NICKNAME/S: Money Makin Mitch, Macca

BIO: Mitchell McCarron was born in Alice Springs, NT and began playing basketball as a junior with the Brisbane basketball program. Whilst there he attended Genesis Christian College. McCarron received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2010. He spent four years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2010).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mitchell McCarron made his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans at 24 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.

Following college, McCarron played one season in Spain before signing a two-year deal with the Cairns Taipans on 13 May 2016.

After his second season with the Taipans McCarron spent the off season playing for in Slovenia. When he returned to Australia he signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United on 8 June 2018.

2016/17
In 2016/17 McCarron averaged 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists as the Taipans finished with a record of 15-13 and in second place during the regular season.

2017/18
The 2017/18 season saw McCarron average 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3 assists and play a key role in helping the Taipans to a sixth-place finish during the regular season with a 11-17 record.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2018/19
Melbourne entered the 2018/19 season with the goal of defending their championship. They prioritized retaining their core group, re-signing team captain Chris Goulding (two-year deal) and David Barlow (one-year deal). They also secured Josh Boone and Casper Ware on one-year deals, despite interest from overseas clubs. To strengthen their lineup, the team added DJ Kennedy (via Turkey), Mitch McCarron (via Cairns), and Alex Pledger (via New Zealand), focusing on maintaining continuity while boosting depth.

McCarron, who had transitioned to playing point guard during the NBL offseason, was a highly sought-after free agent. After weighing several offers, including interest from top European clubs, McCarron signed a three-year deal with Melbourne United.

Mitch McCarron (11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 steals) quickly integrated into the team, playing a key role. His standout performances included 25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in a win against the New Zealand Breakers, and 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Perth Wildcats.

McCarron was known for his defensive prowess, hustle, and ability to contribute across the board, helping Melbourne maintain a deep rotation. Casper Ware (18.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2 steals), Chris Goulding (14.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists), DJ Kennedy (12.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3 steals), and Josh Boone (10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, and 3 steals) led the team offensively.

Mid-season, Melbourne signed Venky Jois (2.2 points and 0.7 rebounds) from Japan to bolster the roster ahead of the playoffs. Under head coach Dean Vickerman, who won NBL Coach of the Year, Melbourne finished second in the regular season (18-10) and advanced to the semifinals against Sydney.

In Game 1 of the semifinals (95-73), McCarron contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, as Melbourne cruised to victory. Casper Ware (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists), Chris Goulding (17 points), and DJ Kennedy (20 points and 7 rebounds) led the way. Sydney’s Andrew Bogut struggled with only 7 points, while Kevin Lisch and Jerome Randle both added 13 points.

In Game 2 (90-76), McCarron added 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists to help Melbourne complete the series sweep. Casper Ware (30 points) and Chris Goulding (23 points) were the top performers, while Andrew Bogut (10 points and 12 rebounds) couldn’t stop Melbourne from advancing to the Grand Final against Perth.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final (81-71), McCarron contributed 6 points and 5 rebounds. Casper Ware (19 points) and Chris Goulding (15 points) led Melbourne offensively, but big games from Terrico White (19 points) and Angus Brandt (14 points) powered Perth to victory.

Melbourne responded in Game 2 (92-74), with McCarron adding 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ware, Goulding, and Kennedy all contributed as Melbourne tied the series. Bryce Cotton (19 points) and Terrico White (17 points) were strong for Perth, but it wasn’t enough.

In Game 3 (95-67), Perth dominated, with McCarron adding 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Bryce Cotton (27 points) and Terrico White (31 points) led Perth’s offense, pushing them ahead in the series.

In the deciding Game 4 (97-84), McCarron contributed 7 points and 5 rebounds, but Melbourne couldn’t hold off Perth, who clinched the title behind Bryce Cotton (28 points) and Terrico White (20 points). Casper Ware (18 points) and Chris Goulding (15 points) led Melbourne, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Perth from winning the championship. Terrico White earned the Grand Final MVP after averaging 21.8 points in the series.

2019/20
On 20 August 2019, Melbourne United signed Jo Lual-Acuil as part of a major overhaul to their roster. The team opted not to re-sign key imports Casper Ware and Josh Boone, released Daniel Trist, and lost young forward Craig Moller, who signed with Sydney as a free agent.

To fill the gaps, United added Lual-Acuil, Shea Ili (who had previously played under head coach Dean Vickerman with the New Zealand Breakers), and Jack Purchase as a development player. The team also brought in import duo Melo Trimble (from Cairns) and Shawn Long (from New Zealand), who had played together for the USA National Team. Key re-signings included David Barlow, Alex Pledger, Tohi Smith-Milner, and Casey Prather, the latter of whom agreed to a two-year deal for his second stint with the club.

Prather’s return, however, was marred by injury concerns. He missed the first seven games of the season and, once back on the court, was unable to reach his prior performance levels, averaging 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, well below his career numbers. Following another knee procedure, he played in only six of the next eight games before being ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a right hamstring tear. United signed former NBA player Stanton Kidd as Prather’s injury replacement.

United’s season began poorly, losing four of their first five games amidst reports of internal player issues, pressure on the coach, and growing frustration among fans. However, by late November, United had turned things around, sitting third on the ladder (7-4) after a six-game winning streak, during which they became the highest-scoring team in the league (99.7 points per game). Melo Trimble (19.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals) led the team in scoring, followed by Shawn Long (18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) and captain Chris Goulding (17.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists).

McCarron contributed consistently throughout the season, averaging 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. United recovered from their poor start to finish fourth (15-13), securing a spot in the semifinals against the Sydney Kings.

In Game 1 of the semifinals, despite strong performances from Long (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) and Trimble (34 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) off the bench, United lost a close game in Sydney (80-86). Xavier Cooks (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Jae’Sean Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) led the Kings to victory.

Back in Melbourne for Game 2, United leveled the series with a dominant 45-point win (125-80). The game was decided in the second quarter, where United outscored Sydney 32-7. Long (26 points and 11 rebounds), Trimble (21 points and 2 steals), and Kidd (18 points and 4 rebounds) led the charge, while Tate (18 points and 6 rebounds) was the top scorer for the Kings.

The series-deciding Game 3 in Sydney came down to the wire, but Melbourne fell just short, losing by two points. Goulding (19 points and 3 assists) led United in scoring, but Tate (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and the Kings clinched the win, ending Melbourne’s season and sending Sydney to the Grand Final.

2020/21
After several seasons of trying to get import Casey Prather back on the court, both Melbourne United and Prather mutually agreed to terminate the second year of his contract. To restructure their roster, United added Jack White (via Duke University) and Japanese star Yudai Baba (one-year deal) on an NBL Special Restricted Player contract. The team also re-signed captain Chris Goulding (three-year deal), David Barlow (one-year deal), Mason Peatling (three-year deal), and Sam McDaniel (one-year deal). Choosing to lean on local talent, United brought in Scotty Hopson (via Europe) as their sole import and secured Australian Boomers forward Jock Landale (one-year deal) just weeks before the season tipped off, after his contract in Lithuania was voided due to COVID-related travel restrictions.

United faced an early blow in the season when rookie Jack White, who was averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds as a starter and a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year, sustained a season-ending Achilles injury in April against the Cairns Taipans. White required 12 months of rehabilitation and missed the rest of the season, with former United big man David Andersen being signed as an injury replacement.

Mitch McCarron played a pivotal role for United, averaging 9.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while helping lead the team to a first-place finish in the regular season with a 28-8 record. Despite numerous challenges, including COVID-19 travel restrictions, United maintained their championship form, setting up a clash with Victorian rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix in the semi-finals. With both teams locked out of Victoria due to COVID restrictions, the series began in front of empty arenas in Sydney.

The teams split the first two games at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena before returning to Melbourne for the deciding Game 3. United found themselves trailing 32-15 early in the second quarter, but their defense tightened, holding the Phoenix to just 42 points for the remainder of the game while scoring 69 themselves. Landale (27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) equaled his season-high in points, shooting an efficient 11-13 from the field and 3/3 from beyond the arc, leading Melbourne to an 84-74 victory.

Goulding (14 points) celebrated his 350th game, while McCarron (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), Hopson (9 points and 6 rebounds), and Jo Lual-Acuil (8 points and 3 rebounds) played crucial roles in securing the win. The Phoenix were led by Reuben Te Rangi (22 points) and Mitch Creek (19 points).

The Grand Final series against the Perth Wildcats began in Perth due to border restrictions, with Perth hosting the first two games despite being the lower seed. Without their injured star Bryce Cotton, Perth remained competitive but ultimately lost both home games. United returned to Melbourne to host Game 3, with 5,000 fans (the maximum allowed under COVID restrictions) filling John Cain Arena. United secured the championship with an 81-76 victory, their sixth title and the second under the United branding. Landale (15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) was named Finals MVP for his outstanding all-around performance.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2021/22
Adelaide began the 2021/22 season by bringing in Mitch McCarron (via Melbourne), Filipino NBA prospect Kai Sotto, and Cairns backup guard duo Tad Dufelmeier and disgruntled Next Star Mojave King, who left the Taipans due to concerns about his limited playing time affecting his NBA chances. Imports Dusty Hannahs and Todd Withers were also added to the roster, and in a surprise move, the team parted ways with coach Connor Henry, despite having a year left on his contract. CJ Bruton, who had narrowly missed out on the Brisbane Bullets head coaching role, was hired as his replacement just weeks before the season began. With the roster nearly complete, Bruton brought in Hyrum Harris (also from Cairns) and Cam Bairstow, a former Brisbane player who had struggled with injuries and had not received offers from other NBL teams. Bruton, having worked with Bairstow in Brisbane, convinced him to join Adelaide for a fresh start.

McCarron (7.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.9 steals) was named captain of the 36ers and became the focal point of the team’s future plans. Adelaide started the season slowly, losing their first two games to Perth (85-73) and Illawarra (71-81), but rebounded with wins over Tasmania (83-80) and New Zealand (98-85), briefly climbing to sixth place (2-2) on the ladder, their highest position of the season.

However, Adelaide’s injury troubles began early. Isaac Humphries (7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds in 17.7 minutes per game) suffered a knee injury that ended his season after just six games. Without Humphries, Cam Bairstow (11.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) delivered the best season of his career before also succumbing to a late-season ankle injury that would mark the end of his NBL career.

With a month left in the season, Adelaide’s imports, Dusty Hannahs (13.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) and Todd Withers (8.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), failed to meet expectations, and the 36ers found themselves out of playoff contention with a record of 7-17. Despite a late push, including almost securing four straight road wins, Adelaide ended the season in seventh place (10-18) for the third consecutive year.

Daniel Johnson (16.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) led the team in scoring and won his second consecutive Mark Davis Award as the club’s MVP. Other bright spots included Hyrum Harris (4.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists), who was named the 36ers’ Most Improved Player, and Sunday Dech (12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists), who established himself as a key contributor in his second season with Adelaide.

McCarron finished the season averaging 7.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, in what was a challenging campaign marred by injuries to key big men and underwhelming performances from the imports.

2022/23
After struggling through NBL22 with injuries and a lack of cohesion in the team’s frontcourt, head coach CJ Bruton entered the 2022/23 season hopeful for better results after having a full offseason to prepare. The core group of Mitch McCarron (captain), Anthony Drmic, Daniel Johnson, Sunday Dech, Hyrum Harris, and Kai Sotto returned, and Adelaide made significant additions to their roster. They signed proven NBL imports Antonius Cleveland (via Illawarra) and Robert Franks (via Brisbane) to multi-year deals, and G-League star Craig Randall II (Long Island Nets) was added to provide offensive firepower.

The season kicked off with a historic preseason win over the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, marking Adelaide as the first overseas team to defeat NBA opposition since Fenerbahce beat the Nets in 2015. Adelaide also impressed in a strong showing against Oklahoma City a few days later.

However, the early promise quickly faded. Returning to Australia with high expectations, the 36ers stumbled to a 3–4 record in their first month. During this period, tensions arose between Randall II (20.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steals) and coach Bruton, with multiple on-court verbal exchanges. After a negative reaction to being moved to the bench, Randall was released after just six games.

Imports Franks (17.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) and Cleveland (15.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals) took on more responsibility, but Daniel Johnson (11.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) experienced his lowest-scoring season in nearly a decade. Adelaide faltered towards the end of the season, losing six of their final eight games and missing out on the Play-In Tournament.

McCarron (7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Drmic (10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals) provided consistent contributions, while NBL Next Star Kai Sotto (6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds) showed flashes of potential. Midway through the season, with Adelaide sitting at 6-8, they added former Sydney King Ian Clark (12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) for the final 10 games, hoping he could propel them into the post-season. However, despite vying for the last two playoff spots with Melbourne, Perth, and South East Melbourne, Adelaide only managed two wins from their final eight games.

The hype surrounding the preseason win over the Phoenix Suns may have set unrealistic expectations for Adelaide, and they ultimately finished in eighth place (13-18).

McCarron’s standout performance came in a game that marked both the 300th for Perth’s Mitch Norton and the 400th for Adelaide’s Daniel Johnson. Despite losing to Perth (90-98), McCarron delivered 20 points and 13 rebounds (9 offensive), in one of his best efforts of the season.

2023/24
After a second underwhelming season under coach CJ Bruton, Adelaide made significant changes to their roster in hopes of turning things around. Despite imports Robert Franks and Antonius Cleveland being contracted for another season, both were allowed to exit their deals and pursue opportunities overseas.

Several other key players also departed, including Anthony Drmic (to Tasmania), Ian Clark (to Melbourne), and Kai Sotto (to Japan). However, the biggest loss for the 36ers faithful was the decision not to bring back club legend Daniel Johnson after 13 years of service.

In response, Adelaide brought back some familiar faces to bolster leadership, including Jason Cadee (via Brisbane), Isaac Humphries (via Melbourne), and import Jacob Wiley. New additions to the roster also included Trentyn Flowers through the Next Stars program, AFL to NBL convert Alex Starling, and imports Trey Kell (via South East Melbourne) and Jamaal Franklin.

Franklin’s stint with the club was short-lived, as he was released midway through the NBL Blitz. Adelaide once again stumbled out of the gate, starting the season with a 1-4 record. The team signed DJ Vasiljevic, who had left Sydney for the NBA’s Washington Wizards before being released just before the NBL season began.

Vasiljevic (19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) provided a much-needed scoring punch, but Adelaide’s struggles continued, particularly in a disastrous loss to Tasmania. In that game, Adelaide’s inability to shoot from both inside the arc (29 percent from the field) and beyond the three-point line (2-11) resulted in them matching their lowest score of the 40-minute era (59-94). Following the loss, Bruton was let go, with the team sitting at the bottom of the ladder (4-9). He was replaced by assistant coach Scott Ninnis, who had previously coached the team from 2008 to 2010. Ninnis managed to steady the ship, and after a strong 5-1 run in January, Adelaide found themselves back in contention for a playoff spot.

Adelaide finished the season as the second-best rebounding team, averaging 43.5 rebounds per game, but struggled from behind the three-point line, shooting a league-worst 29.9 percent. Trey Kell (17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals) and Isaac Humphries (15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) both delivered career-best seasons, while Jacob Wiley (10.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) led the team in rebounding.

Ultimately, the 36ers fell just short of making the Play-In Tournament, finishing the season with a record of 12 wins and 16 losses. McCarron averaged 4.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 28 games.

Mitchell McCarron currently plays for the New Zealand Breakers and has played 243 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 8.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists since entering the league in 2016.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

New Zealand Breakers – 2 Year Deal (2024-26)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (815 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.