The Adelaide 36ers have finalised their team roster by signing Oklahoma native Tony Crocker who last played with Pınar Karşıyaka of the Turkish Basketball League.
The 198cm swingman posted 11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in the 6 games he played for Pinar Karşıyaka in Euroleague competition before the league was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
At 33 years of age, Tony has a decade long resume which includes stings in Hungary, Finland, Cyprus, Israel, Turkey and Russia. Adelaide fans will no doubt be on their feet with the former Hungarian MVP and All-Star Slam Dunk Champion shows how he can play above the rim at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre this season, something Adelaide 36ers Chairman Grant Kelley is excited to see happen.
“Tony plays every game with intensity and has a very engaging personality which our fans will love. Tony will complement our relatively young squad with his experience, toughness and versatility.” Kelley said
Crocker, who was a college teammate of Blake Griffin, noted that he was excited to get to Adelaide and return to playing basketball after the coronavirus decimated basketball in Europe and continues to halt play for Euroleague teams.
“I am extremely excited to be part of the Adelaide 36er family. Australia is a beautiful country so when the opportunity presented itself in Adelaide, I immediately jumped at the chance. I can’t wait to be there with the team and build something special,” Tony said.
Crocker will form a one-two punch with new import Donald Sloan who played over 200 NBA games for Atlanta, New Orleans, Cleveland, Indiana and Brooklyn. They know each other well having faced each other multiple times in college when Sloan played for Texas A&M.
“We’re excited to add Tony to the group. We feel with his level of playing experience at the highest levels of Europe he brings scoring, toughness and leadership to our group. With Sloan and Crocker our club is ready for 2021.” noted Adelaide 36ers head coach Connor Henry.
Career Notes
- Played college basketball at University of Oklahoma (2006-10).
- Moved to Hungary for the 2010-11 season, signed by Albacomp-UPC Szekesfehervar.
- Moved to Finland for the 2011-12 season, signed by KTP Basket Kotka.
- Moved to Cyprus for the 2012-13 season, signed by Keranvos Strovolou.
- Moved to Greece for the 2013-14 season, signed by AE Nea Kifisia Athens.
- Moved to Israel for the 2014-15 season, signed by Hapoel Holon.
- Moved to Turkey for the 2015-16 season, signed by Yesilgiresun Belediye.
- Signed for the 2016-17 season by Tofas Bursa.
- Played there also the 2017-18 championship.
- Moved to Russia for the 2018-19 season, signed by BC Khimki Moscow region.
Miscellaneous
- Won the 2013 Cyprus Super Cup with Keravnos Strovolou.
- Named the 2012 Cyprus Super Cup MVP.
- Played the 2011 Hungarian All-Star Game.
- Played the 2015 Israeli All-Star Game.
- Played the 2016 Turkish All-Star Game.
The NBL has confirmed it will start the 2020-21 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season in mid-January with the initial schedule to be announced by December 3.