NICKNAME/S: Leapin’ Leroy

BIO: Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Loggins attended Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia, and was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the 8th round of the 1980 NBA draft.

Leroy dominated the NBL during his time in the league, appearing in the NBL Grand Final every year from 1982 to 1987 and made his seventh Grand Finals appearance in 1990. He won 3 Championships, 3 League MVP’s, 1 Grand Final MVP, 2X Defensive Player of the Year Awards, 10X 1st Team All NBL and he’s on every NBL Anniversary Team ever. He is often referred to as the greatest import in NBL history.

Loggins captained the Bullets between 1991 and his retirement in 2001. During that time, Loggins continued to be one of the best players in the NBL, leading the Bullets to the playoffs every season from 1992 to 1999.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Leroy Loggins made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 23 years of age. He scored 10 points in his first game.

After losing leading scorer Michael Haddow, Dan Hickert and Warwick Meehl from the previous season, Brisbane entered 1981 with Bruce Fitzgerald handing the captaincy to star import Brian Banks.

Head coach Dave Claxton retained Tom Gerhardt, Colin Varian, Chris McGraw and Mark McGowan around the new captain, while adding skinny forward Leroy Loggins (via Gold Coast Cougars), who would later have his own statue built outside the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, along with Frank Goldfinch, Terry Matherson and Alan Woodford.

Brisbane opened the season at Auchenflower on 22 February with a 56-60 loss to Nunawading, where Leroy (12 points) made his NBL debut while Brendan Joyce (16 points) led the Spectres.

Loggins (22.1 points across 23 games) quickly took over as Brisbane’s leading scorer, while Banks (20.2 points across 23 games) remained the team’s other major offensive weapon.

The Bullets delivered one of their best wins on 28 March, defeating eventual minor premier St Kilda 73-66 as Loggins (28 points) led Brisbane and Danny Morseu (24 points) was best for the Saints.

On 17 May, Loggins (29 points) led Brisbane to a 73-63 win over City of Sydney, with Banks (18 points) in support, while Dennis Lawson (20 points) led the Astronauts.

On 7 June, Loggins (31 points) powered the Bullets past Newcastle 90-74, while Owen Wells (22 points) was the Falcons’ leading scorer.

His best game of the season came on 20 June, when Loggins (33 points) and Banks (21 points) nearly carried Brisbane past Canberra before Herb McEachin (27 points) led the Cannons to a 71-69 win.

Brisbane responded the following day with an 82-69 win over Wollongong, led by Loggins (24 points) and Banks (20 points), while Michael Jones (21 points) was best for the Hawks, leaving the Bullets fifth with a 13-9 record.

Behind the imports, Gerhardt (10.8 points across 23 games), Varian (8.1 points across 23 games), McGowan (5.8 points across 19 games) and Goldfinch (4.7 points across 23 games) rounded out Brisbane’s main scoring group.

First-placed St Kilda then chose to forgo the playoffs to compete in the World Club Championships in Brazil, elevating fifth-placed Brisbane into the semifinals for the second straight year as the fourth seed.

Loggins would later cite personal, mental and financial reasons for not continuing with Brisbane after 1981, signing with West Adelaide for the following season.

The Bullets faced Launceston Casino City at the Apollo Entertainment Centre, where Loggins (31 points) and Banks (17 points) kept Brisbane within reach, while Jim Ericksen (23 points) and Ian Davies (18 points) led the eventual champions to a 71-69 semifinal win.

WEST ADELAIDE BEARCATS
1982
Loggins then chose to sign with the West Adelaide Bearcats during the 1982 NBL season after being recruited by player-coach (and the first NBL MVP) Ken Richardson.

He joined a squad which had just lost star big man Rick Hodges, but had retained Al Green, Peter Ali, Ray Wood, Brad Dalton and Jo Theil, while player-coach Ken Richardson returned from the season-ending injury that had limited him to four games in 1981.

Loggins addition gave the Bearcats another explosive scorer within an already experienced starting five, while the player-coach shifted into a role off the bench.

On 21 March, Leroy (32 points) and Al (26 points) carried West Adelaide past Sydney 78-76, while Tom McEvoy (23 points) and Cliff Martin (21 points) led the Supersonics.

Loggins (25 points and 8.5 rebounds across 28 games) quickly became one of West Adelaide’s two leading offensive players and gave the Bearcats another scorer capable of taking over games.

His best game came on 2 May, when Loggins (38 points) powered West Adelaide past Adelaide City 96-94, overcoming Reg Biddings (31 points) and David Winslow (23 points) in the two-point win.

On 4 July, Loggins (35 points) and Al (27 points) led a 117-81 road win over Bankstown, while Kelvin Henderson (22 points) and Donnie Cruse (21 points) were best for the Bruins.

West Adelaide closed the regular season by thrashing second-placed Geelong 110-81 at Apollo Stadium, securing first place with a 21-5 record after going 12-1 at home and 9-4 away.

The Bearcats averaged 97.1 points while allowing only 83.7 points per game, giving them a winning differential of 13.4 points, with two of their five losses decided by one point and another by two.

Green (26.5 points and 4.7 rebounds across 28 games) led the Bearcats in scoring and was named the NBL Most Valuable Player, while Richardson (14.5 points and 6.2 rebounds across 28 games) returned from injury to provide another major weapon off the bench.

Dalton (8.5 points and 6.8 rebounds across 27 games) controlled the paint, while Wood (8.2 points across 27 games) directed the offence and completed West Adelaide’s main group.

Loggins earned his first All-NBL First Team selection and was also named the Most Valuable Player of the inaugural NBL All-Star Game at Apollo Stadium.

West Adelaide opened the sudden-death finals in Newcastle with a 94-74 semifinal win over Coburg behind Richardson (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Green (21 points and 6 rebounds), Loggins (12 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Dalton (12 points and 13 rebounds), while Bennie Lewis (25 points and 4 rebounds) and Les Riddle (19 points and 5 rebounds) led the Giants.

The Grand Final remained at Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium, where West Adelaide built a commanding first-half lead before Geelong produced a courageous second-half challenge.

Although no official Grand Final MVP was awarded, Loggins was named player of the match after leading all scorers with 32 points and 7 rebounds, with Richardson (12 points and 11 rebounds) and Green (11 points and 4 rebounds) providing support, while James Crawford (21 points and 6 rebounds), Cal Bruton (18 points) and Craig Herbert (14 points and 7 rebounds) led Geelong as West Adelaide won 80-74.

1983
In 1983, player-coach Ken Richardson retired and the Bearcats lost Brad Dalton (to Sydney). They would add Mike Parsons (via Launceston) and national team player Andy Campbell. ‘King’ Ken Cole would take up the head coaching role but struggled to generate the results of previous years, finishing the regular season in third place (17-5).

Al Green (29.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 steals) would lead the team in scoring once again, while ‘do-it-all’ import Leroy Loggins (24.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals) backed him up offensively while also being tasked to defending the opposing team’s best player each night. Loggins efforts would also see him named in the All-NBL first team at season’s end.

In what was deemed a cost-cutting measure, the NBL chose to play two divisional finals, a three-game round-robin tournament for the top eight team’s, which strangely saw the league’s two best team’s excluded from the playoffs.

The three-game round-robin tournament resulted in the first-placed team in the Western Divison (Sydney) and the first place team in the Eastern Division (Geelong) being eliminated from a playoff spot due to finishing the three game round robin tournament with 2 wins and 1 loss, a equal record to two other team’s who progressed through based on points percentage.

While they made it through to the playoffs, few expected them to survive the rigours of the first round. Cole, widely regarded as the league’s premier motivator, came through on his pre-season prediction that West contend for the championship despite the loss of Richardson and Dalton as Green, Loggins and company led the Bearcats to a victory over Nunawading (84-77). Canberra would eliminate Coburg (80-75) on the other side of the bracket, pitting the two team’s against each other to decide the championship.

In a final which proved a seesaw ride for spectators, Canberra would be crowned champions after defeating West Adelaide by two points (75-73).

BRISBANE BULLETS
1984
Under new coach Brian Kerle the Bullets underwent a number of roster changes, the biggest being the return of Leroy Loggins who had spent the previous two seasons with the West Adelaide Bearcats. The team then added import guard Ron ‘The Rat’ Radliff, known for his long curly hair and brilliant outside shooting to play alongside star forward Loggins, who delivered his finest season to date in 1984, averaging 29.3 points, 3.4 steals and 1.9 blocked shots per game. Loggins efforts saw him selected to the All NBL First team and voted the league’s Most Valuable Player. Leroy Loggins also led the NBL in steals (91 steals across 27 games).

Behind the stellar play of Loggins, Radliff and captain Larry Sengstock the Bullets’ made their first playoffs appearance since 1981, finishing the regular season in first place with a 19–5 record, a major improvement on their 10–12 record in 1983.

After defeating the Coburg Giants and the Geelong Supercats in the playoffs, the team were into their first ever NBL Grand Final with the game to be played at the ‘Glass House’ in Melbourne, which would be the last year that the NBL Grand Final was played at a pre-determined ‘neutral’ venue.

Despite the improvement Brisbane ultimately fell short, losing to the defending champion Canberra Cannons 84–82 who were led by the Australian Boomers point guard Phil Smyth. First year coach Brian Kerle’s efforts in turning the team around were rewarded by claiming 1984 Coach of the Year award.

1985
The NBL added steals and blocks to its statistics in 1984, which meant the statistical prowess of Leroy Loggins during the early years of the league are missing from history. That said, in 1985, the twenty-seven-year-old Loggins had the best statistical season of his career, averaging 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists as well as 4 steals and 2 blocks per game.

Leroy Loggins led the NBL in steals (3.7 steals per game) during the 1985 season.

After falling short against Canberra Cannons in the previous years Grand Final, the Brisbane Bullets added the legendary Cal Bruton to the squad and young John Dorge to the squad and played with a renewed vigor in 1985. Loggins averaged 27.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists at 3.7 steals and led the Bullets to a first place with a record of 20-6. Loggins and his new teammates then received a first round bye in the NBL playoffs and would meet the winner of the elimination final between the Coburg Giants and last year’s champions Canberra. Canberra eliminated Coburg convincingly by 23 points, setting up a grand final re-match between the two team in the semifinals.

Loggins contributed 28 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in the 93-76 win over Canberra, which earned them a Grand Final matchup against the Adelaide 36ers.

Loggins unleashed one of his best game’s of the season for the encounter, notching up 41 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in the 121-95 victory that saw Loggins claim his second title and Brisbane win their first NBL championship on their home court at the Sleeman Sports Centre in Brisbane.

Although there was no Grand Final MVP awarded that year, it would clearly ended up in Loggins hands. Loggins form saw him selected to his fourth straight All NBL First team.

1986
The team’s major change during the 1986 season was when they moved out of the Chandler Arena (2,700 seats) and into the brand new Brisbane Entertainment Centre, which could seat up to 13,500 fans. The move easily gave the Bullets the largest and newest home arena in the NBL at the time (the next largest venue in the league was The Glass House, which could only seat 7,200). At the time, the Entertainment Centre was not only the NBL’s but also Australia’s largest indoor arena.

Loggins came out on fire to start the season, in the opening game of the season he finished with 31 points against Hobart, after a 17-point first quarter. Loggins (29.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.3 blocks), who would win the NBL MVP that season, led the team in scoring alongside Cal Bruton (16.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists) and team captain Sengstock (12.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists).

Brisbane finished the regular season in third place (17–8) and progressed to their third Grand Final in a row after wins over the Sydney Supersonics and regular postseason rivals, the Canberra Cannons.

Leroy Loggins led the NBL in steals (3.3 steals per game) during the 1986 season.

This season’s Grand Final would be decided in a best-of-three series for the first time ever. Brisbane would face Adelaide in a rematch of last year’s Grand Final, who, behind coach Ken Cole, had lost only two games all year and were unbeaten at home.

In the opening game, over 11,000 fans, a then indoor sports attendance record in Australia, saw the 36ers defeat the Bullets 122–119 in overtime at the Entertainment Centre. In game two, Brisbane became the only team to defeat the 36ers in Adelaide that year winning 104–83 at the Apollo Stadium. The Bullets would lose the deciding game three in Adelaide (113–91), Delivering Adelaide their first championship. Crucially, Loggins fouled out of both game one and 3 of the Grand Final series, which limited his on-court impact.

1987
With Brisbane looking to go ‘younger, bigger and faster’ with their roster to compete with the likes of Adelaide’s Mark Davis and Perth’s James Crawford, the decision was made to release US born players Cal Bruton and Dave Nelson in favour of incoming import Emery Atkinson and giving more playing time to young local talent.

The Bullets were led by star Leroy Loggins (28.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.9 steals), who became the first player to win back-to-back NBL Most Valuable Player awards, sharing the award with Mark Davis of the Adelaide 36ers. Behind Loggins’s brilliance, Brisbane finished with 20 wins and 6 losses and finished in second place (behind Adelaide) during the regular season.

Beyond Loggins, the Bullets had built a roster so full of talent that the team’s second-leading scorer, import Emery Atkinson (15.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals), came off the bench. Veterans Ron Radliff (15.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.9 steals) and team captain Larry Sengstock (12.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) supported the two imports offensively, while 25-year-old John Dorge (11.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks), 21-year-old Robert Sibley (11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists), and 19-year-old Darren Perry (6.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) all made huge contributions despite their inexperience.

Loggins was also voted as the League Best Defensive Player Due and named to a record sixth straight All NBL First team at the end of the season, which saw the Bullets finish with a 20-6 record and in second place. As a result, Brisbane (along with Adelaide, who had claimed top spot) received a first-round bye. There, they would face the Illawarra Hawks after they defeated the North Melbourne Giants in the elimination finals. With Illawarra advancing, the Bullets easily won game one of the semi finals (109-87) before losing game two in a nail-biter (77-78). Brisbane rebounded in game three (100-82), earning a spot in the 1987 NBL Grand Final after winning game three 100-82.

Brisbane made it to the NBL grand final for a league-record fourth consecutive season and would face off against the Perth Wildcats, who had just upset the defending champions Adelaide on the other side of the semi final bracket.

Perth was led by player/coach and former Bullets’ favourite Cal Bruton. Bruton’s exit had also come on the back of a very public falling out with coach Brian Kerle. In a surprise move, Brisbane elevated teenage point guard Darren Perry (10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) into the starting lineup for the playoffs and alongside Atkinson (22 points on 10/16 shooting and 9 rebounds) and Loggins (17 points and 5 rebounds) the Bullets defeated Perth in a low scoring, grind it out, 80-79 victory. Kendall Pinder (27 points and 15 rebounds) and James Crawford (23 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks) led the way for the visitors.

In game two, although Pinder (25 points, 15 rebounds) and Crawford (22 points, 11 rebounds) still proved hard to stop, Brisbane’s frontcourt of Sengstock (8 points and 6 rebounds), John Dorge (7 points and 10 rebounds) and Emery Atkinson (12 points and 4 rebounds), made it almost impossible for the Wildcats’ guards to score inside. The Wildcats guard rotation of Bruton (9), Mike Ellis (6) and Alan Black (2) combined for just 17 points and after the Bullets won a tightly fought first half (47-44), they owned the Wildcat’s in the second.

Brisbane outscored Perth by 16 points, with Loggins (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) doing most of the damage on the scoreboard.

With the final score reading 106-87 and Brisbane winning their second championship, Loggins, who averaged 26.5 points over the two games, was named Grand Final MVP.

1988
Brisbane entered the 1988 NBL season as defending champions, having won its second title in 1987, and was looking to secure a third championship in four years. With Brian Kerle remaining as head coach, the Bullets made few changes to the squad which had reached the previous four Grand Finals. James Carr and Paul Webb departed, while 17-year-old Shane Heal (via AIS) and Simon Kerle joined a roster that still featured Leroy Loggins, Emery Atkinson, Larry Sengstock, Ron Radliff and Darren Perry.

The Bullets began their title defence with a dominant performance against Geelong on February 13, where Loggins (29 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) made 12-of-19 field goals and all four of his free throws. Atkinson (30 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals) led the team in scoring, while Radliff (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) connected on eight three-pointers. Sam Foggin (30 points and 4 rebounds) was the Supercats’ leading performer, but Brisbane shot 57 percent from the field and overwhelmed Geelong 149-85 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The game also marked Heal’s NBL debut as the Bullets opened the season with a 64-point victory.

Loggins (24.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.4 steals across 25 games) remained Brisbane’s leading scorer and one of the competition’s most effective all-around players. Although his scoring average declined from the previous season, when he had been named both NBL Most Valuable Player and Grand Final MVP, he continued to be the centrepiece of Brisbane’s offence while regularly defending the opposition’s best perimeter player. His efficiency at the free-throw line was another strength, finishing the season with an NBL-leading 85.6 percent accuracy.

One of Brisbane’s most significant early victories came against North Melbourne on March 18, when Loggins (32 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made 14-of-19 field goals to lead the Bullets to a 137-132 win at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre. Atkinson (32 points and 8 rebounds) matched his scoring output, while Radliff (16 points) provided support from the backcourt. Tim Dillon (47 points and 8 rebounds) delivered a huge performance for the Giants, but Brisbane held on for a five-point victory which would become important when the teams finished the season tied on the ladder.

On April 23, Loggins represented the North team in the NBL All-Star Game at Melbourne’s Glass House. Playing under Brisbane coach Brian Kerle, he finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists as the North defeated the South 127-122 in front of approximately 7,000 spectators. Loggins was named All-Star Game MVP, collecting the award for the second time after previously winning it in 1982.

Brisbane put together another strong stretch during May, winning five consecutive games as the regular season moved towards its conclusion. On May 27, Loggins (23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) contributed a double-double as the Bullets defeated Sydney 125-93 at the State Sports Centre. Heal (29 points and 4 rebounds) made four three-pointers, while Radliff (27 points and 2 steals) connected on seven of his ten attempts from beyond the arc. Steve Carfino (27 points and 6 rebounds) led the Kings, but Brisbane’s outside shooting helped the Bullets record a comfortable 32-point victory.

The following night, Loggins produced his highest-scoring and best regular-season performance against Melbourne, finishing with 36 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block as Brisbane defeated the Tigers 112-108 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. He made 12-of-20 field goals, including two three-pointers, and converted 10-of-12 free throws. Heal (21 points) and Perry (19 points) provided the main scoring support, while Alvis Rogers (32 points and 14 rebounds) and Andrew Gaze (32 points) led Melbourne. The four-point victory extended Brisbane’s winning streak to five games and reinforced its position among the league’s leading teams.

After a narrow 89-90 loss to Adelaide on June 3 ended that winning run, Brisbane returned to the winners’ list against Newcastle on June 18. Loggins (18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) made 8-of-14 field goals, while Sibley (24 points and 9 rebounds) led the Bullets in scoring. Perry (9 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals) controlled the offence with his season-high assist performance, helping Brisbane defeat the Falcons 113-100 at the Newcastle Sports Entertainment Centre. Wayne McDaniel (31 points and 9 rebounds) led Newcastle, but the Bullets’ balanced scoring proved too much for the home side.

Atkinson (16.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 25 games) remained an important presence in Brisbane’s frontcourt, providing athleticism, rebounding and interior defence. Veteran captain Sengstock (11.1 points and 10.2 rebounds across 25 games) continued to lead the team on the glass, while Radliff (12.4 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 25 games) supplied outside shooting and experienced backcourt play. Perry (10.4 points and 3.7 assists across 24 games) retained his role as the starting point guard, with Heal (15 points across 25 games) making an immediate impact as his backup. Playing approximately 27 minutes per game, Heal established himself as one of the league’s most promising young guards and was rewarded with the NBL Rookie of the Year award. Sibley (8.6 points and 4.7 rebounds across 21 games) and John Dorge (7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 25 games) provided additional frontcourt depth, while Loggins earned selection to the All-NBL First Team for the seventh consecutive season.

Brisbane remained in second place with two rounds remaining, but a crucial home loss to Canberra on July 2 would ultimately cost the Bullets a direct path to the semifinals. Loggins (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) struggled with his shooting, making only 4-of-15 field goals, while Sengstock (22 points and 15 rebounds) and Heal (20 points) provided the main offensive support. Heal connected on six three-pointers, but Phil Smyth (29 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Canberra to a 105-97 victory at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Although Brisbane recovered to defeat Sydney in its final regular-season game, the Bullets finished tied with North Melbourne at 18-6. With the teams having split their two meetings, the Giants secured second place on head-to-head points differential (+9), leaving Brisbane third and forcing the defending champions into a sudden-death quarterfinal rather than receiving a bye into the semifinals.

Brisbane faced sixth-placed Perth at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on July 16, with Loggins (31 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block) producing an outstanding all-around performance while playing almost the entire game. Sengstock (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Atkinson (12 points and 8 rebounds) provided support inside, but the Bullets struggled from the perimeter, converting only 2-of-16 three-point attempts. Former Brisbane guard Calvin Bruton (31 points and 3 assists) made all nine of his free throws, while James Crawford (26 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 blocks) dominated around the basket as Perth shot 52 percent from the field. Despite Loggins’ efforts, the Wildcats defeated Brisbane 113-98, eliminating the defending champions in the quarterfinals and ending their run of four consecutive Grand Final appearances.

1989
Brisbane entered 1989 after finishing third with an 18-6 record the previous season before Perth eliminated the Bullets 113-98 in the first round of the playoffs. Brian Kerle returned as head coach, but Shane Heal (to Geelong) and Emery Atkinson (to Canberra), two of Brisbane’s top three scorers from 1988, departed. The Bullets responded by adding imports Winston Crite and Greg Giddings (via Hobart) around returning veterans Leroy Loggins, Larry Sengstock, Ron Radliff, Darren Perry, Robert Sibley and John Dorge. Despite winning the preseason title, the reworked group struggled to find the chemistry that had driven Brisbane’s success throughout the decade.

Brisbane opened the season in Newcastle on April 21, where Loggins (16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) helped the Bullets win 109-93. Crite (44 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced an enormous NBL debut, while Jerry Everett (39 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Falcons.

Loggins (22.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.8 steals across 24 games) appeared in every regular-season game and again led Brisbane in scoring. Kerle used him extensively at off-guard rather than his more familiar small-forward position, with the switch producing mixed results during the season.

Loggins recorded his highest-scoring game against Wollongong on May 13, pouring in 43 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block while making 17-of-23 field goals and six three-pointers. Sibley (32 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) and Radliff (31 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals) helped Brisbane produce a remarkable 170-127 victory, while Norman Taylor (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Wollongong’s best. Brisbane’s 170 points established a new NBL single-game scoring record at the time.

Loggins’ best all-around game came against Hobart on August 5, when he finished with 40 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks while making 17-of-26 field goals, including six three-pointers, and committing only one turnover. Crite (22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) provided support, while Wayne McDaniel (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) was Hobart’s best as Brisbane won 110-97. The victory improved the Bullets to 10-7, but they followed it with six consecutive losses.

Crite (20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 20 games) finished second on the team in scoring, while Sibley (15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds across 24 games) made a significant jump after averaging 8.6 points the previous season. Sengstock (12.6 points and 7.5 rebounds across 23 games), Radliff (12 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals across 24 games) and Giddings (9.2 points and 4.7 assists across 19 games) completed Brisbane’s main rotation.

After being named to the All-NBL First Team in each of the previous seven seasons, Loggins’ run of consecutive First Team selections ended in 1989, with the Brisbane star omitted from the All-NBL teams altogether.

Brisbane closed the season against Sydney at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on September 16, where Loggins (32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) made 14-of-25 field goals and three three-pointers. Sengstock (29 points, 20 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) produced his highest-scoring game of the season, while Mark Ridlen (21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Sydney’s best as Brisbane snapped its six-game losing streak with a 116-103 victory. The Bullets finished eighth with an 11-13 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1983.

1990
After finishing eighth with an 11–13 record in 1989 and missing the playoffs for the first time under coach Brian Kerle, Brisbane completely reshaped its roster. Only Leroy Loggins, Robert Sibley and Greg Fox returned, with captain Larry Sengstock and Ron Radliff (both to Gold Coast) joined by Rodger Smith (to Gold Coast), John Dorge (to Geelong), Darren Perry (to Eastside) and Dan Clausen (to Adelaide) in departing. Greg Giddings, Shane Edwards and import Winston Crite were not re-signed, while Danny Morseu retired.

Kerle rebuilt around the three returnees, adding imports Derek Rucker and Andre Moore, comeback big Chris McGraw, Duncan Johnston, Darren Breeding, young Melbourne pair Paul Rees and Craig Adams and locals Steve McLeod and Chris Clarkson. Loggins took over as captain and changed Brisbane’s team-huddle call from “Let’s go” to “Let’s work”, reflecting the emphasis on rebuilding the group’s work ethic following the previous season. After being used with mixed success at off-guard in 1989, he also returned to his preferred small forward position. The overhaul reduced Brisbane’s average age from 26.5 years to 23.1. Kerle later described Loggins’ leadership of the young group as superb, saying, “Leroy is the best captain I’ve ever had anything to do with.”

Brisbane opened against Adelaide at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on March 30, where Loggins (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) helped the Bullets hold on for a 122–119 victory. Rucker (48 points, 2 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) produced a spectacular NBL debut and Moore (23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) impressed inside, while Mark Davis (44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide.

Loggins (22 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.2 blocks across 34 games) appeared in every Brisbane game as the new-look Bullets quickly returned to the top end of the league. They opened 4–0, responded to their first defeat with five consecutive victories and later put together another four-game winning streak.

His highest-scoring game came against Perth at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on June 8, when Loggins (35 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 steals) led Brisbane to a 112–101 victory. Rucker (26 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals) and Sibley (25 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) provided further support, while James Crawford (35 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) led the Wildcats.

Loggins’ best all-around performance came against Newcastle on September 15, finishing with 28 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks as Brisbane overwhelmed the Falcons 153–116. Moore (40 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the scoring and Rucker (39 points, 3 rebounds, 13 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) directed the offence.

Rucker (33 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 2.6 steals across 33 games) transformed Brisbane’s backcourt and was named NBL Most Valuable Player, while Moore (26.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 2 blocks across 34 games) gave the Bullets another dominant offensive option. Sibley (15.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 33 games) remained productive inside and Fox (8.6 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 34 games) provided another playmaker as Brisbane finished third with an 18–8 record.

Loggins led the NBL in steals and won the league’s Best Defensive Player award for the second time, having first claimed the honour in 1987. He was also selected to the All-NBL First Team alongside Rucker and Moore, making Brisbane the first club to place three players on the First Team in the same season, while Kerle received his second Coach of the Year award.

Brisbane opened its best-of-three elimination final series against Sydney at the State Sports Centre, where Loggins (20 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals), Moore (28 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) and Rucker (21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led the Bullets. Damian Keogh (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Sydney to a 98–87 victory and a 1–0 series advantage.

Game two returned to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Loggins (25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) helped the Bullets respond with a 124–96 victory. Rucker (37 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led the scoring and Moore (20 points and 10 rebounds) added a double-double, while Steve Carfino (30 points) led Sydney as Brisbane levelled the series.

In the deciding third game, Loggins (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) contributed across the floor as Rucker (46 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) delivered the major offensive performance and Moore (25 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block) provided support. Mark Ridlen (35 points) led Sydney, but Brisbane held on 107–104 to win the series 2–1 and advance to the semifinals.

Brisbane hosted Eastside in Game one of the semifinals, where Loggins (29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) fell just short of a triple-double. Moore (36 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Rucker (23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) provided support, while former Bullet Darren Perry (22 points and 12 assists) led the Spectres as Brisbane won 121–111.

Game two moved to the Glass House, where Loggins (29 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) again produced at both ends. Moore (35 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Sibley (23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) helped Brisbane escape with a 120–119 victory, completing the 2–0 sweep and sending the Bullets into a Grand Final rematch of their 1987 series against Perth.

Perth took the Grand Final opener 112–106 at the Perth Entertainment Centre despite Loggins finishing with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. Rucker (27 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) and Moore (25 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Brisbane offensively, while Ricky Grace (32 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) powered Perth to a 1–0 series lead.

Brisbane responded in Game two at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Loggins (23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Rucker (27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Moore (26 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 5 blocks) led a 106–90 victory. James Crawford (22 points and 14 rebounds) was Perth’s leading scorer as the Bullets levelled the series in front of 13,221 fans, then a record Australian indoor sporting attendance and an NBL Grand Final crowd mark outside Melbourne that stood until 2013.

Another 13,159 fans filled the Brisbane Entertainment Centre for the deciding Game three, where Loggins (17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals), Rucker (21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Moore (18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Brisbane. Grace (25 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) powered Perth to a 109–86 victory, giving the Wildcats their first NBL championship with a 2–1 series win, while Grace was named Grand Final MVP.

1991
After falling to Perth in the 1990 Grand Final, Brisbane entered 1991 without Duncan Johnston, Craig Adams (to South Melbourne) and Darren Breeding, while captain Leroy Loggins, Derek Rucker, Andre Moore, Robert Sibley, Paul Rees and Greg Fox returned under head coach Brian Kerle. Veteran guards Gordie McLeod (via Hobart) and Brendan Joyce (via Westside Melbourne) were added alongside Cameron Dickinson, Lyndon Brieffies and development player Jason Cameron.

Brisbane opened the season at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on April 6, where Loggins (23 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) produced an all-around performance in a 126-119 win over North Melbourne. Rucker (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Moore (29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 blocks) led the scoring around him, while Scott Fisher (35 points, 11 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) was the Giants’ best.

Loggins (25.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 26 games) appeared in all 26 games and remained one of Brisbane’s primary offensive and defensive weapons, finishing second on the team in scoring behind Rucker (26.6 points, 3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.3 steals across 25 games). Moore (23.5 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks across 26 games) gave the Bullets a third player averaging more than 23 points per game.

His best and highest-scoring game came against Adelaide on April 20, when Loggins (46 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made 19 field goals as Brisbane defeated the 36ers 149-143 in double overtime. Rucker (45 points, 4 rebounds, 15 assists, and 2 steals) and Sibley (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided the other major contributions, while Mark Davis (36 points and 10 rebounds) led Adelaide as Loggins and Rucker combined for 91 points.

Loggins delivered another major performance against Gold Coast at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on July 20, finishing with 36 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks while making 12-of-18 shots. Rucker (26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Moore (18 points and 10 rebounds) provided support, but Mike Mitchell (35 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Rollers to a 109-107 victory.

Sibley (14.1 points and 6.6 rebounds across 25 games) remained an important frontcourt contributor, while Rees (7.2 points and 3.9 rebounds across 25 games), Fox (5.5 points across 20 games) and Dickinson (5.5 points across 26 games) provided Brisbane’s other main support.

Loggins led the NBL in free-throw percentage at 91.1 percent, earned All-NBL Second Team honours and won Brisbane’s club MVP award for the seventh time.

Brisbane also granted Loggins a lifetime contract during 1991, extending his relationship with the club beyond the normal terms of a playing agreement.

With Brisbane still fighting for a postseason position, Loggins (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) helped the Bullets edge Newcastle 110-109 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on September 7. Moore (30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) and Sibley (24 points and 14 rebounds) led Brisbane, while Troy Truvillion (34 points and 4 rebounds) was Newcastle’s leading scorer. The victory kept the Bullets in the finals race, but a three-game losing streak followed and ended their postseason hopes.

Brisbane completed the season at the AIS Arena on September 21, where Loggins (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 0 blocks), Moore (22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) and Rucker (21 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led the Bullets to a 131-118 victory over Canberra despite Jamie Kennedy scoring 36 points. The win left Brisbane ninth with a 13-13 record, missing the playoffs one season after reaching the Grand Final.

Following the season, Loggins was selected for the Australian Boomers’ European tour, beginning his senior international career with Australia.

1992
After losing Derek Rucker, Robert Sibley (to Melbourne), Gordie McLeod, Brendan Joyce (to South East Melbourne) and Cameron Dickinson, Brisbane retained captain Leroy Loggins, Andre Moore, Paul Rees and Greg Fox, while head coach Brian Kerle added Adrian Branch, Shane Heal (via Geelong), Simon Kerle, Blair Smith, Luke Gribble and Matthew Moore.

Brisbane opened the season at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 4 April with a 138-116 win over Hobart. Branch (28.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) immediately became Brisbane’s leading scorer, while Loggins (23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.9 steals) remained one of the league’s elite two-way players and finished second in the NBL in steals.

Heal (20.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 1.5 steals) and Moore (20.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks) gave Brisbane four players averaging more than 20 points, while Kerle (11.2 points and 5.0 assists) and Rees (4.9 points and 3.3 rebounds) rounded out the remainder of the Bullets rotation.

Loggins best game came on 18 July, when Loggins (39 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Moore (24 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 blocks) led Brisbane past Canberra 97-95, while Steve Hood (31 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) was best for the Cannons.

On 5 September, Loggins (32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks), Branch (27 points and 9 rebounds) and Moore (19 points and 15 rebounds) led Brisbane past Sydney 113-110, while Dwayne McClain (31 points) and Damian Keogh (18 points) kept the Kings close.

Brisbane closed the regular season in Perth on 26 September, where Loggins (27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals), Moore (26 points), Heal (26 points) and Branch (24 points) led a 115-108 win over the Wildcats, while Andrew Vlahov (23 points) was Perth’s best. The result left the Bullets seventh with a 12-12 record after finishing 6-6 at home and 6-6 away. Loggins earned All-NBL Second Team honours, won Brisbane’s club MVP award and represented the Australian Boomers at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

The quarterfinal series opened at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where Moore (28 points and 15 rebounds), Branch (23 points and 16 rebounds) and Loggins (22 points) carried Brisbane, while Keogh (11 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals) helped Sydney win 100-91.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Branch (36 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists), Kerle (28 points and 5 assists) and Loggins (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Bullets, while McClain (32 points), Keogh (29 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 steals) and Ken McClary (23 points and 6 rebounds) completed Sydney’s sweep with a 130-123 win.

1993
Following their quarterfinal exit the previous year, Brisbane entered 1993 without Adrian Branch (to Geelong), Simon Kerle (to South East Melbourne), Paul Rees (to North Melbourne) and Greg Fox (to Gold Coast), while captain Leroy Loggins, Andre Moore and Shane Heal returned from the previous season.

Long-time head coach Brian Kerle was replaced by Bruce Palmer, who had led North Melbourne to the 1989 championship, while David Colbert (via Melbourne), Shane Froling (via Hobart), Rodger Smith (via Gold Coast), Nigel Purchase (via Melbourne) and Nigel Bergham were added to the roster.

Brisbane opened the season at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 17 April, where Leroy (30 points and 16 rebounds), David (19 points and 7 rebounds) and Andre (14 points and 12 rebounds) led the Bullets before Melvin Thomas (34 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Butch Hays (23 points and 9 assists) carried Wollongong to a 97-96 win.

Loggins (23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.7 steals) remained Brisbane’s leading scorer and one of the league’s premier two-way players, earning All-NBL First Team honours.

On 30 April, Loggins (34 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals) delivered a dominant two-way performance as Brisbane defeated Hobart 122-109, while Wayne McDaniel (33 points and 10 rebounds) and Andrew Svaldenis (16 points and 15 rebounds) led the Devils.

His best game came on 23 May, when Loggins (37 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and David (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Brisbane to a 131-108 win over Gold Coast, while Andre LaFleur (26 points and 11 assists) and Andrew Goodwin (21 points and 12 rebounds) were best for the Rollers.

On 5 June, Loggins (31 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals), David (24 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Andre (15 points and 8 rebounds) powered Brisbane past Adelaide 97-85, while Scott Ninnis (28 points) and Mark Davis (18 points and 9 rebounds) led the 36ers.

Brisbane closed the regular season in Perth on 25 September, where David (23 points and 13 rebounds), Andre (21 points and 14 rebounds) and Leroy (15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals) led the Bullets, while James Crawford (24 points and 11 rebounds), Andrew Vlahov (21 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Ricky Grace (20 points and 5 assists) carried Perth to a 105-102 win.

The loss left Brisbane fourth with a 16-10 record after finishing 9-4 at home and 7-6 away.

Colbert (22.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks) finished second on the team in scoring and led the NBL in free-throw percentage at 93.3%, while Moore (21.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks) anchored the frontcourt.

Heal (17.8 points and 6.5 assists) directed the offence, while Froling (7.8 points and 3.8 rebounds) and Smith (7.6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.9 steals) rounded out the main rotation.

The quarterfinal series opened in Newcastle, where Heal (29 points), Colbert (28 points and 15 rebounds) and Loggins (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Brisbane, while Terry Dozier (33 points and 9 rebounds) and Al Green (17 points) were best for the Falcons as the Bullets won 125-99.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Loggins (34 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals), Moore (33 points and 10 rebounds) and Colbert (19 points and 8 rebounds) led the Bullets, while Michael Johnson (29 points), Everette Stephens (24 points) and Dozier (20 points and 15 rebounds) kept Newcastle close before Brisbane completed the sweep with a 122-118 win.

The semifinals opened in Brisbane, where Heal (31 points), Moore (25 points and 11 rebounds), Colbert (19 points and 7 rebounds) and Loggins (6 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) carried the Bullets, while Scott Fisher (30 points), James Crawford (20 points and 10 rebounds) and Ricky Grace (15 points) led Perth in Brisbane’s 101-97 win.

Game two moved to Perth, where Fisher (30 points and 15 rebounds), Vlahov (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists), Crawford (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Trevor Torrance (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) levelled the series, despite Colbert (29 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Loggins (27 points and 2 steals) and Froling (14 points) leading Brisbane in a 120-107 loss.

Game three remained in Perth, where Vlahov (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Crawford (25 points and 8 rebounds) and Fisher (21 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists) overwhelmed Brisbane, while Colbert (21 points and 8 rebounds), Luke Gribble (12 points) and Loggins (8 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the Bullets in a 119-80 loss.

1994
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Brisbane lost Lyndon Brieffies and Nigel Purchase, while head coach Bruce Palmer retained captain Leroy Loggins, Shane Heal, David Colbert, Andre Moore, Shane Froling, Rodger Smith and Luke Gribble, and added Robert Sibley (via Melbourne) and Wayne Larkins (via Geelong).

At 36 years of age, Leroy remained capable of taking over games, with his best performance coming on 10 September when he delivered 40 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block as Brisbane defeated eventual champions North Melbourne 135-125.

Loggins (25.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.5 steals) led Brisbane in scoring, while Heal (25.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.8 steals) formed one of the league’s highest-scoring backcourt combinations alongside him.

Colbert (18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) and Moore (17.1 points and 9.0 rebounds) gave the Bullets two more major offensive weapons, while Sibley (7.7 points and 6.5 rebounds) and Rodger Smith (6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals) provided support.

Brisbane completed the regular season in Townsville on 23 September, where Heal (61 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) connected on 12 three-pointers and produced the third-highest scoring game in NBL history, while Loggins (19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) and Moore (18 points) helped the Bullets defeat the Suns 141-105.

The win saw Brisbane finish the regular season in fourth place with an 18-8 record, having gone 9-4 both at home and on the road.

The season also included a physical clash between Brisbane and Illawarra in Wollongong, which resulted in nine players and officials being cited for their involvement in the “basketbrawl.”

Loggins won Brisbane’s club MVP award and was named to his ninth and final All-NBL First Team, while Heal earned All-NBL Second Team honours.

Brisbane opened its best-of-three quarterfinal series against Adelaide at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Heal (42 points) hit the three-pointer that forced overtime and Loggins (30 points) helped the Bullets recover from a six-point deficit inside the final minute, while Robert Rose (34 points) led Adelaide as Brisbane won 116-105.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Mark Davis (37 points and 13 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Loggins (29 points) and Colbert (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) kept Brisbane close before the 36ers levelled the series with a 99-91 win.

In game three, Davis (26 points and 18 rebounds), Rose (18 points and 5 rebounds) and Brett Maher (17 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Loggins (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals) and Heal (15 points) were Brisbane’s leading scorers in a 101-84 loss.

1995
Having lost to Adelaide in the quarterfinals the previous season, Brisbane re-tooled its roster by releasing veteran forward Shane Froling (to Townsville) and imports Dave Colbert (released) and Andre Moore (to Hobart), while captain Leroy Loggins, Shane Heal, Rodger Smith, Robert Sibley and Wayne Larkins returned under head coach Bruce Palmer.

Palmer set out to recruit a younger roster he could develop over the next two to three seasons, rebuilding the frontcourt with Mike Mitchell (via Gold Coast), Andrew Goodwin (via Gold Coast) and Chris Munk (via USA), while late signing John Rillie (via Gonzaga University) was added after graduating from college to back up Heal (22.9 points and 7.4 assists).

Brisbane opened the season on April 21 with a 116-106 road win over Townsville, with Loggins (21.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game) again providing the scoring, rebounding and defensive pressure that had made him one of the league’s premier two-way players.

Colbert (6.0 points across four games) returned briefly during the season before departing the roster again.

Four days after the season opener, Loggins (23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped Brisbane defeat Gold Coast 139-129 and improve to 2-0.

On June 3, Loggins (28 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) delivered one of his best all-round performances of the regular season as Brisbane defeated Townsville 150-133.

Loggins (25 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) then helped Brisbane escape Hobart with a 107-105 win on July 1.

Late in the season, Loggins (23 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) produced another dominant two-way performance as Brisbane defeated Illawarra 109-92 on September 9.

Brisbane closed the regular season with a 122-109 loss to North Melbourne despite Loggins (20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals), finishing sixth with a 16-10 record.

Heal, Loggins and Mitchell (20.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 steals) carried the Bullets offensively, combining for more than 65 points per game.

Rillie (13.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) provided immediate production and was awarded the NBL Rookie of the Year, while Munk (10.4 points and 7.9 rebounds), Goodwin (8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds) and Sibley (6.5 points and 6.3 rebounds) rounded out the main rotation.

Loggins’ season also earned him All-NBL Second Team honours, but the new-look Bullets were unable to progress beyond the same stage as the previous season.

Brisbane opened its quarterfinal series at home, where Loggins (42 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) delivered his season-high while shooting 14-of-19 from the field, but North Melbourne won 115-105 behind Jent (34 points and 7 rebounds), Reidy (25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Johnson (20 points and 4 assists) and McDonald (7 points, 6 rebounds, 19 assists, and 6 steals), while Mitchell (17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Heal (16 points, 12 assists, and 5 steals) supported Brisbane.

Game two moved to the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre, where Loggins (25 points and 8 rebounds), Mitchell (22 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals), Heal (14 points and 5 assists) and Sibley (7 points and 12 rebounds) led Brisbane, while McDonald (32 points and 9 assists), Reidy (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists), Jent (21 points and 5 rebounds) and Rees (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 blocks) powered North Melbourne to a 130-99 win and a two-game sweep.

1996
After suffering a second consecutive quarterfinal exit, Brisbane lost leading scorer Shane Heal (to Sydney), Rookie of the Year John Rillie (to Adelaide), Wayne Larkins (to Gold Coast) and import Chris Munk, while the team’s long-time captain returned alongside Mike Mitchell, Andrew Goodwin, Rodger Smith and Robert Sibley.

First-year coach David Ingham replaced Bruce Palmer and re-loaded the roster by adding Mike McKay (via Adelaide), Mark Dalton (via Sydney) and Steve Woodberry (via Gold Coast), who was returning from the major knee injury that had ended his previous season.

Brisbane opened the season on April 13 with a 106-99 road win over Illawarra, as Loggins (25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped the Bullets overcome Timmons (30 points and 8 rebounds) and LaFleur (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists).

Loggins (16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) appeared in 20 games but recorded career lows in points, rebounds, assists and steals, prompting many to believe the 38-year-old may retire at season’s end.

One week after the opener, Loggins (18 points and 12 rebounds) delivered his first double-double of the season as Brisbane defeated eventual champions South East Melbourne 94-88, while Anstey (18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Kelly (17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Magic.

On August 24, Loggins (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped Brisbane escape the Sydney Entertainment Centre with a 102-99 win, giving the Bullets an important road victory as they remained inside the tightly packed playoff race.

Loggins (34 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks) delivered his season-high against Adelaide on September 14, making 15-of-22 shots from the field and 4-of-6 three-pointers, but Maher (37 points and 4 rebounds) and Brunson (24 points and 9 assists) led the 36ers to a 105-98 win.

Brisbane closed the regular season at home on September 28 with a 104-103 loss to Melbourne despite Loggins (18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), finishing eighth with a 14-12 record during an extremely tight season where Brisbane, Sydney, North Melbourne, South East Melbourne and Melbourne all sat on top of the ladder at different points.

Woodberry (23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.1 steals) led Brisbane in scoring and earned All-NBL Third Team honours, while Mitchell (20.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals) gave the Bullets another 20-point scorer and was also selected to the All-NBL Third Team.

McKay (17.6 points and 4.1 rebounds) impressed during his first season in Brisbane and was named the NBL Best Sixth Man, while Goodwin (6.6 points and 4.5 rebounds), Smith (6.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 steals), Dalton (4.9 points and 4.1 rebounds) and Aaron Honeyman (4.1 points) rounded out Ingham’s main rotation.

Brisbane opened its quarterfinal series at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 5 and caught top-seeded Melbourne off guard, defeating the Tigers 118-97 to take a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to the National Tennis Centre at Flinders Park, where Gaze (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Bradtke (24 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne to a 96-87 win and forced a deciding game.

Game three remained in Melbourne, where Loggins (20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) led Brisbane, with Goodwin (15 points and 5 rebounds), Woodberry (14 points and 2 assists), McKay (12 points and 8 rebounds) and Mitchell (11 points and 3 rebounds) in support, while Gaze (29 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Bradtke (29 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks) powered the Tigers to a 111-93 win.

1997
After finishing eighth with a 14-12 record and losing its 1996 quarterfinal series to Melbourne in three games, Brisbane moved on from Mike Mitchell (to North Melbourne), Andrew Goodwin (to North Melbourne), Luke Gribble, Ryan Stolberg and Shaun Guy, while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Mike McKay, Rodger Smith, Mark Dalton, Robert Sibley and Aaron Honeyman returned under second-year head coach David Ingham.

Ingham added Leonard White (via Pau-Orthez), Andrew Ramsay (via Geelong), Toby Zaremba (via Gold Coast), John Szigeti (via Gold Coast) and rookie Ben Thompson (via AIS), although Ramsay did not appear in an NBL game.

Brisbane opened the season at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 11, where Loggins (20 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Woodberry (28 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and McKay (24 points and 7 rebounds) led the Bullets to a 111-105 win over Melbourne, while Andrew Gaze (33 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led the Tigers.

Although many believed Loggins (21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 32 games) would retire after producing the worst statistical season of his career in 1996, he instead bounced back, lifting his scoring average by more than five points and appearing in every game for Brisbane, playing all 30 regular-season games and both quarterfinals.

White (16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 3 games) opened the season as Brisbane’s second import but was cut after the Bullets’ first three games, with Dwayne McClain (via Gold Coast) brought in as his replacement. McClain (16.8 points, 8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals across 21 games) had spent the final six games of Gold Coast’s financially troubled 1996 season with the Rollers before the club folded and made his Brisbane debut in Perth on May 16. His season ended after he suffered an injury against Townsville on September 13, keeping him out of Brisbane’s final four regular-season games and both quarterfinals.

Loggins’ season-high scoring performance came against Townsville at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 25, where Loggins (39 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals) made 17-of-31 shots, but the Suns defeated Brisbane 104-96, with McKay (16 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Woodberry (11 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals) providing support as Woodberry recorded a triple-double, while Derek Rucker (32 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals) led Townsville.

On May 24, Loggins (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) delivered a strong all-round performance as Brisbane defeated Illawarra 110-92 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with Woodberry (33 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and McClain (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) leading the scoring, while Clayton Ritter (27 points) and Bryan Edwards (23 points) were best for the Hawks.

On June 15, Loggins (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) helped Brisbane defeat Newcastle 116-108 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with Woodberry (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Smith (23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) providing support, while Tonny Jensen (37 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Newcastle.

Loggins also represented Brisbane at the NBL All-Star Game and won the three-point shootout at 39 years of age. Long-time NBL commentator John Casey later recalled, “Seeing Leroy Loggins win the three-point shootout at the All Star game as a 39-year-old in 1997 is another great memory as well.”

Woodberry (21.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2 steals across 32 games) narrowly led Brisbane in scoring and joined Loggins on the All-NBL Second Team, while McKay (18.6 points and 5 rebounds across 7 games) was productive during his limited appearances. Smith (9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals across 32 games), Dalton (8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds across 32 games) and Thompson (6.9 points across 29 games) provided the other major contributions as the Bullets remained in the playoff race throughout an inconsistent campaign, recording road wins over Perth, North Melbourne, Canberra, Townsville and Adelaide before finishing fifth with a 15-15 record. Loggins’ All-NBL Second Team selection marked a return to league honours after his career-low 1996 season.

Brisbane opened its quarterfinal series at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 4, where Loggins (32 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks), Woodberry (23 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Smith (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Bullets, while Ricky Grace (18 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals), Todd Lichti (15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Andrew Vlahov (14 points and 12 rebounds) helped Perth escape with an 81-79 win.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on October 7, where Woodberry (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals), Dalton (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Loggins (14 points and 9 rebounds) led Brisbane, while Grace (25 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Vlahov (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) and David Van Dyke (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Perth to an 88-71 win and completed the sweep.

1998
After four consecutive first-round playoff exits, Brisbane released head coach David Ingham and brought Brian Kerle back to the club after he had previously coached the Bullets to championships in 1985 and 1987. Mike McKay (to Canberra), Dwayne McClain, Mark Dalton (to Wollongong), Robert Sibley, Leonard White, Toby Zaremba and Bruce Hamilton departed, while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Rodger Smith, Ben Thompson, John Szigeti and Aaron Honeyman returned. Kerle rebuilt the frontcourt with import Chuck Kornegay and Mark Nash, while CJ Bruton (via Indian Hills CC), Ryan Stolberg and Ben Castle were also added.

The high cost of playing home games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, combined with falling attendances, resulted in the Bullets moving into the smaller 4,000-seat Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from the beginning of the season.

Brisbane opened the season at its new home against defending champion Melbourne on January 30, where Loggins (27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Woodberry (32 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Bruton (14 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led the Bullets to a 105-97 victory.

The 40-year-old remained Brisbane’s starting small forward, with Loggins (17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 26 games) continuing to provide scoring, rebounding and defensive pressure. He appeared in 22 of Brisbane’s 30 regular-season games before playing all four postseason games. During the season he was also selected as a member of the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team.

One of Brisbane’s most important regular-season victories came against South East Melbourne on February 28, when Loggins (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Woodberry (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Bruton (15 points and 2 steals), who made four of five three-pointers, helped the Bullets defeat the Magic 81-76 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The loss was one of only four during the regular season for the eventual minor premiers.

Loggins produced his highest-scoring game of the season against Townsville on March 20, making five three-pointers and finishing with 39 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Nash (18 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Bruton (18 points and 2 steals) provided support, but Derek Rucker erupted for 51 points and 3 steals as the Crocodiles defeated Brisbane 116-98.

Woodberry (26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 34 games) led Brisbane in scoring and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Kornegay (16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 32 games) gave Kerle a major interior presence. Bruton (15.4 points, 4 assists, and 1.8 steals across 34 games), Nash (9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds across 34 games) and Thompson (6.3 points across 13 games) provided the other major contributions.

Brisbane closed the regular season against Adelaide at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 7, where Loggins (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Woodberry (24 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Bruton (15 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led the Bullets to a 101-89 victory. The win left Brisbane fourth with a 16-14 record, tied with Melbourne but holding home-court advantage after winning the season series between the teams.

The elimination finals opened in Brisbane, where Loggins (14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Woodberry (24 points and 10 rebounds) and Nash (20 points and 7 rebounds) led the Bullets to a 93-80 victory over defending champion Melbourne. Andrew Gaze (34 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) led the Tigers as Brisbane moved within one victory of advancing beyond the opening round.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Loggins (27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made four three-pointers, while Kornegay (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Nash (16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) provided support. Gaze (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led Melbourne, but Brisbane overwhelmed the Tigers 114-81 to complete the sweep and advance beyond the first round for the first time since 1993.

Brisbane returned home for game one of the semifinals against South East Melbourne, where Loggins (8 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) was held to 4-of-14 shooting. Woodberry erupted for 46 points and 12 rebounds and Kornegay added 19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, but Tony Ronaldson (26 points and 4 rebounds) and Mike Kelly (25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) led the Magic to a 106-98 victory.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Loggins (13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers, while Woodberry (28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Bruton (15 points and 4 assists) provided support. Sam Mackinnon (30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Ronaldson (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 90-84 victory, completing the semifinal sweep and ending Brisbane’s season one round short of the Grand Final.

1998/99
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Brisbane entered the 1998/99 campaign looking to build on its first playoff series victory since 1993. The Bullets lost Chuck Kornegay, CJ Bruton (to Wollongong), Ben Thompson (to West Sydney) and John Szigeti (retired), while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Mark Nash and Rodger Smith returned under head coach Brian Kerle.

With the NBL moving from a winter to a summer schedule, Kerle signed import Thaddeous Delaney to replace Kornegay in the frontcourt, while Ben Knight and Matthew Shanahan joined after being squeezed out of the North Melbourne Giants and South East Melbourne Magic merger that formed the Victoria Titans. Phil Doherty (via Perth) was also added after leaving the Wildcats in search of more playing time.

Brisbane opened the season against Canberra at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 9, where Loggins (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) remained productive as the Bullets defeated the Cannons 110-78. Woodberry (33 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) made five three-pointers and led Brisbane in scoring, while Doherty (14 points and 11 rebounds) provided a double-double in his first game for the club. Former Bullet Mike McKay (16 points and 6 rebounds) led Canberra.

Loggins (18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games) appeared in all 26 regular-season games and both playoff games, remaining Brisbane’s starting small forward and second-leading scorer despite turning 41 during the season. His scoring improved from the previous year, while he continued to provide outside shooting, defensive pressure and leadership alongside Woodberry. The veteran captain had also been selected to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team in 1998, recognising a career that already included three championships, three league MVP awards and two Best Defensive Player awards.

The following night Brisbane travelled to Townsville, where Loggins (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made three of four three-pointers, while Woodberry (31 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) again led the Bullets in scoring. Delaney (13 points and 8 rebounds) provided support inside, but Sam Mackinnon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Crocodiles to a 91-84 victory at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

Loggins’ highest-scoring game of the season came against defending champion Adelaide on November 21, where he finished with 31 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks as Brisbane defeated the 36ers 112-96 at Adelaide Arena. He made 9-of-16 shots from the field, including four three-pointers, and converted all nine free throws. Woodberry (27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists) narrowly missed a triple-double, while Nash (16 points and 8 rebounds) provided additional support. Kevin Brooks (25 points) was Adelaide’s leading scorer, but Brisbane’s veteran duo combined for 58 points as the Bullets continued a four-game winning streak.

Loggins delivered another outstanding shooting performance against Melbourne at Melbourne Park on December 27, finishing with 29 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist while making 12-of-17 field goals and five of six three-pointers. Woodberry (22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) added a double-double and Delaney (8 points and 14 rebounds) controlled the glass, but Andrew Gaze (37 points) led the Tigers to a 102-91 victory.

Brisbane responded against Newcastle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 9, where Loggins (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) made 9-of-14 shots from the field, including both three-point attempts and all four free throws. Woodberry (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) and Delaney (14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) provided support, while David Simmons (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Newcastle. The Bullets won 98-82 as Loggins produced one of his strongest two-way performances of the season.

Loggins’ best overall performance came against Sydney at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on January 23, when he finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks in Brisbane’s 109-98 victory. He made an outstanding 10-of-12 field goals, including all four three-point attempts, and converted all four free throws without committing a turnover. Woodberry (27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) provided the main offensive support, while Nash (17 points and 4 rebounds) made five of six field goals and three three-pointers. The performance demonstrated that Loggins remained capable of producing highly efficient offensive games against younger opponents, even after almost two decades in the league.

Brisbane remained heavily reliant on its experienced scoring combination throughout the season, with Woodberry (27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals across 28 games) producing the best statistical season of his NBL career. He improved his scoring average from the previous year and carried much of the Bullets’ offensive workload, regularly playing close to 48 minutes while also leading the team in assists and steals. His performances earned him the 1999 NBL Most Valuable Player award, ending Andrew Gaze’s run of eight consecutive MVP awards, and selection to the All-NBL First Team for the second consecutive season.

Outside Woodberry and Loggins, Brisbane struggled to find consistent scoring. Delaney (11.6 points and 10.6 rebounds across 28 games) provided rebounding and interior defence but never developed into the dominant replacement the Bullets had hoped for following Kornegay’s departure. Nash (8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds across 28 games) remained a reliable frontcourt contributor, while Doherty (8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds across 22 games), Knight (6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds across 28 games), Smith (6.5 points across 26 games), Shanahan (6.2 points across 27 games) and Peter Harvey (4.5 points across 17 games) rounded out Kerle’s main rotation. Shanahan provided valuable outside shooting, converting 48.1 percent of his three-point attempts, while Smith remained an important defensive presence. However, the lack of consistent offensive production beyond the two veteran stars meant Brisbane often required a major performance from Woodberry or Loggins just to remain competitive.

Brisbane entered the final weeks battling to secure a playoff position, having struggled to maintain the consistency shown during its four-game winning streak earlier in the season. The Bullets closed the regular season against Canberra at AIS Arena on March 13, where Loggins (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) helped Brisbane defeat the Cannons 107-97. Woodberry (30 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals) narrowly missed a triple-double, while Shanahan (12 points and 3 steals) provided support. Melvin Thomas (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Canberra, but Brisbane’s victory completed a 13-13 regular season and secured fifth place on the ladder, setting up a qualifying finals rematch against Melbourne, which the Bullets had swept from the playoffs the previous year.

It's just a game. have fun with it!! @SteveWoodberry @nblhistory @BrisbaneBullets @NBL pic.twitter.com/KzmWa1rPDG— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 17, 2023

Brisbane opened its qualifying finals series against Melbourne at the Brisbane Convention Centre on March 20, where Loggins (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made five three-pointers and provided another strong offensive contribution. Woodberry (29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led the Bullets in scoring, while Nash (8 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks) provided support on the glass. Marcus Timmons (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne to a 100-85 victory, giving the Tigers a 1-0 series lead and leaving Brisbane needing to win two consecutive games to avoid another first-round exit.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on March 26, where Loggins (17 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) played 41 minutes and made two of three three-pointers as Brisbane attempted to keep its season alive. Woodberry (35 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced another outstanding performance, while Shanahan (17 points) provided additional perimeter scoring. However, Lanard Copeland (30 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led Melbourne to a 98-92 victory, completing the two-game sweep and eliminating Brisbane from the playoffs in the opening round. The defeat marked Brisbane’s eighth consecutive playoff campaign and the club’s final postseason appearance until 2004.

1999/00
After Chuck Kornegay (to Spain) and Steve Woodberry (to Sydney) accepted high-paying deals, Brisbane entered the 1999/00 season without the two imports who had carried much of the offence the previous year. Head coach Brian Kerle retained Leroy Loggins, Phil Doherty and Mark Nash, then brought in Simon Kerle and Jason Cameron (both via Townsville), Brendan Mann (via Canberra) and Rod Johnson (via Newcastle), while Kelvin Price and Sheldon Quarles filled the import spots as the Bullets began planning for life after Leroy.

Brisbane opened the season at the Sydney Super Dome on October 2, where Leroy (12 points) was held to 5-of-14 shooting in a 98-82 loss to West Sydney.

Two weeks later, Leroy (23 points, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) carried the Bullets to their first victory, edging Sydney 77-76 at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Loggins (15.5 points and 3.6 rebounds across 28 games) remained Brisbane’s leading scorer and played almost 30 minutes each night, even after turning 42 in December, although his scoring and rebounding had slipped to career lows.

Simon Kerle (14.5 points and 3.8 assists) provided the main support, while Price (12.8 points and 11.4 rebounds) and Quarles (11.0 points and 8.0 rebounds) gave Brisbane size but failed to deliver the impact expected from the import pair.

Johnson (8.9 points and 3.4 assists), Doherty (7.1 points and 4.0 rebounds) and Nash (6.3 points and 6.1 rebounds) formed the next group of contributors as Brisbane struggled to replace Woodberry’s scoring and Kornegay’s interior presence.

On December 10, Leroy (24 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) kept Brisbane close against Perth before the Wildcats won 101-93 at the Convention Centre.

His next 24-point performance came against Canberra on January 28, when Leroy (24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) shot 10-of-18 from the field and made four three-pointers in a 99-73 win.

His best game came on February 19, with Leroy (35 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) making 13-of-17 shots and three of four attempts from deep as Brisbane fell 90-88 to Canberra.

Brisbane closed the season at the Convention Centre on March 11 with a 97-76 loss to Townsville.

The Bullets won only once in 15 road games and finished 10th with a 7-21 record, leaving Leroy outside the playoffs for only the third time in his 20 NBL seasons.

2000/01
The 2000/01 season was a disastrous campaign for the Bullets, managing only four wins under new head coach Richard Orlick.

Offensively, the team heavily relied on their veterans, with import Randy Rutherford (19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists), Simon Kerle (24.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists), and a 43-year-old Leroy Loggins (16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) carrying much of the load. However, even with Loggins still starting and averaging 36 minutes per game, Brisbane couldn’t keep pace with the league’s top teams.

The team struggled from the outset, starting the season with import CJ Black (6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist), but he was cut after just two games. His replacement, Khari Jaxon (3.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists), provided defensive presence but was not the scoring threat Brisbane desperately needed.

Injuries plagued the roster, with only Wade Helliwell (8.6 points, 5.9 rebounds) managing to appear in all 28 games. Both local point guards were lost, with Damien Ryan (7 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) and Brendan Mann (4.3 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) missing 22 and 21 games, respectively. Promising rookie Lee Barlow (8.6 points, 5.8 rebounds) played only half the season, starting center Matt Zauner (7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds) was sidelined for eight games, and Loggins himself missed six games. The team was so undermanned that Bullets legend Rodger Smith was brought back from the state league for a one-game cameo just to fill the roster.

Other notable contributors included David Cooper (5.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1 block), who provided some interior defense, while Michael Wheeler (4.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) showed flashes of potential but couldn’t provide consistent production.

The season came to an emotional close as Leroy Loggins retired after an incredible 21-year NBL career. Even in his final season, he remained a key contributor and leader on the court, a testament to both his greatness and the dire state of Brisbane’s roster.

Despite their struggles, Brisbane somehow avoided finishing at the bottom of the ladder, ending the season at 4-24, just one game ahead of the Canberra Cannons (3-25).

Leroy Loggins having played 567 games which at the time was the most games ever played in the NBL (this has since been surpassed by both Andrew Gaze and Tony Ronaldson). He also scored 13,106 points (third all-time) during his career, at 23.1 points per game, grabbed 3,897 rebounds at 6.8 per game, another remains second in all time steals with 1,221 (2.1 per game). The number 30 jersey worn by Loggins throughout his career was retired by the Bullets in his honour.

During his career, Loggins was also selected to numerous NBL All-Star Games, winning the first two-game MVP awards in 1982 at the Apollo Stadium in Adelaide and again in 1988 at The Glass House in Melbourne. Although these games were six years apart, as there was no All-Star Game played from 1983 to 1987 this gave Loggins the distinction of being the only player to win consecutive NBL All-Star Game MVP awards. He is one of only three players (along with Andrew Gaze and Darryl McDonald) to win the award twice.

He was included in the NBL’s 25th Anniversary Team (named 2003) and was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

Historical one-club wins (retrospective)
In the NBL’s single-club wins comparison published on 16 January 2026, Leroy Loggins was credited with 295 victories for the Brisbane Bullets, ranking sixth among players for wins at a single NBL club, behind Wagstaff (331), Gaze (330), Davis (312), Grace (308) and Brett Maher (299). This is a retrospective count of wins achieved while playing for that particular club, not the player’s total NBL wins across multiple teams, and does not describe a record set during 2000/01.

Leroy Loggins played twenty-one seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Brisbane Bullets and the West Adelaide Bearcats. He averaged 23.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 567 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 3rd in total games played.
– 2nd in total points
– 8th in total rebounds
– 19th in total assists
– 2nd in total steals
– 6th in total blocks
– 33rd in steals per game.

HIGHLIGHTS: