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. The team had to recover from the loss of All-NBL First Team forward Jae’Sean Tate and head coach Will Weaver, who both signed contracts with the NBA’s Houston Rockets, while veterans Kevin Lisch, Andrew Bogut, and Lucas Walker all retired. Kings assistant Adam Forde stepped in as head coach after being with the organisation since 2019, replacing the outgoing talent with import Jarell Martin, Angus Glover (via Illawarra), and rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (via the University of Miami). During the pre-season, the Kings lost forward Xavier Cooks to a foot injury and signed Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) as an injury replacement just before their season opener. The injury setbacks continued when Angus Glover tore his ACL, sidelining him for all but two games of the season.

As the season commenced, the Kings relied heavily on their young core to fill the void left by departing veterans, leading to early struggles. They lost three of their first four games, leaving them at the bottom of the ladder in seventh place. Mid-season, the league moved all teams to Melbourne for the NBL Cup, a tournament designed to mitigate COVID-related travel issues. During the Cup, Sydney found some form, going 4-4, and continued to build momentum with consecutive home wins after the tournament, climbing into the top four by Round 12.

Co-captain Casper Ware (17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) and Jarell Martin (17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) became the focal points on offense, with Martin’s best game coming against New Zealand, where he scored 29 points. Dejan Vasiljevic (15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) quickly became a key piece in the rotation, making an immediate impact in his rookie season. Meanwhile, Jordan Hunter (9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) established himself as a vital player, finishing runner-up in the Most Improved Player voting. Vasiljevic’s contributions earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year award, and Xavier Cooks (10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks) also showcased his potential, including a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds against the Hawks in Round 21.

Sydney’s main limitations during the season were their perimeter shooting, where they were tied with Illawarra for the worst three-point shooting percentage in the league (33.4%), and their road form, losing 50% of their games away from home. With four rounds remaining, Sydney was entrenched in the top four, but a stretch of five losses in seven games, including two blowout losses by over 20 points, caused them to fall out of contention. Despite finishing the season on a three-game winning streak, Sydney finished fifth with a 19-17 record, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot.

2021/22
In 2021, the Sydney Kings appointed unproven US coach Chase Buford, son of San Antonio Spurs mastermind RC Buford, as head coach. Buford inherited a strong core in Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin, and Dejan Vasiljevic and added former NBA talent Jaylen Adams and fellow import RJ Hunter to the roster.

The coaching change, along with early-season injuries to RJ Hunter (who played only one game), Adams (who missed a third of the season), and young big man Jordan Hunter (who missed the entire season), led to a slow start for the Kings. After a stretch in January where the Kings lost four straight games, Adams returned to the lineup, and the team also brought in former NBA player Ian Clark, a former teammate of Kings co-owner Andrew Bogut. From that point, the Kings’ fortunes turned around.

Vasiljevic contributed 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game as the Kings went on a remarkable run, winning 13 consecutive games to close out the regular season.

In the semifinals, Sydney faced Brian Goorjian’s Illawarra Hawks and comfortably defeated them in two straight games. Meanwhile, on the other side of the bracket, the debuting Tasmania JackJumpers, who were lucky to even make the playoffs, upset Melbourne United in three games. Tasmania had finished fifth in the standings but qualified for the playoffs due to points percentage after South East Melbourne beat Perth in the final game of the regular season.

In the Grand Final series, Sydney continued their dominance, defeating Tasmania (95-78) in the opening game. Adams, who had been named the NBL MVP just a week earlier, scored 18 points in the win but suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the series.

In game two, Tasmania’s Josh Adams exploded for 36 points in front of a sellout crowd, but strong performances from captain Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin (both with 20 points, with Martin shooting 80% from the field), and Dejan Vasiljevic sealed the win for the Kings (90-86). Vasiljevic nailed a long-range dagger in the closing minutes to clinch the victory, extending Sydney’s road winning streak to 12 games – the most away wins in a single NBL season.

Dejan Vasiljevic with the 𝘿𝘼𝙂𝙂𝙀𝙍 🗡️
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– 📺 Watch the #NBLFinals Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/XDIgoHVKo9— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 8, 2022

Cooks was named Finals MVP after averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists across the three games, and at 33 years old, Buford became the fourth-youngest championship-winning coach in NBL history. Only Bob Turner (1983), Ken Richardson (1982), and Jim Ericksen (1981) won championships at a younger age, with two of them serving as player-coaches.

17 years in the making 💜💛#WeTheKings #NBL22 pic.twitter.com/Wz7uIGjTr6— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 14, 2022

2022/23
After winning the championship, the Sydney Kings faced significant changes to their roster, losing their star import trio of Jaylen Adams, Jarrell Martin, and Ian Clark to more lucrative overseas deals. To revamp their team, Sydney decided to focus on their local talent, such as the improved Xavier Cooks, Dejan Vasiljevic, and Angus Glover, while bringing in imports to complement the Australian core. Derrick Walton Jr was signed to replace Adams’ scoring, while sharpshooting centre Tim Soares (via Europe) and former Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon (via Illawarra) joined the team as the new import trio. Kouat Noi (via Cairns) was also added after Makur Maker left for the NBA, and rookie Jackson Makoi rounded out the roster.

Sydney kicked off their campaign for back-to-back titles with wins over Illawarra, Brisbane, and Melbourne, going 3-0. The 20-point win over Melbourne (91-71) was especially impressive, featuring a 25-0 run in the second quarter where the Kings held United to just six points. This victory extended Sydney’s road winning streak to 15, setting a new NBL record, surpassing the mark set by Canberra’s back-to-back championship teams of the mid-1980s.

The Kings’ unbeaten streak ended in their next game, an upset loss to the Cairns Taipans (83-78). Despite missing star Tahjere McCall, Cairns played tough defense and capitalized on Sydney’s poor free-throw shooting (14/25). Shannon Scott (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and DJ Hogg (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) led the Taipans, while Vasiljevic contributed 20 points for the Kings, and Cooks (15 points, 8 rebounds) and Walton Jr (14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) provided solid efforts.

Sydney bounced back with another road win over Brisbane but suffered another home loss to the Adelaide 36ers (92-88), who had just returned from beating the NBA’s Phoenix Suns in a preseason game. Adelaide’s Craig Randall II (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led all scorers, while Walton Jr contributed 23 points, and Vasiljevic added 15 for the Kings.

Round five saw Sydney narrowly avoid a third consecutive home defeat when Kouat Noi hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to defeat his former team, Cairns (106-103). Cooks nearly recorded a triple-double (18 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists), helping cement the Kings’ spot at the top of the ladder (8-2).

In a highly anticipated first-vs-second matchup against the New Zealand Breakers, Sydney survived a last-quarter comeback to win (81-77). However, the Kings lost Walton Jr to an ankle injury in the first half, and Cooks also injured his ankle, sidelining him for three weeks, including missing the Australian Boomers’ World Cup Qualifier against Kazakhstan.

Without head coach Chase Buford, who was suspended for misconduct, assistant coach Kevin Lisch stepped in as Sydney cruised to a 97-77 win over the Tasmania JackJumpers, dominating inside the paint and shooting a season-high 69% from the field.

Sydney then recorded their biggest-ever franchise win, a 49-point blowout against Brisbane (116-67), which set a new margin record for the 40-minute era.

Though New Zealand and Cairns battled for second place, Sydney finished the regular season on top (19-9), with Xavier Cooks winning NBL MVP (16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists), beating out Bryce Cotton and Mitch Creek. Vasiljevic averaged 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on the season.

Sydney faced Cairns in the semi-finals after the Taipans defeated Perth in the play-in tournament (91-78). Cooks’ 27 points and 14 rebounds led Sydney to a game one win (95-87), but Cairns bounced back to win game two (93-82) in a chaotic contest marked by multiple hard fouls and the ejection of coach Buford. DJ Hogg (25 points) and Tahjere McCall (20 points) spearheaded the win for the Taipans.

In game three, Vasiljevic (15 points, 5 rebounds) stepped up, hitting three key three-pointers to lead the Kings to a series-clinching victory (79-64), with Cooks and Noi contributing double-doubles (11 points and 11 rebounds each).

In the championship series, Sydney faced New Zealand. The Breakers shocked the Kings in game one (95-87) in front of 13,145 fans, with William McDowell-White (19 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) starring. Walton Jr suffered an injury and played limited minutes for the rest of the series.

Sydney tied the series in game two, despite minimal contributions from Walton Jr (4:50 minutes) and Cooks (9:05 minutes). Simon’s all-around play (12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 steals) and Noi’s 20-point effort helped the Kings win (91-68).

In front of a record NBL crowd of 18,049 at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney took a 2-1 series lead, with Walton Jr (12 points, 9 assists) and Cooks (10 points, 8 rebounds) back in form. The Breakers struggled offensively, shooting just 36% from the field.

New Zealand won game four (80-70), forcing a deciding game five behind Brantley (23 points) and McDowell-White (19 points).

Game five saw the Kings close out the series in front of another record-setting crowd of 18,124. Walton Jr (21 points, 6 assists) earned Championship Series MVP honours, while Cooks added 19 points and 11 rebounds in the 77-69 win.

With a combined 67,811 fans attending the Championship Series, it set a new NBL record for Grand Final attendance.

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
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.

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