NICKNAME/S: Icecream

BIO: Sunday Dech was born in Gambela (Ethiopia) to South Sudanese parents. When he was six years old, his family moved to Perth (WA) after his father secured the immigration paperwork needed for the family to relocate to Australia.

Growing up in Perth, Dech participated in Australian rules football, soccer and skateboarding, which helped him become accustomed to life in Australia.

Dech attended Churchlands Senior High School, graduating in 2012. He began playing basketball at 16 years of age at the Morley Sport and Recreation Centre before joining the East Perth Eagles basketball program.

After progressing through the East Perth basketball system, Dech earned an opportunity to join the Perth Wildcats as a development player.

FAMILY: Dech was born in Gambela, Ethiopia as one of seven children to South Sudanese parents Abraham Dech and Aret Ochala. His family are members of the Anuak tribe.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Sunday Dech made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 20 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

For the 2013/14 NBL season, he joined the Perth Wildcats as a development player won a championship in his first season.

2014/15
Following Perth’s 2014 NBL championship, Sunday Dech returned to the Wildcats as a development player for the 2014/15 season. The club retained its championship core under Trevor Gleeson, with DeAndre Daniels (via Connecticut) and Earnest Ross (via Missouri) joining the roster following the departures of James Ennis and Erik Burdon.

Dech (0 points across 1 game) remained outside the regular rotation, gaining experience training alongside established players such as Damian Martin, Jermaine Beal and Shawn Redhage. His limited NBL appearances reflected his development-player status rather than a confirmed injury. He also continued developing through the State Basketball League with East Perth before moving to the United States to pursue college basketball.

Perth finished fourth with a 16-12 record, qualifying for the postseason for the 29th consecutive year. Dech did not appear in the semifinals as the Wildcats lost to Cairns 71-64 and 80-68, ending their championship defence.

2018/19
After finishing third with a 16-12 record and being swept by Adelaide in the semifinals, Perth re-signed Bryce Cotton and added Nick Kay (via Illawarra), Mitch Norton (via Illawarra), Tom Jervis (via Brisbane) and import Terrico White (via Seoul SK), while Lucas Walker (to Cairns), Jarrod Kenny (to Cairns), Dexter Kernich-Drew (to Cairns), JP Tokoto (to Israel) and Derek Cooke Jr departed. After completing his college career, Sunday Dech returned to Western Australia and trained with several NBL teams before returning to Perth as a nominated injury-replacement player, having previously spent two seasons with the Wildcats as a development player.

With Damian Martin sidelined by a calf injury, Dech made his first appearance of the season against New Zealand on November 3, finishing with 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist as Perth won 92-78. Cotton (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Clint Steindl (17 points) led the Wildcats, while Tai Wesley (22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) was New Zealand’s best. The game also saw Perth field four West Australians for the first time since 1994. VIDEO: WA Wildcats make team history

Dech (1.5 points across 12 games) remained Perth’s nominated replacement player and later covered for Cotton when his thumb injury kept him out against Sydney. His best regular-season game came against Illawarra on November 11, where Dech (2 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist) played almost 12 minutes as Perth defeated the Hawks 90-81. Cotton (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Kay (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) led Perth, while Todd Blanchfield (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was among Illawarra’s best. Dech was not sidelined by an injury during the season, with his limited appearances instead connected to his replacement-player role and Perth’s rotation.

Cotton (21.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 31 games) led the NBL in scoring, while White (17 points and 4.3 rebounds across 30 games) and Kay (14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals across 34 games) were Perth’s other leading scorers. Norton (8.3 points across 27 games), Angus Brandt (8 points and 5.5 rebounds across 31 games), Steindl (6.9 points across 34 games), Jesse Wagstaff (5.6 points across 34 games) and Martin (5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.6 steals across 28 games) provided further depth as Perth recovered from a mid-season slump to finish first with an 18-10 record.

Perth opened the semifinals with an 89-59 win over Brisbane, with Dech (6 points) producing his highest-scoring NBL game to that point behind Cotton (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), White (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Kay (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), while Cameron Gliddon (18 points and 4 rebounds) led Brisbane. Game two moved to Brisbane, where Dech (2 points and 1 rebound) played four minutes as White (24 points), Cotton (19 points and 10 assists) and Kay (16 points and 15 rebounds) led Perth to an 84-79 victory, while Lamar Patterson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Bullets.

Dech did not appear during the Grand Final series. Perth won game one 81-71 behind White (19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Brandt (14 points and 7 rebounds), while Casper Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne. United levelled the series with a 92-74 game two victory as Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and White (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth, while DJ Kennedy (12 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was important for Melbourne.

Perth regained control in game three with a 96-67 win as White (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Cotton (16 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, while David Barlow (13 points and 5 rebounds) was Melbourne’s joint-leading scorer. Game four saw Cotton (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), White (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kay (12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) lead Perth, while Ware (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) was Melbourne’s leading scorer. White was named Grand Final MVP as Perth won 97-84, claimed the series 3-1 and secured its ninth NBL championship, giving Dech his second championship with the Wildcats.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
2019/20
After finishing seventh with a 12-16 record the previous season, Illawarra entered the new campaign under first-year head coach Matt Flinn. Kevin White (to Adelaide), Brian Conklin, Jordair Jett and Cedric Jackson departed, while the Hawks added former NBA guard Aaron Brooks, Next Star LaMelo Ball, Josh Boone (via Melbourne) and Sam Froling to a returning group which included Todd Blanchfield, AJ Ogilvy, Tim Coenraad, David Andersen, Emmett Naar, Angus Glover and Daniel Grida.

After helping Perth win the 2019 NBL championship, Dech (via Perth) signed a two-year deal with Illawarra on April 9 after being highly sought after as a free agent. The move gave Dech his first full NBL contract after previously filling development player and injury replacement roles with the Wildcats.

Illawarra opened the season at home against Brisbane on October 6, where Dech (0 points and 1 rebound) played 2:48 off the bench as the Hawks lost 90-81. Brooks (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Ball (12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) led Illawarra, while Lamar Patterson (25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Brisbane’s best.

Dech (9.2 points and 3.7 rebounds across 27 games) began the season coming off the bench before establishing himself in the starting lineup, starting 18 games and developing into one of the league’s better defensive guards. His only missed game was the October 21 loss to Adelaide, when he was not listed in Illawarra’s game-day lineup. No injury was reported around the absence and he returned three days later against New Zealand.

Dech’s role increased following the loss of Brooks (17.9 points and 4.1 assists across 7 games), who tore his Achilles against Perth on October 27, ending his season and ultimately his playing career. Ball (17 points, 7.5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 12 games) then became the centrepiece of Illawarra’s offence, recording consecutive triple-doubles before bruising his foot in practice in December and missing the remainder of the season.

Dech produced his first major performance for Illawarra in Cairns on November 9, finishing with 21 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal and hitting a dagger jump shot in the final minute as the Hawks defeated the Taipans 101-91. Ball (24 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Andersen (17 points and 8 rebounds) provided support, while Mirko Djeric (19 points and 5 rebounds) led Cairns.

Dech delivered another strong scoring performance against South East Melbourne on December 28, finishing with 20 points and 6 rebounds as Illawarra lost 112-102 at Melbourne Arena. Blanchfield (22 points and 5 rebounds) and Darington Hobson (13 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) provided support, while John Roberson (28 points and 5 assists) led the Phoenix.

Hobson (5.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals across 13 games) was added in December as Illawarra attempted to cover the losses of Brooks and Ball. Ball eventually returned to the United States with four games remaining to prepare for the NBA Draft, with Billy Preston (6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds across 3 games) added to the roster before being released after three appearances following multiple missed practices.

Blanchfield (13.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 28 games) became Illawarra’s leading scorer following Brooks’ injury and won the Hawks’ MVP award for the second consecutive season, while Ball was named NBL Rookie of the Year. Ogilvy (8.5 points and 6.3 rebounds across 26 games), Boone (8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds across 24 games), Coenraad (8.1 points across 28 games), Andersen (6.6 points across 16 games), Froling (6 points and 3.4 rebounds across 17 games), Naar (5.6 points and 3.6 assists across 25 games) and Glover (5.2 points across 27 games) were the Hawks’ other major contributors, with Froling missing 11 games due to an ankle injury.

Dech’s increased role was recognised at the end of the season when he finished third in voting for the NBL Most Improved Player award with 27 votes, earned a nomination for Defensive Player of the Year and was named the Hawks’ Members’ Favourite Player. He was also one of six debutants selected for Australia’s team for the February 2020 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

“I was very fortunate to get the opportunity I did and when it came I grabbed it and ran and never looked back,” Dech said.

Following the season, Illawarra entered voluntary administration and creditors voted to liquidate the club on May 18. Dech’s remaining contract was terminated by the administrator and, despite the NBL offering to honour the same terms under new ownership, Dech (to Adelaide) signed a three-year deal with the 36ers in July.

Dech’s best scoring game of the season came in Illawarra’s final game at Qudos Bank Arena on February 14, where he made 11-of-17 shots and three three-pointers to finish with a career-high 26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Glover (15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Grida (9 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) provided support, while Jae’Sean Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney to a 98-82 victory as Illawarra finished ninth with a 5-23 record and ten consecutive losses.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2020/21
After finishing seventh with a 12-16 record and missing the playoffs the previous season, Adelaide parted ways with long-time coach Joey Wright despite time remaining on his contract, with his departure coming amid several issues with players. Former Perth assistant Conner Henry was appointed as his replacement, while co-captain Kevin White (to Perth), Harry Froling (to Brisbane) and Obi Kyei (released) departed. Jack McVeigh, Brendan Teys, Daniel Dillon and Alex Mudronja remained with the club.

Adelaide first added highly-rated Next Star Josh Giddey (via NBA Global Academy), who had recently become the youngest Australian to debut for the Boomers since Ben Simmons. Daniel Johnson then signed a new three-year deal, while former NBL Rookie of the Year Isaac Humphries (via Lakeland) signed for two years and Keanu Pinder (via Warsaw) joined on a one-year deal.

With Giddey already signed, Adelaide added Sunday Dech (via Illawarra) on a three-year deal on July 22 after a breakout season with the Hawks where he had been nominated for both Most Improved Player and Best Defensive Player. Former NBA guard Donald Sloan (via Baskets Bonn) was then signed as Adelaide’s first import before Tony Crocker (via Pinar Karsiyaka) completed the main roster. The planned backcourt had Sloan and Giddey operating as the team’s main playmakers, while the former Hawk provided the defensive balance and was expected to take the tougher assignments against opposing guards.

“Sunday brings both a defensive mindset and athleticism that we need at our club,” said Henry.

Adelaide opened the season against Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 15, where Dech (2 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist) started as United won 89-65. Johnson (27 points and 5 rebounds) and Giddey (7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Adelaide’s leading performers, while Jo Lual-Acuil (16 points and 12 rebounds) led Melbourne.

Dech (8.7 points and 4.1 rebounds across 36 games) remained one of Adelaide’s most durable players, appearing in every game and starting the first 32 before coming off the bench for the final four. He did not miss a game through injury and became Adelaide’s primary defensive guard throughout his first season with the club.

His defensive value was on show against New Zealand at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 27, where Dech (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) made all four of his field goal attempts and his defence helped hold Lamar Patterson (0 points on 0-of-5 shooting) scoreless as Adelaide won 88-78. Humphries (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Johnson (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the 36ers, while Finn Delany (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led New Zealand.

Adelaide opened the season 4-2 before the makeup of its backcourt changed. Sloan (9 points and 3 assists across 6 games) was moved to the bench for his final three appearances before requesting and receiving a release to pursue opportunities internationally. Sloan’s exit left Dech as the established starting guard alongside Giddey, with Jeremy Kendle (5.7 points across 10 games) signed on a short-term deal before Brandon Paul (13.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 20 games; via Zhejiang) arrived for the remainder of the season.

COVID-19 disruptions resulted in the NBL Cup being held in Melbourne, where Adelaide struggled and fell from third place to seventh. Humphries (13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks across 19 games) suffered a left foot injury against New Zealand on February 27 and missed 11 consecutive games before returning, with recurring soreness in the same foot later ending his season. Jack Purchase (injury replacement) was signed to provide additional frontcourt depth.

Dech’s best and highest-scoring game of the season came against Brisbane at John Cain Arena on March 11, where Dech (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) made eight of 13 field goals and three of five three-pointers, but the Bullets defeated Adelaide 109-104. Johnson (29 points and 9 rebounds) and Giddey (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists) led the 36ers alongside Dech, while Nathan Sobey (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane.

Dech (8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) produced his season-high in steals against Illawarra at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on April 3 as Adelaide snapped a five-game losing streak with an 84-72 victory. Johnson (26 points and 15 rebounds) and Giddey (13 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the 36ers, while Justinian Jessup (17 points and 3 blocks) led Illawarra.

Johnson (19.4 points and 7.1 rebounds across 36 games) led Adelaide in scoring for the sixth time and shared the club MVP award with Giddey (10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 28 games), who led the NBL in assists and won Rookie of the Year. Crocker (10.8 points across 32 games) and McVeigh (9.4 points and 3.3 rebounds across 36 games) were also regular contributors, while Paul and Humphries provided further scoring when available. Dech’s defensive work was recognised at Adelaide’s end-of-season awards when he collected the club’s Best Defence Player award, while Humphries received the Coaches Choice Award and McVeigh was named Most Improved Player.

Adelaide closed the season against Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on June 6, where Dech (2 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) came off the bench, with Crocker (27 points and 5 rebounds) and Johnson (18 points and 13 rebounds) leading the 36ers, while Jock Landale (19 points and 9 rebounds) led United to a 102-80 victory, leaving Adelaide seventh with a 13-23 record.

2021/22
After finishing seventh with a 13-23 record the previous season, Adelaide lost Josh Giddey (to Oklahoma City), Jack McVeigh (to Tasmania) and Keanu Pinder (to Cairns), before adding Mitch McCarron (via Melbourne), Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto, Tad Dufelmeier Jr (via Cairns), Mojave King (via Cairns), imports Dusty Hannahs (via Santa Cruz) and Todd Withers (via Italy). King had sought a larger role after believing his limited playing time in Cairns was hurting his NBA chances. Adelaide then surprisingly released coach Conner Henry despite a year remaining on his contract, with the club saying their directions were no longer aligned, and appointed CJ Bruton only weeks before the opening game. Bruton had recently missed out on Brisbane’s head coaching role to James Duncan and completed the roster by adding Hyrum Harris (via Hawke’s Bay) and Cam Bairstow (via Illawarra). Bairstow had battled injuries throughout the previous seasons and received no other NBL offers, but Bruton convinced him to join Adelaide after working with him in Brisbane. McCarron was named the new captain and positioned as Adelaide’s franchise player moving forward.

Sunday Dech entered the second season of the three-year contract he signed when joining Adelaide from Illawarra, having become a fan favourite and won the club’s Best Defence Player award during his first season with the 36ers.

Adelaide opened at RAC Arena on December 3 without Dech, who remained sidelined by a quadriceps hematoma, and suffered an 85-73 loss to Perth. Daniel Johnson (22 points and 6 rebounds) and Bairstow (15 points and 7 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Victor Law (37 points and 4 rebounds) dominated for Perth. The 36ers also lost to Illawarra before defeating Tasmania and New Zealand to improve to 2-2 and reach sixth place, their highest position of the season and the only point they did not have a losing record.

Dech (12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds across 23 games) missed Adelaide’s opening five games because of the quadriceps injury before making his season debut against Perth at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 18. Dech finished with 10 points and 3 rebounds in almost 20 minutes as Adelaide won 87-74 behind Johnson (21 points and 8 rebounds) and Bairstow (19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), while Law (16 points and 14 rebounds) led Perth. Dech started each of Adelaide’s remaining 22 games and did not miss another game during the season.

Six days later, Dech made six three-pointers and finished with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal against Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Withers (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Sotto (12 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, but Harry Froling (27 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks to a 100-89 win.

Dech produced another strong performance against South East Melbourne at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on March 27, finishing with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists as Adelaide won 100-92. Johnson (22 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McCarron (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped the 36ers collect their second consecutive victory, while Mitch Creek (27 points and 12 rebounds) led the Phoenix.

Dech’s best scoring game came at RAC Arena on April 14, where he finished with 23 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Adelaide upset Perth 82-70. Johnson (23 points and 6 rebounds) and Hannahs (23 points) gave Adelaide three 23-point scorers, while Law (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Wildcats. Dech and McCarron combined to limit Bryce Cotton (7 points) to three field goals from 16 attempts as the 36ers damaged Perth’s playoff hopes.

Johnson (16.1 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) led Adelaide in scoring and won his second consecutive Mark Davis Award as the club’s Most Valuable Player. Hannahs (13.6 points across 23 games), Bairstow (11.4 points and 8 rebounds across 18 games), Withers (8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds across 26 games), McCarron (7.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2 steals across 27 games) and Sotto (7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 23 games) were Adelaide’s other major contributors. Isaac Humphries (7.7 points and 5 rebounds across 6 games) suffered a knee injury that ended his season, while Bairstow produced the best season of his NBL career before a late ankle injury ended his campaign and ultimately his NBL career. Harris (4.2 points across 22 games) was named Adelaide’s Most Improved Player, while Dech became a reliable two-way contributor and produced the highest-scoring season of his career.

With one month remaining, Adelaide was 7-17 and out of playoff contention, but improved road form gave the 36ers a chance to finish with four consecutive away wins. South East Melbourne erased a 17-point deficit at John Cain Arena on April 22, where Dech finished with 20 points, 6 assists, and 1 steal, with Johnson (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Hannahs (18 points, 3 assists, and 1 block) providing support. Cameron Gliddon (24 points and 6 rebounds) led the Phoenix to a 94-91 win.

Dech’s best all-round game came in Adelaide’s final game against New Zealand at MyState Bank Arena on April 24, where he made seven of nine shots and finished with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals as the 36ers turned a seven-point half-time lead into a 93-60 victory. King (15 points and 2 steals) and Withers (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) helped Adelaide record its largest win of the season, while Rasmus Bach (14 points) and Chasson Randle (14 points) led New Zealand. “I’ve got a smile on my face. It’s been a tough and challenging road but finishing off strong is important. You’ve always got a lot to play for – our fans, our families, the community, our sponsors. While this time might not have been our time, we still had a job to do and showed everyone we’re united,” said Bruton. Adelaide missed the playoffs and finished seventh for the third consecutive season with a 10-18 record.

2022/23
After a challenging NBL22 season where Adelaide struggled to find a cohesive core and injuries ravaged their frontcourt, head coach CJ Bruton entered the 2022/23 campaign optimistic about what could be achieved with a full offseason of preparation. Isaac Humphries (to Melbourne), Mojave King (to NBA G League Ignite), Dusty Hannahs (to Santa Cruz), Todd Withers (to Vilnius) and Cameron Bairstow (retired) departed, while captain Mitch McCarron, Daniel Johnson, Hyrum Harris, Kai Sotto and Nick Marshall remained. Bruton added Anthony Drmic (via Brisbane), Kyrin Galloway (via New Zealand), Antonius Cleveland (via Illawarra), Robert Franks (via Brisbane), Craig Randall II (via Long Island) and Deng Acuoth (via Knox), with Cleveland and Franks both signing two-year deals.

Adelaide generated enormous expectations during its preseason tour of the United States, stunning the Phoenix Suns 134-124 in Arizona to become the first NBL team to defeat NBA opposition and the first non-NBA team to beat an NBA club since Fenerbahce defeated Brooklyn in 2015. Randall II (35 points) and Franks (32 points and 7 rebounds) combined for 67 points, while Cleveland (22 points and 5 rebounds) also played a key role in the historic win.

Adelaide then faced Oklahoma City, where Randall II (27 points and 8 assists) and Cleveland (19 points and 2 steals) led the 36ers, while Tre Mann (26 points) helped the Thunder win 131-98.

Returning home viewed as championship contenders, Adelaide opened its NBL season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 13 with a 97-72 loss to Tasmania. Dech (8 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) provided a spark off the bench, while Randall II (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Franks (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Adelaide, but Magette (23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals) drove the JackJumpers to the 25-point victory.

Dech (7.3 points across 28 games) appeared in every game for Adelaide and made eight starts. He had entered the season after signing a three-year contract extension in April which kept him with the 36ers through the end of the 2024/25 season. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Club and Adelaide has become home,” Dech said.

Adelaide struggled to match the expectations created by its NBA tour and stumbled to a 3-4 record through its opening month. Randall II (20.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3 assists across 6 games) remained the team’s leading scorer but had several on-court verbal altercations with Bruton and issues within the playing group. After becoming unhappy when told he would come off the bench, Randall was released by mutual consent in November.

With Adelaide sitting at 6-8, former Sydney King Ian Clark (via Sydney) was signed for the remainder of the season to fill the void left by Randall. Clark (12.2 points and 3.1 assists across 10 games) added championship experience as the 36ers battled Melbourne, Perth and South East Melbourne for the remaining postseason positions, but Adelaide managed only two wins from its final eight games.

Franks (17.7 points and 6.5 rebounds) and Cleveland (15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals) became Adelaide’s main offensive weapons following Randall’s departure, with Cleveland also winning the NBL Best Defensive Player award for the second consecutive season. Johnson (11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds) recorded his lowest-scoring season in almost a decade, while Drmic (10.3 points and 3.4 rebounds), McCarron (7.8 points, 5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Sotto (6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds) were the other major contributors.

Dech’s best scoring game came in Adelaide’s final game against Melbourne at John Cain Arena on February 5, where Dech (20 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) shot 7-of-11 from the field and made three three-pointers, including one during a fourth-quarter run that put Adelaide back in front. Cleveland (30 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Clark (14 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) kept the 36ers’ postseason hopes alive, while Tucker (31 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led Melbourne before United scored nine of the final 11 points to win 116-107, leaving Adelaide eighth at 13-15.

2023/24
Adelaide entered NBL24 after finishing eighth with a 13-15 record and missing the postseason for a second straight year under coach CJ Bruton. Robert Franks (to Jerusalem) and Antonius Cleveland (to Tel Aviv) were released from the second seasons of their contracts to pursue opportunities overseas, while Anthony Drmic (to Tasmania), Ian Clark (to Melbourne) and Kai Sotto (to Japan) also departed. Daniel Johnson (to South East Melbourne) was not re-signed after 13 years with the club.

Bruton brought back Jason Cadee (via Brisbane), Isaac Humphries (via Melbourne) and Jacob Wiley (via Bayamón), while adding Next Star Trentyn Flowers, Alex Starling (via South Adelaide), Trey Kell III (via South East Melbourne), Tohi Smith-Milner (via South East Melbourne) and import Jamaal Franklin (via Converge). Franklin was released during the NBL Blitz before playing a regular-season game.

Dech entered the second season of the three-year extension he signed in April 2022, which kept him with Adelaide through NBL25. He returned to the 36ers after representing South Sudan at its first FIBA World Cup, where the Bright Stars finished as the highest-ranked African team and qualified for the Paris Olympics. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Club and Adelaide has become home,” Dech said when signing the extension.

Adelaide opened its season at Nissan Arena on September 29, where Dech (13 points and 6 rebounds) started and played 21:48 minutes, but Brisbane defeated the 36ers 86-71. Humphries (17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Wiley (15 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led Adelaide, while Nathan Sobey (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Brisbane’s leading scorer.

Dech (4.4 points across 27 games) played 15 minutes per game and made four starts, with his playing time falling from 21.1 minutes the previous season. Although his offensive role decreased, he remained Adelaide’s primary perimeter defender when called from the bench.

Dech’s best scoring game came at Qudos Bank Arena on October 8, where he finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, but Sydney defeated Adelaide 109-100. Kell III (28 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Wiley (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the 36ers, while Jordan Hunter (22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) was Sydney’s best.

After Adelaide opened 1-4, Dejan Vasiljevic (via Washington) joined the roster, with Vasiljevic (19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) becoming the team’s leading scorer. Bruton was dismissed with the 36ers sitting at 4-9 and replaced by assistant Scott Ninnis, who initially removed Dech from the rotation before the defensive specialist worked his way back. “When things happened in the season, I got benched there for a couple of games,” Dech later said.

Dech (13 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) produced one of his most important performances against Sydney at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 11, providing scoring from the bench and spending much of his 16:02 minutes defending former MVP Jaylen Adams as Adelaide defeated the defending champions 95-82. Kell III (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Humphries (18 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) led the 36ers, while Adams (20 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 1 steal) was Sydney’s best despite shooting 6-of-21 from the field.

Vasiljevic and Kell III (17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists) led Adelaide’s offence, while Humphries (15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) delivered a career-best season and Wiley (10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds) led the team in rebounding. Kyrin Galloway (5.7 points and 3.4 rebounds) and Cadee (5.5 points) provided further scoring as Adelaide finished second in the NBL for rebounding at 43.5 per game but last in three-point percentage at 29.9 per cent.

Humphries won the Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP, Vasiljevic received the Members’ Choice MVP, Galloway was named Most Improved Player and Cadee collected the Coaches Award. Dech received Adelaide’s Best Defensive Player award and was also presented with the NBL’s Gametime by Kmart Award after contributing more than 35 hours to community programs during NBL24.

Adelaide finished ninth with a 12-16 record, one win and percentage short of the Play-In Tournament, before closing the season with a 76-70 victory over New Zealand at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 18. Vasiljevic (25 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Humphries (15 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the 36ers, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (24 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) was New Zealand’s best, and Dech (7 points and 3 rebounds) played 20:13 minutes in the win.

2024/25
Adelaide entered 2024/25 after finishing ninth with a 12-16 record and missing the postseason, prompting another sweeping roster reset. 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 Melbourne) all departed.

Dejan Vasiljevic and Isaac Humphries re-signed on three-year deals, with Vasiljevic appointed captain, while Sunday Dech, Jason Cadee, Nick Marshall, Fiston Ipassou, Keanu Rasmussen and Jacob Rigoni returned. Scott Ninnis was replaced by Mike Wells before the season, with Kendric Davis (via Santa Cruz), Lat Mayen (via Cairns), Ben Griscti (via UC Riverside), Patrick D’Arcy (via Sturt), and Jarell Martin (via Turkey) joining the roster. Martin’s foot injury led to former NBA Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell (via Philadelphia) being signed as a nominated replacement player before earning a contract for the remainder of the season.

Dech entered the final season of the three-year extension he signed in April 2022, which kept him in Adelaide through NBL25. He returned to the 36ers after representing South Sudan during the country’s first Olympic basketball campaign in Paris, where the Bright Stars defeated Puerto Rico in their opening game.

Adelaide opened against Sydney at HoopsFest in Perth on September 22, where Dech (6 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 steal) started, but the Kings won 102-94. Mayen (23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Vasiljevic (23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) led the 36ers, while Adams (25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) was Sydney’s best.

Dech (5.8 points across 22 games) started his first 14 appearances and remained Adelaide’s primary perimeter defender, regularly being assigned the opposition’s leading guard or wing. His role shifted to the bench after returning from injury, but he continued to provide defensive pressure, leadership and energy during the team’s late push for sixth place.

Dech’s best all-round game came at John Cain Arena on October 13, where Dech (8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) was one of Adelaide’s stronger contributors in a 106-79 loss to Melbourne. Davis (17 points) and Humphries (16 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) led the 36ers, while Clark (18 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal) was United’s leading scorer.

Dech matched his season-high against Perth on December 8, making 4-of-7 shots and both of his three-point attempts to finish with 13 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal before leaving during the second quarter with a hamstring injury. Davis (37 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal) and Humphries (25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Cotton (49 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) carried Perth to a 115-105 win after Dech’s exit. The injury kept Dech out for seven games before he returned against Illawarra on January 13.

Davis (25.6 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1.3 steals) led Adelaide in scoring and assists, won the Mark Davis Trophy as club MVP and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Harrell (20.7 points and 9.2 rebounds) was selected to the All-NBL Second Team. Captain Vasiljevic (18.1 points and 4.2 rebounds), Humphries (12.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks), Martin (8.1 points and 4.1 rebounds), and Mayen (5.6 points and 3.8 rebounds) completed the main group. Mayen received the club’s Most Improved Player award, Cadee (3.8 points across 29 games) won the Coaches’ Award and Dech claimed Adelaide’s Best Defensive Player award for the second consecutive season and third time in four years. The 36ers lost their final three regular-season games but finished sixth with a 13-16 record, edging Tasmania on points percentage and returning to the postseason for the first time since 2017/18.

Adelaide opened the Play-In Tournament at Qudos Bank Arena on February 13, where Dech (6 points and 1 assist) helped the 36ers defeat Sydney 95-88. Vasiljevic (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals), Davis (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), and Harrell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) led Adelaide, while Adams (30 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) 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). 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, while Dech (2 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 21:03 minutes.

PERTH WILDCATS
2025/26
Perth rebuilt around a different backcourt after its 2024/25 campaign ended one point short of the Championship Series, with Melbourne winning the deciding semifinal 113-112. Five-time league MVP Bryce Cotton (to Adelaide), Keanu Pinder (to Akita), Hyrum Harris (to Kanazawa), Michael Harris (to Adelaide) and Izan Almansa (to Madrid) departed during the off-season.

John Rillie returned for his fourth season as head coach and brought two-time champion Sunday Dech (via Adelaide) back to his hometown club on a three-year deal, with Kristian Doolittle, Dylan Windler, Ben Henshall, Elijah Pepper, captain Jesse Wagstaff, David Okwera, Dontae Russo-Nance and Thomas Gerovich retained. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via Alexandria), Lat Mayen (via Adelaide), Mason Jones (via Stockton), Jaron Rillie (via Northern Colorado), Next Star Noa Kouakou-Heugue (via France) and development player Cameron Huefner (via Sam Houston State) completed the roster.

A calf injury suffered during the pre-season kept the returning guard out of the first five games, including Perth’s opener at RAC Arena on September 20, where Jones (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (15 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, but Bryce Hamilton (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) carried Tasmania to a 75-72 win.

Dech (3.2 points across 30 games) returned as an experienced perimeter defender, working in short periods off the bench to apply defensive pressure against opposing guards and provide leadership within Perth’s second unit.

Dech (0 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) made his season debut in Sydney on October 19, playing 10:12 as Lual-Acuil Jr (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Jaron Rillie (16 points and 3 assists) led Perth, while Kendric Davis (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals) carried the Kings to a 94-72 win.

Three nights later, Dech (8 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) made both three-point attempts and both free throws in 10:59 as Perth defeated Cairns 110-78, with Lual-Acuil Jr (24 points and 3 blocks) and Doolittle (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) leading the Wildcats, while Admiral Schofield (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Cairns’ best.

Dech (9 points and 1 steal) made three three-pointers in his first season-high scoring game against Sydney at RAC Arena on December 12, while Windler (14 points and 6 rebounds) and Duke Jr (13 points and 7 assists) led Perth, but Davis (38 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) carried the Kings to a 108-79 win.

One of his strongest all-around performances came at MyState Bank Arena on December 21, where Dech (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) played a season-high 21:05 as Perth defeated Tasmania 94-85, with Doolittle (30 points and 6 rebounds) and Duke Jr (16 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals) leading the Wildcats, while Hamilton (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) was best for the JackJumpers.

After Perth opened the season 3-2, Jones (11.4 points across five games) was released and David Duke Jr (12.1 points and 3.2 assists across 19 games) arrived (via San Antonio) as his replacement, adding scoring and ball handling before an elbow injury interrupted his season.

After illness kept him out of the February 6 win over Cairns, Dech (9 points and 1 rebound) matched his season high against Sydney on February 15, while Doolittle (19 points and 9 rebounds) and Pepper (14 points and 10 rebounds) led Perth, but Davis (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists) carried the Kings to a 102-84 win.

Doolittle (17.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 37 games) and Lual-Acuil Jr (16.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 37 games) led Perth offensively, while Windler (13 points and 6.8 rebounds across 32 games), Pepper (10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds across 37 games), Henshall (8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds across 34 games) and Jaron Rillie (8.1 points across 14 games) provided the other main scoring contributions.

Doolittle earned All-NBL First Team honours and won the Gordon Ellis Medal as Perth’s club MVP and the Best Defensive Player award, while Wagstaff (3.2 points across 35 games) received the Watto Award as Players’ Player, Okwera (5 points across 34 games) was named Most Improved and Gerovich (0 points across five games) received the Coaches Award.

Perth closed the regular season against Adelaide at RAC Arena on February 20, where Dech (0 points and 1 steal) played 9:16 as Pepper (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, while Nick Rakocevic (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was Adelaide’s best. The 86-74 win secured fourth place for Perth with a 21-12 record.

Perth opened the postseason at John Cain Arena on March 4, where Dech (3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist), Doolittle (22 points and 6 rebounds), Windler (13 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks) and Henshall (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Wildcats, while Nathan Sobey (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists), Owen Foxwell (18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) and Ian Clark (16 points) carried South East Melbourne to a 111-94 win in the Seeding Qualifier.

Three days later, Dech (2 points) appeared for 1:35 as Lual-Acuil Jr (28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Doolittle (24 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Windler (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth, while Milton Doyle (13 points), Tyson Walker (12 points) and Jesse Edwards (12 points and 8 rebounds) were best for Melbourne. The Wildcats outscored United 51-24 after half-time to win 95-77 at RAC Arena and advance to the semifinals.

Game one of the semifinals moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Dech (0 points) played 1:41 as Doolittle (31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Duke Jr (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (19 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth, while Davis (35 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), Torrey Craig (20 points and 9 rebounds) and Matthew Dellavedova (11 points and 3 assists) led Sydney. Perth had several chances from the final possession before the Kings held on for a 105-104 win.

With Windler ruled out by a plantar fascia injury, game two returned to RAC Arena, where Henshall (20 points and 6 rebounds), Doolittle (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Lual-Acuil Jr (9 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Perth, while Davis (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), Makuach Maluach (23 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Craig (12 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney. The Kings completed the semifinal sweep with an 89-75 win, with Dech (0 points and 1 assist) playing 6:38 minutes in the loss.

Sunday Dech currently plays for the Cairns Taipans and has played 216 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 6.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists since entering the league in 2013.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Cairns Taipans – 2 Year Deal (2026-28)