If NBL Players Were Slipping at Any Other Workplace, Would We Still Be Waiting for a Solution?
November 6, 2026
Luke Paul
- Nationality: AUS
- Date of Birth:
- Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia (Australia)
- Position: PG
- Height (CM): 198
- Weight (KG):
- Junior Assoc: WA - Willetton
- College:
NBL CAREER OVERVIEW
NBL DEBUT
8/10/26
Age 0
LAST NBL GAME
17/10/26
TEAM HISTORY
- Cairns2027
CHAMPIONSHIPS
NoneBIO: Luke Paul was born in Perth, Western Australia (Australia) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Willetton basketball program.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Luke Paul made his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans on 8/10/2026. He scored two points in his first game.
Cairns entered NBL27 under head coach Adam Forde with returning players including Keanu Pinder, Jack McVeigh, Jonah Bolden, Reyne Smith and Kyrin Galloway, adding imports Jaylon Brown and Walter Brown alongside Shaun Bruce, Jaylin Galloway, Sunday Dech and Malique Lewis.
In January 2026, Luke Paul became the youngest player signed to the NBL Next Stars program at 16 years, 10 months and 29 days.
Paul signed a multi-year deal with the NBL Next Stars program ahead of NBL27, becoming the youngest-ever player to sign with the program at 16 years, 10 months and 29 days of age and eclipsing the previous mark held by Dash Daniels. “It’s a dream come true…to sign a contract at 16 is pretty cool. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get started,” Paul said. “The NBL Next Stars program is a pathway that’s proven to get players to the NBA. Just being able to compete against professional players so early is going to be so beneficial for me. At this stage of my career, I want to go up against physical guys, because that can fast-track my development.”
On June 12, 2026, Cairns announced the signing of Paul as a Next Star for NBL27 after he chose Adam Forde’s development program over other interested NBL clubs.
Paul suffered minor ankle ligament damage during Cairns preseason training in August and was ruled out for six to eight weeks, including the NBL Blitz, with the Taipans targeting an early-season return
Cairns began its season without Paul, losing 111–90 at Sydney on September 20, winning 93–87 at home against Tasmania on September 23, losing 83–69 away to Adelaide on September 27, and falling 98–75 to New Zealand on September 30.
On October 1, Paul announced that he had committed to Duke University for the 2027/28 NCAA season after completing NBL27. The college commitment was announced on ESPN’s NBA Today and confirmed by the NBL on October 3, when Cairns defeated Melbourne United 107–95 at John Cain Arena after outscoring United 35–14 in the final period.
Paul was cleared to debut against Brisbane at Cairns Convention Centre on October 8, having missed the club’s first five games with his ankle injury. Coach Forde intended to use him for only short stretches under a minutes restriction but extended his first rotation after he adjusted comfortably to the pace of the game.
On October 8, Cairns defeated Brisbane 97–91. Luke Paul (2 points and 2 steals) played 11 minutes and 7 seconds, shooting 1-of-3 from the field while collecting no rebounds or assists. Jaylon Brown (25 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds), Jonah Bolden (16 points and 9 rebounds), Malique Lewis (15 points) and Jack McVeigh (15 points) led Cairns. Nate Hinton (30 points), Tyrell Harrison (23 points and 18 rebounds) and Arnas Velička (8 points and 8 assists) were prominent for Brisbane. McVeigh scored ten fourth-quarter points as the Taipans regained the lead and closed out the game.
On October 11, the Taipans beat Illawarra 110–100 in Wollongong. Luke Paul (2 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists) played 10 minutes and 57 seconds, making one of three field-goal attempts. Jack McVeigh (32 points), Jonah Bolden (20 points and 8 rebounds) and Keanu Pinder (19 points and 6 assists) led Cairns, while Makur Maker (18 points and 9 rebounds) and Sam Froling (16 points and 12 rebounds) contributed for Illawarra. The Hawks reduced Cairns’ lead to three points late in the fourth period before McVeigh answered and created a key corner three-pointer for Lewis.
Cairns held a 4–3 record through October 11. Luke Paul (2.0 points per game) had appeared in two games, accumulating four points, one rebound, three assists and two steals in 22 minutes and 4 seconds.
Luke Paul currently plays for the Cairns Taipans and has played 4 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 3.3 points, 1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists since entering the league in 2026.
CURRENT CONTRACT:
Cairns Taipans – Expected to sign with PER/CNS as Next Star
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0 | Cairns | 5-4 (4) | 4 | 48 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 36% | 0 | 3 | 0% | 3 | 4 | 0.75 | 41% | 36% | 5 | Totals | 4 | 48 | 13 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 35.7% | 0 | 3 | 0.0% | 3 | 4 | 75.0% | 41% | 36% | 4 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0 | Cairns | 5-4 (4) | 4 | 11.9 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 3.5 | 36% | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0% | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.75 | 41% | 36% | 5 | Total | 4 | 11.9 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 3.5 | 35.7% | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.0% | 0.8 | 1.0 | 75.0% | 41% | 36% | 4 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- Willetton (2024–2025), BA Centre of Excellence (2026)
Luke Paul was named on the Willetton Tigers’ men’s roster for the 2024 NBL1 West season. He returned in 2025 after re-signing with Willetton, with coach Adam Nener planning an increased role for the 15-year-old after he had first begun training with the NBL1 group in 2023.
In August 2025, Paul was announced as an incoming member of Basketball Australias Centre of Excellence mens program in Canberra alongside Queensland centre Harry Cook. The scholarship followed Pauls development through the Willetton Tigers and Perth Wildcats Academy, his performances for Australia at the 2024 FIBA Under-15 Oceania Cup, and his appearances for Western Australia Metro at national junior championships. The Wildcats reported that he began playing with Willettons senior NBL1 team at 15 and credited Wildcats Academy director Keegan Crawford for helping his development.
Cook, a Queensland South representative, had attended the Nike All-Asia Summit and won Defensive Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Australian Under-18 National Championships. The two athletes were scheduled to move to Canberra and begin their induction in August 2025. See Basketball Australias announcement and Perth Wildcats interview.
Paul joined the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence for the 2026 NBL1 East season. He recorded eight points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals in a 75–57 opening-round victory over Penrith and later averaged 8.36 points and a team-leading 3.64 assists per game.
Paul began training with the Willetton Tigers NBL1 West senior squad in 2023. Despite being included in its 2024 and 2025 teams, he played just four NBL1 West games across those two seasons while continuing his junior representative development.
In 2026, he joined the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra under coach Braden Cotter for NBL1 East. Luke Paul (8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game) played 14 games in approximately 23 minutes per outing, also averaging a steal. The CoE won 11 of 14 games when he played, and official NBL1 records list 8.36 points and a team-leading 3.64 assists per game.
In the March opening-round victory over Penrith (75–57), Paul (8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals) contributed alongside Jai Faale (15 points), Will Hamilton (12 points), Isaac Riddle (12 points) and Flynn Pavely (10 points). On March 29, the CoE defeated Bankstown Bruins 97–89, with Paul (13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists) recording a double-double.
In the Anzac Day victory over Newcastle (78–48), Paul (8 points and 3 assists) supported Jai Faale (19 points) and Ajak Nyuon (17 points). In a subsequent home win against the Central Coast Crusaders, Paul (11 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals) helped the CoE to its sixth victory.
On May 24, Paul (19 points on 6-of-12 shooting) contributed in a 70–60 home victory over Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders, against a side including NBL guard William Hickey. The win improved the CoEs record to 11–1.
His 2026 NBL1 East season and Australian junior national-team performances preceded his move to Cairns Taipans for NBL27.
FIBA EXPERIENCE
In November 2024, Luke Paul represented Australia at the FIBA Under-15 Oceania Cup in Canberra. Australia won gold by defeating New Zealand 96–68 in the final. Luke Paul (5.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game) played all four matches and helped Australia finish the tournament undefeated.
In August and September 2025, Paul represented Australia at the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Australia won all six games and defeated China 85–58 in the September 7 final. Luke Paul (14.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game) produced 26 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists in the championship match and was named Tournament Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-Star Five alongside Will Hamilton, Zhang Yizhaojie, Zhang Ziyi and Tawhiri Cate.
In December 2025, Paul returned to the Australian junior national team at the FIBA Under-17 Oceania Cup in Apia, Samoa. Luke Paul (9.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and a tournament-leading 6.2 assists per game) played five games. In Australias December 11 seeding victory over New Zealand, he recorded 18 points, 6 rebounds and 15 assists in 37 minutes. Australia lost the December 13 gold-medal game to New Zealand 82–62, taking silver and qualifying for the 2026 Under-17 World Cup.
Before joining the Taipans, he led Australia to bronze at the 2026 FIBA Under-17 World Cup and was selected to the tournament’s All-Star Five after averaging 15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.
In June and July 2026, Paul led Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Istanbul, Türkiye. Luke Paul (15.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game) recorded 107 points, 45 rebounds, 50 assists, 10 steals and 9 blocks over seven games, shooting 48.4 per cent from the field and 55.6 per cent from three-point range.
Paul recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists against Serbia, 18 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists against Côte dIvoire, and 6 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists against Venezuela in the group stage. In the July 1 round of 16 against Slovenia, he produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists while making five three-pointers. In the July 3 quarterfinal, Paul (21 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists) helped Australia defeat Canada 100–86.
The United States defeated Australia 114–65 in the July 4 semifinal, when Paul contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. On July 5, Australia defeated host Türkiye 77–69 in the third-place game, with Luke Paul (19 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks), Will Hamilton (16 points) and Yahya Basaran (14 points and 10 rebounds) among the leading performers. Paul was selected to the tournament All-Star Five, joining Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Beckham Black (United States), Nikola Kusturica (Serbia) and Ömer Kutluay (Türkiye).
COLLEGE
Luke Paul developed through Western Australian junior basketball, the Willetton Tigers and the Perth Wildcats Academy before accepting a scholarship to Basketball Australia's Centre of Excellence in Canberra in August 2025.
On October 1, 2026, Paul announced on ESPN's NBA Today that he had committed to Duke University for the 2027/28 NCAA season, after completing the 2026/27 NBL season as a Cairns Taipans Next Star.
He described Duke as a future pathway towards playing in the NBA and had been recruited following his performances for Australia at the 2026 FIBA Under-17 World Cup. The NBL announced his commitment on October 3, identifying Duke coach Jon Scheyer as the program he planned to join.
As of October 13, 2026, Paul had not yet attended or played a game for a US college, so his Duke commitment must not be listed as an already completed college playing season.
AWARDS
- 2024 FIBA Under-15 Oceania Cup Gold Medal (Australia; team achievement)
- 2025 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup Gold Medal (Australia; team achievement)
- 2025 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup Most Valuable Player (Australia; individual honour)
- 2025 FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup All-Star Five (Australia; individual honour)
- 2025 FIBA Under-17 Oceania Cup Silver Medal (Australia; team achievement)
- 2026 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup Bronze Medal (Australia; team achievement)
- 2026 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup All-Star Five (Australia; individual honour)
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