led Brisbane as the 36ers began a three-game losing run to close the regular season.

Davis (25.6 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.3 steals across 27 games) led Adelaide in scoring and assists, won the Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP and earned All-NBL First Team honours. Harrell (20.7 points and 9.2 rebounds across 26 games) was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Humphries (12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games) anchored the middle. Martin (8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds across 20 games), Dech (5.8 points across 22 games), and Mayen (5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds across 28 games) completed the main rotation. Mayen received Adelaide’s Most Improved Player award, Dech was named Best Defensive Player, Cadee (3.8 points across 29 games) received the Coaches’ Award, and Wells won the Chairman’s Award. Despite losing their final three games, the 36ers finished sixth with a 13-16 record and returned to the postseason for the first time since 2018.

Adelaide opened the Play-In Tournament at Qudos Bank Arena on February 13, where Vasiljevic (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) made seven three-pointers to lead the 36ers to a 95-88 win over Sydney and their first postseason victory in seven years. Davis (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Harrell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) also starred, while Adams (30 points and 10 assists) and Oliver (19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) were best for the Kings.

The final qualifier moved to John Cain Arena on February 16, where South East Melbourne recovered from a 21-point deficit to eliminate Adelaide 85-75 behind Hurt (25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Ayre (17 points), while Davis (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Harrell (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks), and Martin (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the 36ers. Vasiljevic (3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played 29:32 minutes.

2025/26Adelaide reshaped Wells’ rotation by recruiting Bryce Cotton (via Perth), Flynn Cameron (via Melbourne), Isaac White (via Brisbane), Michael Harris (via Perth), Matt Kenyon (via South East Melbourne), Zylan Cheatham (via Nagoya) and Nick Rakocevic (via Puerto Rico).

The new campaign began at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on September 28, where Vasiljevic (5 points and 1 rebound) made Adelaide’s only fourth-quarter field goal outside Cotton as the 36ers held off Brisbane 87-80. Cotton (39 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Cheatham (8 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led Adelaide, while Casey Prather (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) was Brisbane’s best.

Vasiljevic (10.7 points across 42 games) entered the second season of the three-year extension he signed in January 2024 and shared the captaincy with Cotton and Humphries. The additions of Cotton and Cameron reduced his offensive role, and after starting Adelaide’s first 10 games, the two-time championship winner moved to the bench in November and accepted the change while appearing in every game during the season.

On November 2, Vasiljevic (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) made four three-pointers and passed 1000 points for Adelaide as the 36ers defeated defending champion Illawarra 90-88 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Cotton (24 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Cheatham (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped Adelaide improve to 6-2, while William Hickey (20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks) led the Hawks.

Eleven days later, Vasiljevic (14 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) responded to losing his starting position to Kenyon by scoring 11 consecutive Adelaide points late in the third quarter of a 97-86 win over Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena. Cheatham (27 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Cotton (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Tyger Campbell (20 points and 3 assists) was Tasmania’s leading scorer as Adelaide improved to 8-3.

His best regular-season scoring game came at John Cain Arena on November 22, where Vasiljevic (22 points and 1 rebound) made six three-pointers, including five during a 17-point fourth quarter, as Adelaide recovered from an 11-point deficit to defeat South East Melbourne 94-81. Cotton (19 points and 9 assists) and Cheatham (15 points and 16 rebounds) helped the 36ers score 57 second-half points and consolidate second place with an 11-3 record, while Nathan Sobey (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Phoenix.

Troy Brown Jnr (4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds across 13 games; via Puerto Rico) joined Adelaide as its third import in November before leaving in January for personal reasons, with John Jenkins (9.7 points across 18 games) initially signed as an injury replacement for Griscti and later retained in the vacant import position.

Cotton (25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 41 games) directed Adelaide’s offence, won his sixth Andrew Gaze Trophy and earned All-NBL First Team selection. Humphries (12.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 42 games), Cheatham (12 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 42 games), Cameron (11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 42 games) and Rakocevic (8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds across 39 games) completed the main group around Vasiljevic. Cheatham received All-NBL Second Team honours and Adelaide’s Defensive Award, Cameron won the NBL and club Most Improved awards, Humphries collected the Coaches Award and Rakocevic received the Chairman’s Award, while Cotton also claimed the Mark Davis club MVP and Members’ Choice awards.

Vasiljevic returned to the starting five for Adelaide’s final regular-season game at RAC Arena on February 20, finishing with 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist as Perth defeated the 36ers 86-74. Rakocevic (18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) and Cheatham (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Adelaide, while Elijah Pepper (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Perth’s best as the 36ers finished second with a 23-10 record.

The inaugural Ignite Cup Final followed two days later at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, where Vasiljevic (6 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal), Cotton (34 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Rakocevic (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Adelaide, but Parker Jackson-Cartwright (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) guided New Zealand to a 111-107 win and was named Ignite Cup MVP.

The semifinal series began at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with Vasiljevic (17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) providing an important lift from the bench as Adelaide defeated South East Melbourne 104-97. Cotton (42 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Rakocevic (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) led the 36ers, while Sobey (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) were best for the Phoenix.

South East Melbourne answered at John Cain Arena, where Vasiljevic (14 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Cotton (29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide, but Sobey (41 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) made eight three-pointers and John Brown III (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Phoenix win 101-92 and force a deciding game.

His best game of the season came in the semifinal decider, where Vasiljevic (27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) returned to the starting five and made six of 10 three-pointers as Adelaide defeated South East Melbourne 108-96. Cotton (38 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Rakocevic (14 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block) helped send the 36ers into their first Championship Series in eight years, while Ian Clark (32 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Sobey (17 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix.

Sydney dominated the Championship Series opener at Qudos Bank Arena, defeating Adelaide 112-68 by the largest margin in series history. Vasiljevic (5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal), White (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Humphries (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) led the 36ers, while Davis (25 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Tim Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) starred for the Kings.

Back in Adelaide for game two, Vasiljevic (12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) helped the 36ers level the series before Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) drove the length of the floor and made a left-handed lay-up at the buzzer to deliver a 91-89 victory and end Sydney’s 14-game winning streak. Cameron (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) also contributed, while Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Xavier Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led the Kings.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Vasiljevic (3 points), Jenkins (22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) and Cheatham (17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Davis (34 points, 2 rebounds, and 15 assists) controlled the game without committing a turnover and Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) helped the Kings win 106-93.

Facing elimination at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Vasiljevic (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made four three-pointers as the 36ers held on for a 92-91 win. Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) led Adelaide, while Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Jaylin Galloway (20 points and 1 assist) kept Sydney close before the series was sent to a deciding game.

The deciding fifth game was played at Qudos Bank Arena, where Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) grabbed the offensive rebound and made the tying putback with 4.6 seconds remaining before Sydney outscored Adelaide 18-6 in overtime and won 113-101 in front of 18,589 fans. Davis (35 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 1 steal) was named Championship Series MVP and Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) also starred, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide as Sydney claimed the series 3-2. Vasiljevic (7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made one of 11 three-pointers across 39:14 minutes in the loss.

Dejan Vasiljevic currently plays for the Adelaide 36ers and has played 176 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 14.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists since entering the league in 2021.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Adelaide 36ers – 1 Year Deal (2026-27)

HIGHLIGHTS:

The set back to the ultimate comeback.

DJ Vasiljevic’s journey to a championship and now a new contract was something else 👑🏆@3jvasiljevic @SydneyKings #NBL23 pic.twitter.com/mts8dm9yBr

— The NBL (@NBL) May 31, 2022