EJ Rowland
February 2, 2021
Kelvin Robertson
- Nationality: AUS
- Date of Birth: 3/01/83
- Place of Birth: Townsville (QLD)
- Position: PG
- Height (CM): 180
- Weight (KG): 82
- Junior Assoc: QLD - Townsville
- College: None
- NBL DEBUT: 13/10/01
- AGE AT DEBUT: 18
- LAST NBL GAME: 31/12/09
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 26
- NBL History: Townsville 2002-10
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Kelvin Robertson was born in Townsville (QLD) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Townsville basketball program.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Kelvin Robertson made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 18 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.
A local Townsville product
2004/05
After a disappointing 2003/04 campaign where the Townsville Crocodiles struggled to settle on a reliable roster and cycled through multiple imports, the club made significant changes heading into the 2004/05 NBL season. Head coach Ian Stacker orchestrated a major overhaul, parting ways with veterans Andrew Goodwin (retired), Peter Crawford (to Perth), and Mike Kelly (to Wollongong). To reshape the team’s identity, the Crocs secured American imports Robert Brown and Casey Calvary, while adding Boomers sharpshooter John Rillie (via West Sydney), big man Derek Moore (via Adelaide), and promising rookie Brad Newley.
Kelvin Robertson, entering his third NBL season, stepped into an expanded role as a pivotal backcourt presence during this transition. Robertson established himself as a reliable guard, appearing in all 35 games and delivering consistent numbers with averages of (10.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals). His improved shooting efficiency and playmaking ability provided Townsville with stability in crucial moments, complementing the team’s high-scoring starting five of Rillie (18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists), Calvary (17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks), Brown (16.9 points, 6.5 rebounds), Newley (16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds), and veteran Robert Rose (12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists).
Townsville’s new roster quickly gelled, powering them to third place (19–13) on the ladder. Robertson thrived in his expanded role, showcasing defensive tenacity against opposing guards and timely offensive contributions. His season highlight came in the playoffs, particularly in the Crocs’ Elimination Final victory over Melbourne (112–100). Robertson (17 points on 7/11 shooting and 3 assists) delivered one of his best games of the season, alongside Robert Brown (22 points and 6 rebounds), who finished as the game’s high scorer.
Townsville then advanced to the semi-finals, facing a talented Illawarra squad. In Game 1, the Crocs struggled offensively, going 2-of-15 from beyond the arc and falling 100–84 on the road, despite a solid performance from Robertson (12 points and 5 assists) and Brad Newley (17 points and 4 rebounds). Mat Campbell (21 points and 5 rebounds) and Glen Saville (19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) proved too strong.
Returning home for Game 2, Glen Saville again led the Hawks with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals as Illawarra handed Townsville a second consecutive defeat (105–109), ending the Crocodiles’ playoff run. Robertson once again stood out, scoring 16 points (5/13 shooting) and dishing out 3 assists, reinforcing his importance to the team’s postseason push.
Robertson’s emergence in 2004/05 demonstrated his growth from a supporting player to a critical rotation piece, helping elevate Townsville from the instability of the previous season to legitimate contenders. His dependable scoring, accurate perimeter shooting, and solid defensive presence were significant factors in Townsville’s improved performance and set the stage for his long-term role with the Crocodiles.
2006/07
Kelvin Robertson delivered a career-best campaign for the Townsville Crocodiles in 2006/07, emerging as a dependable contributor across 35 games. He averaged (10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks) and provided valuable backcourt depth and perimeter shooting as the Crocodiles rebuilt around a new core.
The Crocodiles underwent major roster changes prior to the season, with Robert Rose (to Cairns) and import Casey Calvary departing the team. Their replacements included Daniel Egan (via Brisbane) and import guard Jelani Gardner (via France). Gardner (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) was released midway through the season and replaced by EJ Rowland (12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals), who brought an up-tempo style and defensive energy to the backcourt.
Brad Newley (22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) led the team in scoring, with Larry Abney (21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) and John Rillie (19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists) forming a high-powered trio that carried Townsville to a 19–14 regular season record and a fifth-place finish on the ladder.
In the elimination final against the Singapore Slingers, Robertson (0 points) had a quiet outing, playing just under 10 minutes. Townsville controlled the game and secured a 106–93 win at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. The victory was powered by Larry Abney (30 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals), John Rillie (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists), and EJ Rowland (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists), who recorded a triple-double. Brad Newley (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Daniel Egan (14 points, 4 rebounds) rounded out a dominant performance. The Slingers were led by Mike Helms (20 points) and Ben Knight (21 points, 17 rebounds).
Their playoff run ended in the quarter-finals with a 122–89 loss to the Sydney Kings at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Robertson (21 points) delivered his best performance of the year, hitting 8-of-13 from the field including 5-of-8 from three-point range in just over 20 minutes. EJ Rowland (17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Abney (14 points, 7 rebounds) also contributed, but Townsville was unable to contain a Kings outfit led by Mark Worthington (28 points, 6 rebounds), B.J. Carter (20 points), and Russell Hinder (17 points, 6 rebounds).
Robertson’s increased output and reliability at both ends of the floor helped Townsville maintain depth across the backcourt. His standout shooting display in the quarter-final highlighted his growth and value during what was his strongest statistical NBL season.
2008/09
he suffered two knee injuries in 2009 that required reconstructions, forcing him into early retirement.
2010/11
Adelaide signed Rhys Carter in front of Aaron Bruce, Nathan Crosswell, Kelvin Robertson and Carlin Hughes for their point guard spot in 2010/11.
Kelvin Robertson played nine seasons the Townsville Crocodiles. He averaged 7.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 243 NBL games.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | 27 | Townsville | 16-12 (2) | 19 | 288.0 | 82 | 35 | 34 | 13 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 14 | 22 | 26 | 89 | 29% | 15 | 64 | 23% | 15 | 19 | 79% | 42% | 38% | 10 |
| 2008-09 | 26 | Townsville | 17-13 (6) | 28 | 665.0 | 251 | 72 | 66 | 20 | 52 | 30 | 1 | 39 | 52 | 81 | 223 | 36% | 41 | 135 | 30% | 48 | 60 | 80% | 50% | 46% | 27 |
| 2007-08 | 25 | Townsville | 17-13 (5) | 32 | 814.0 | 336 | 65 | 64 | 14 | 51 | 32 | 0 | 35 | 50 | 106 | 254 | 42% | 67 | 176 | 38% | 57 | 72 | 79% | 58% | 55% | 37 |
| 2006-07 | 24 | Townsville | 19-14 (5) | 35 | 784.0 | 358 | 79 | 87 | 28 | 51 | 23 | 3 | 60 | 54 | 123 | 258 | 48% | 64 | 159 | 40% | 48 | 63 | 76% | 62% | 60% | 28 |
| 2005-06 | 23 | Townsville | 9-23 (9) | 32 | 659.0 | 249 | 62 | 64 | 18 | 44 | 17 | 2 | 55 | 67 | 82 | 201 | 41% | 45 | 117 | 38% | 40 | 62 | 65% | 54% | 52% | 27 |
| 2004-05 | 22 | Townsville | 19-13 (3) | 35 | 841.0 | 382 | 94 | 110 | 22 | 72 | 37 | 3 | 72 | 66 | 134 | 283 | 47% | 52 | 145 | 36% | 62 | 80 | 78% | 60% | 57% | 25 |
| 2003-04 | 21 | Townsville | 13-20 (9) | 33 | 644.0 | 208 | 72 | 66 | 18 | 54 | 29 | 0 | 48 | 61 | 72 | 170 | 42% | 24 | 83 | 29% | 40 | 54 | 74% | 53% | 49% | 17 |
| 2002-03 | 20 | Townsville | 19-11 (3) | 28 | 161.0 | 33 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 0 | 13 | 17 | 10 | 27 | 37% | 6 | 18 | 33% | 7 | 9 | 78% | 53% | 48% | 9 |
| 2001-02 | 19 | Townsville | 13-17 (9) | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0 | Totals | 243 | 4856 | 1899 | 499 | 511 | 140 | 359 | 183 | 9 | 336 | 389 | 634 | 1505 | 42.1% | 314 | 897 | 35.0% | 317 | 419 | 75.7% | 56% | 53% | 37 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-10 | 27 | Townsville | 16-12 (2) | 19 | 15.2 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 4.7 | 29% | 0.8 | 3.4 | 23% | 0.8 | 1.0 | 79% | 42% | 38% | 10 |
| 2008-09 | 26 | Townsville | 17-13 (6) | 28 | 23.8 | 9.0 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 2.9 | 8.0 | 36% | 1.5 | 4.8 | 30% | 1.7 | 2.1 | 80% | 50% | 46% | 27 |
| 2007-08 | 25 | Townsville | 17-13 (5) | 32 | 25.4 | 10.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 7.9 | 42% | 2.1 | 5.5 | 38% | 1.8 | 2.3 | 79% | 58% | 55% | 37 |
| 2006-07 | 24 | Townsville | 19-14 (5) | 35 | 22.4 | 10.2 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 3.5 | 7.4 | 48% | 1.8 | 4.5 | 40% | 1.4 | 1.8 | 76% | 62% | 60% | 28 |
| 2005-06 | 23 | Townsville | 9-23 (9) | 32 | 20.6 | 7.8 | 1.9 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 6.3 | 41% | 1.4 | 3.7 | 38% | 1.3 | 1.9 | 65% | 54% | 52% | 27 |
| 2004-05 | 22 | Townsville | 19-13 (3) | 35 | 24.0 | 10.9 | 2.7 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 8.1 | 47% | 1.5 | 4.1 | 36% | 1.8 | 2.3 | 78% | 60% | 57% | 25 |
| 2003-04 | 21 | Townsville | 13-20 (9) | 33 | 19.5 | 6.3 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 5.2 | 42% | 0.7 | 2.5 | 29% | 1.2 | 1.6 | 74% | 53% | 49% | 17 |
| 2002-03 | 20 | Townsville | 19-11 (3) | 28 | 5.8 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 37% | 0.2 | 0.6 | 33% | 0.3 | 0.3 | 78% | 53% | 48% | 9 |
| 2001-02 | 19 | Townsville | 13-17 (9) | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0 | Total | 243 | 20.0 | 7.8 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 1.6 | 2.6 | 6.2 | 42.1% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 35.0% | 1.3 | 3.7 | 75.7% | 56% | 53% | 37 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 37 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- Townsville (2002–2003, 2011)
Robertson was with Townsville in QBL state-league play by 2002, when he earned QBL State Division All-League Team selection.
Robertson continued with Townsville in 2003 and was named QBL Super 8 Division U/23 Youth Player of the Year, adding a second verified state-league honour during the early part of his senior career.
Robertson returned with Townsville for the 2011 QBL season, appearing on the Heat roster and playing in the club’s campaign that reached the finals against Rockhampton.
Related
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