The Wollongong Hawks’ 2001 NBL Championship: The defining moment of an underdog’s rise
March 15, 2025
Melvin Thomas
- Nationality: USA/AUS
- Date of Birth: 25/02/68
- Place of Birth: Demopolis, Alabama (USA)
- Position: FRD
- Height (CM): 200
- Weight (KG): 98
- Junior Assoc: None
- College: Texas - Pan American (1987-1990)
- NBL DEBUT: 4/04/92
- AGE AT DEBUT: 24
- LAST NBL GAME: 17/02/06
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 37
- NBL History: Illawarra 1992-95, 2000-03 | Sydney 1996-97 | Canberra 1998-99 | Cairns 2004-06
- Championships: 1
- Wollongong (2001)
NICKNAME/S: Melly Mel
BIO: Melvin Thomas was born in Demopolis, Alabama (USA).
NBL EXPERIENCE
Melvin Thomas made his NBL debut with the Illawarra Hawks at 24 years of age. He scored 17 points in his first game.
In 1996, Thomas averaged 20.9 points and 9.3 rebounds, and helped guide the Kings to a fifth place finish in the regular season with a 16-10 record.
1997
In 1997 Thomas averaged 18.9 points and 10.7 rebounds, and helped guide the Kings to a ninth-place finish during the regular season with a 12-18 record.
1997
1998 saw Thomas average 18.2 points and 8.9 rebounds and play a key role in helping the Cannons to a seventh-place finish during the regular season with a 14-16 record.
1998
During the 1998/99 season Thomas averaged 21.1 points and 9.5 rebounds but the Cannons struggled to be competitive and finished the year with a record of 8-18.
1998/99
1999/00
At 33, Thomas had played in just 12 playoff games in his nine-year NBL career for only two wins and so he returned to the team where it all started for the 1999/00 season, somewhere his career 22.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game would be better appreciated.
Following a disappointing playoff campaign where they lost four straight games, Wollongong entered the 1999/00 NBL season determined to improve. The club made a key move in the offseason, parting ways with Clayton Ritter (to Canberra) and bringing back former team MVP Melvin Thomas after a four-year absence. With head coach Brendan Joyce leading the team and star guard CJ Bruton (22.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) orchestrating the offense, the Hawks were expected to be a much-improved squad.
Thomas, returning after stints with Sydney and Canberra, immediately re-established himself as a dominant force in the frontcourt. He provided inside scoring, rebounding, and leadership for a Hawks team that had struggled to match up with the league’s top big men in previous seasons. He averaged 19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.2 steals across 28 games, proving to be one of the most consistent players in the league. His ability to complement Bruton’s perimeter play was key to the team’s offensive strategy, as Wollongong relied heavily on their inside-out attack.
Despite the individual brilliance of Thomas and Bruton, the Hawks found it difficult to secure wins against the NBL’s elite teams. A major factor in their struggles was the lack of production from import center Todd Mundt (8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists), who struggled to play extended minutes. With nine games remaining in the season, the team made a significant change, releasing Mundt and bringing in mid-season acquisition Matt Garrison (17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in nine games). While Garrison provided an immediate boost with his work ethic and all-around contributions, it was too little too late for Wollongong to salvage their season.
Alongside Thomas, Glen Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals) continued to grow into one of the league’s most versatile forwards, contributing on both ends of the floor. Mat Campbell (14.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) provided perimeter scoring, while veteran Mike McKay (5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) added experience to the rotation. The lack of interior depth, however, left the Hawks vulnerable against more physical opponents, and their inability to consistently beat playoff-caliber teams saw them limp to an 11-17 record, finishing eighth on the ladder.
Thomas’ production and leadership were among the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season. He finished as the team’s second-leading scorer and top rebounder, earning Hawks co-MVP honors alongside Saville.
2000/01
The 2000/01 season was a historic one for the Wollongong Hawks as they captured their first-ever NBL Championship. Under head coach Brendan Joyce, the team underwent a major roster overhaul, adding key players including Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Axel Dench, Grant Kruger, and Matt Shanahan. These changes provided the team with valuable depth, but the foundation of their success remained their veteran big man, Melvin Thomas, who delivered one of the best seasons of his career.
Thomas was a dominant force on both ends of the floor, leading the team in scoring (18.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks). His consistent ability to score inside, rebound, and defend made him the Hawks’ most reliable performer throughout the season. Alongside Thomas, Charles Thomas (16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks) and Glen Saville (15.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks) provided crucial support, while Damon Lowery (13.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals) stabilized the backcourt. Rookie Axel Dench (13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks) made an immediate impact and went on to win NBL Rookie of the Year.
Wollongong finished the regular season with a franchise-best 21-7 record, tying with Perth but finishing fourth due to the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Hawks thrived in close games, going 12-0 in contests decided by three points or fewer, and boasted the league’s best road record at 12-2. Despite their success, no Hawks player was named to the All-NBL First or Second Team, further emphasising the team’s selfless, balanced approach in a league dominated by superstar duos like Andrew Gaze & Mark Bradtke (Melbourne), Ricky Grace & Paul Rogers (Perth), and Darnell Mee & Brett Maher (Adelaide).
The qualifying finals saw Wollongong face off against Perth, and the Hawks started strong with a 97-90 Game 1 victory at home. Melvin Thomas (22 points, 13 rebounds) led the way, while Damon Lowery (19 points), Charles Thomas (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists), and Mat Campbell (10 points and 5 rebounds) also played key roles.
Game 2 in Perth saw the Wildcats bounce back, winning 106-95 as Wollongong struggled offensively. Melvin Thomas (6 points and 7 rebounds) had a tough outing, as Perth’s defense made it difficult for him to get comfortable in the post. This forced a decisive Game 3, also in Perth, where the Hawks pulled off a stunning 98-88 upset. Glen Saville (26 points, 16 rebounds) and Damon Lowery (20 points) stepped up, while Charles Thomas (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed across the board. Melvin Thomas (9 points) struggled against Perth’s defensive schemes, shooting just 2-of-9 from the field, but the Hawks did enough to secure their first-ever playoff series victory.
The semi-finals set up a matchup with Adelaide, featuring stars Darnell Mee and Kevin Brooks. Melvin Thomas (18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) returned to form in Game 1, while Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds) helped the Hawks secure a narrow 84-83 win on the road. The series shifted to Wollongong for Game 2, but Adelaide bounced back to win 111-100, despite another strong performance from Melvin Thomas (22 points and 11 rebounds). This led to a dramatic Game 3 decider at WIN Entertainment Centre, where one of the most controversial moments in NBL history unfolded. With Adelaide leading 108-106 in the final seconds, Damon Lowery drew a foul on a last-second three-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws to secure a 109-108 win and send the Hawks to their first-ever NBL Grand Final.
In the deciding game, Melvin Thomas (28 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) was outstanding, delivering one of his best performances of the season and ensuring the Hawks’ place in the championship series.
The 2001 NBL Grand Final saw Wollongong take on the Townsville Crocodiles. Game 1 at a packed WIN Entertainment Centre saw the Hawks claim a 104-101 win, led by Melvin Thomas (24 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists). The Hawks had seized early control of the series, but the battle was far from over.
Game 2 in Townsville saw the Crocodiles bounce back with a 114-97 win, as they succeeded in slowing down Melvin Thomas (16 points and 13 rebounds). With the championship on the line, the deciding Game 3 was played the following day. The matchup turned into a grueling, hard-fought battle, with neither team willing to give an inch. Melvin Thomas (18 points and 12 rebounds) once again stepped up in the clutch, while Charles Thomas (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Glen Saville (18 points and 12 rebounds) played key roles. Saville was later awarded NBL Finals MVP.
The Hawks’ 97-94 victory in Game 3 secured their first-ever NBL Championship, making them the first New South Wales club to win an NBL title. It was a crowning moment for Melvin Thomas, who had been the team’s most consistent performer throughout the season and the playoffs. His ability to deliver big performances in key moments was instrumental in the Hawks’ historic run.
Brendan Joyce was named NBL Coach of the Year, recognized for building a selfless, well-balanced squad. Axel Dench capped off his breakout rookie season by winning NBL Rookie of the Year, but it was Melvin Thomas who remained the heart and soul of the team. As the team’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, he had been a driving force behind Wollongong’s first-ever championship.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 38 | Cairns | 18-14 (5) | 36 | 678.0 | 229 | 138 | 31 | 35 | 103 | 26 | 12 | 49 | 96 | 77 | 204 | 38% | 0 | 8 | 0% | 75 | 114 | 66% | 44% | 38% | 20 |
| 2004-05 | 37 | Cairns | 11-21 (10) | 27 | 679.0 | 275 | 167 | 33 | 60 | 107 | 22 | 11 | 52 | 86 | 109 | 243 | 45% | 1 | 7 | 14% | 56 | 76 | 74% | 49% | 45% | 19 |
| 2003-04 | 36 | Cairns | 16-17 (6) | 20 | 600.0 | 281 | 155 | 52 | 57 | 98 | 19 | 20 | 61 | 59 | 108 | 235 | 46% | 6 | 23 | 26% | 59 | 77 | 77% | 52% | 47% | 30 |
| 2002-03 | 35 | Wollongong | 18-12 (4) | 31 | 1,000.0 | 450 | 238 | 59 | 80 | 158 | 32 | 17 | 74 | 110 | 167 | 354 | 47% | 9 | 32 | 28% | 107 | 149 | 72% | 53% | 48% | 27 |
| 2001-02 | 34 | Wollongong | 16-14 (4) | 32 | 1,178.0 | 470 | 309 | 75 | 119 | 190 | 27 | 34 | 96 | 124 | 193 | 424 | 46% | 6 | 13 | 46% | 78 | 112 | 70% | 49% | 46% | 27 |
| 2000-01 | 33 | Wollongong | 21-7 (4) | 35 | 1,270.0 | 653 | 332 | 81 | 116 | 216 | 45 | 29 | 110 | 126 | 260 | 491 | 53% | 1 | 5 | 20% | 132 | 187 | 71% | 56% | 53% | 32 |
| 1999-00 | 32 | Wollongong | 11-17 (8) | 28 | 1,045.0 | 550 | 242 | 67 | 88 | 154 | 34 | 20 | 85 | 106 | 206 | 409 | 50% | 2 | 12 | 17% | 136 | 186 | 73% | 55% | 51% | 32 |
| 1998-99 | 31 | Canberra | 8-18 (11) | 26 | 1,049.0 | 549 | 246 | 82 | 75 | 171 | 34 | 30 | 84 | 86 | 205 | 400 | 51% | 7 | 22 | 32% | 132 | 172 | 77% | 57% | 52% | 28 |
| 1998 | 30 | Canberra | 14-16 (7) | 30 | 1,056.0 | 546 | 266 | 53 | 110 | 156 | 31 | 33 | 90 | 113 | 218 | 435 | 50% | 1 | 11 | 9% | 109 | 142 | 77% | 54% | 50% | 29 |
| 1997 | 29 | Sydney | 12-18 (9) | 30 | 1,279.0 | 568 | 320 | 88 | 99 | 221 | 48 | 25 | 93 | 98 | 229 | 445 | 51% | 7 | 18 | 39% | 103 | 130 | 79% | 56% | 52% | 30 |
| 1996 | 28 | Sydney | 16-10 (5) | 29 | 1,230.0 | 605 | 269 | 127 | 75 | 194 | 32 | 54 | 110 | 107 | 224 | 453 | 49% | 4 | 16 | 25% | 153 | 196 | 78% | 55% | 50% | 31 |
| 1995 | 27 | Illawarra | 14-12 (7) | 29 | 1,281.0 | 784 | 294 | 132 | 73 | 221 | 51 | 52 | 151 | 106 | 306 | 587 | 52% | 16 | 61 | 26% | 156 | 217 | 72% | 57% | 53% | 39 |
| 1994 | 26 | Illawarra | 13-13 (10) | 26 | 1,087.0 | 696 | 291 | 100 | 91 | 200 | 47 | 54 | 113 | 91 | 272 | 527 | 52% | 11 | 33 | 33% | 141 | 189 | 75% | 56% | 53% | 40 |
| 1993 | 25 | Illawarra | 15-11 (6) | 28 | 1,202.0 | 719 | 306 | 106 | 90 | 216 | 54 | 41 | 114 | 99 | 284 | 593 | 48% | 5 | 26 | 19% | 146 | 200 | 73% | 52% | 48% | 36 |
| 1992 | 24 | Illawarra | 13-11 (5) | 26 | 1,099.0 | 583 | 305 | 109 | 115 | 190 | 42 | 70 | 105 | 108 | 237 | 425 | 56% | 0 | 7 | 0% | 109 | 148 | 74% | 59% | 56% | 32 | Totals | 433 | 15733 | 7958 | 3878 | 1195 | 1283 | 2595 | 544 | 502 | 1387 | 1515 | 3095 | 6225 | 49.7% | 76 | 294 | 25.9% | 1692 | 2295 | 73.7% | 55% | 50% | 40 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-06 | 38 | Cairns | 18-14 (5) | 36 | 18.8 | 6.4 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 2.1 | 5.7 | 38% | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0% | 2.1 | 3.2 | 66% | 44% | 38% | 20 |
| 2004-05 | 37 | Cairns | 11-21 (10) | 27 | 25.1 | 10.2 | 6.2 | 1.2 | 2.2 | 4.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 9.0 | 45% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 14% | 2.1 | 2.8 | 74% | 49% | 45% | 19 |
| 2003-04 | 36 | Cairns | 16-17 (6) | 20 | 30.0 | 14.1 | 7.8 | 2.6 | 2.9 | 4.9 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 3.0 | 5.4 | 11.8 | 46% | 0.3 | 1.2 | 26% | 3.0 | 3.9 | 77% | 52% | 47% | 30 |
| 2002-03 | 35 | Wollongong | 18-12 (4) | 31 | 32.3 | 14.5 | 7.7 | 1.9 | 2.6 | 5.1 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 2.4 | 3.5 | 5.4 | 11.4 | 47% | 0.3 | 1.0 | 28% | 3.5 | 4.8 | 72% | 53% | 48% | 27 |
| 2001-02 | 34 | Wollongong | 16-14 (4) | 32 | 36.8 | 14.7 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 3.7 | 5.9 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 3.9 | 6.0 | 13.3 | 46% | 0.2 | 0.4 | 46% | 2.4 | 3.5 | 70% | 49% | 46% | 27 |
| 2000-01 | 33 | Wollongong | 21-7 (4) | 35 | 36.3 | 18.7 | 9.5 | 2.3 | 3.3 | 6.2 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 3.6 | 7.4 | 14.0 | 53% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 20% | 3.8 | 5.3 | 71% | 56% | 53% | 32 |
| 1999-00 | 32 | Wollongong | 11-17 (8) | 28 | 37.3 | 19.6 | 8.6 | 2.4 | 3.1 | 5.5 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 7.4 | 14.6 | 50% | 0.1 | 0.4 | 17% | 4.9 | 6.6 | 73% | 55% | 51% | 32 |
| 1998-99 | 31 | Canberra | 8-18 (11) | 26 | 40.3 | 21.1 | 9.5 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 6.6 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 7.9 | 15.4 | 51% | 0.3 | 0.8 | 32% | 5.1 | 6.6 | 77% | 57% | 52% | 28 |
| 1998 | 30 | Canberra | 14-16 (7) | 30 | 35.2 | 18.2 | 8.9 | 1.8 | 3.7 | 5.2 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 7.3 | 14.5 | 50% | 0.0 | 0.4 | 9% | 3.6 | 4.7 | 77% | 54% | 50% | 29 |
| 1997 | 29 | Sydney | 12-18 (9) | 30 | 42.6 | 18.9 | 10.7 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 7.4 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 7.6 | 14.8 | 51% | 0.2 | 0.6 | 39% | 3.4 | 4.3 | 79% | 56% | 52% | 30 |
| 1996 | 28 | Sydney | 16-10 (5) | 29 | 42.4 | 20.9 | 9.3 | 4.4 | 2.6 | 6.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 7.7 | 15.6 | 49% | 0.1 | 0.6 | 25% | 5.3 | 6.8 | 78% | 55% | 50% | 31 |
| 1995 | 27 | Illawarra | 14-12 (7) | 29 | 44.2 | 27.0 | 10.1 | 4.6 | 2.5 | 7.6 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 5.2 | 3.7 | 10.6 | 20.2 | 52% | 0.6 | 2.1 | 26% | 5.4 | 7.5 | 72% | 57% | 53% | 39 |
| 1994 | 26 | Illawarra | 13-13 (10) | 26 | 41.8 | 26.8 | 11.2 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 7.7 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 10.5 | 20.3 | 52% | 0.4 | 1.3 | 33% | 5.4 | 7.3 | 75% | 56% | 53% | 40 |
| 1993 | 25 | Illawarra | 15-11 (6) | 28 | 42.9 | 25.7 | 10.9 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 7.7 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 10.1 | 21.2 | 48% | 0.2 | 0.9 | 19% | 5.2 | 7.1 | 73% | 52% | 48% | 36 |
| 1992 | 24 | Illawarra | 13-11 (5) | 26 | 42.3 | 22.4 | 11.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 7.3 | 1.6 | 2.7 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 9.1 | 16.3 | 56% | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0% | 4.2 | 5.7 | 74% | 59% | 56% | 32 | Total | 433 | 36.3 | 18.4 | 9.0 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 7.1 | 14.4 | 49.7% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 25.9% | 0.2 | 0.7 | 73.7% | 55% | 50% | 40 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 40 | 21 | 16 | 8 | 7 | 13 | 0 |
|---|
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Belgium - ? | France - ? | México - ?
Name: Thomas, Melvin | college: Texas - Pan American (1987-1990) Graduated prior to: 1992| Additional Info: Thomas played college basketball at Texas–Pan American from 1987–88 through 1989–90, finishing his Broncs career with 1,306 points, which has been listed as ninth all-time in school history.
In the 1987–88 season, Thomas averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for Texas–Pan American.
As a junior in 1988–89, Thomas appeared in 28 games and averaged 32.0 minutes, scoring 14.9 points per game while shooting .489 from the field, .400 on three-pointers, and .653 at the free-throw line.
In that 1988–89 season, he averaged 7.3 rebounds per game and added 1.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, with a documented 36 total blocks for the season.
During the 1988–89 season, Texas–Pan American played at Houston on January 7, 1989, and Thomas was part of a push that helped pull the Broncs within four points (50–46) with 9:04 remaining in the game.
Thomas earned third-team All-American South Conference honours for the 1988–89 season.
In his senior season (1989–90), Thomas played 30 games and started all 30, averaging 32.0 minutes per game and scoring 19.0 points per game while shooting .547 from the field and .761 from the free-throw line.
That 1989–90 season line also included 8.4 rebounds per game, plus 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, with 42 total blocks credited for the season and his 1.4 blocks per game listed among the top single-season marks in the program’s tracked leaders.
Thomas was named the Jowers Jamboree tournament MVP in December 1989, was recognised as the UTPA Male Student-Athlete of the Year for 1989–90, and earned second-team All-American South Conference honours for the 1989–90 season.
Across his Texas–Pan American career (1987–90), Thomas is credited with 1,306 points, 107 career blocks and 637 rebounds.
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