BIO: Brad Newley was born in the Adelaide suburb of Lower Mitcham and began his basketball journey as a junior with the Forestville Eagles. During his primary school years, he lived in South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland, before settling on the Sunshine Coast where he attended Mountain Creek State High School. He later returned to Adelaide to complete his schooling at Pasadena High School, where he played alongside future NBA star Joe Ingles. Newley received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2003. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

FAMILY: Brad Newley is the son of Arthur Newley who played 21 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Brad Newley made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 19 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

After graduating from the AIS in 2004, Brad Newley signed with the Townsville Crocodiles and made an immediate impact in his NBL rookie season. The Crocodiles finished the regular season in third place with a 19–13 record, returning to the playoffs as a strong contender under coach Ian Stacker.

Newley averaged (16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) across 35 games, and his dynamic offensive game helped energize a balanced Crocodiles roster. He became the first player in league history to win both the NBL Rookie of the Year and Best Sixth Man awards in the same season, while also collecting MVP honours at the NBL All-Star Game. Reflecting on the achievement, Newley said, “It just goes to show I made the right decision in coming up here… the coaching staff and the management up here stayed by their word and said I’d play and I’ve done that and had a pretty good year I think.” He also noted the 11-game winning streak and reaching the finals as season highlights.

Townsville’s primary contributors included John Rillie, who led the team in all-around production with (18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.3 blocks across 35 games), and Casey Calvary, who averaged (17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 33 games). Robert Brown provided scoring and physicality with (16.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks over 34 games), while veteran Robert Rose added (12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks across 34 games).

Newley’s standout moment came at the 2004–05 NBL All-Star Game, hosted in Townsville on January 19, 2005, where he earned MVP honours with a 35-point performance that led the Aussie All-Stars to a 156–140 victory over the World All-Stars. He was joined in the game by Crocodiles teammates John Rillie (23 points) and Robert Brown (31 points for the World team), while Casey Calvary also featured for the World side. The event drew a crowd of 5,078 to the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Brown also won the Dunk Competition, beating a field that included Brian Wethers, Deba George, Oscar Forman, Liam Rush, and David Barlow.

Townsville hosted the Melbourne Tigers in the Elimination Final and emerged with a 112–100 win behind strong team play in front of 5,257 fans. In the semi-finals, the Crocodiles were matched up with the second-seeded Illawarra Hawks. Game 1 saw Townsville fall 100–84 at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where the Hawks established control. Returning home for Game 2, Townsville battled fiercely but lost 109–105, ending their playoff run.

Newley’s rookie year drew NBA interest, with scouts travelling to Townsville to watch him during the season. At just 20 years old, his explosive debut placed him firmly in the conversation as Australian basketball’s next big star. He closed out his rookie season with a historic trifecta of accolades—Rookie of the Year, Best Sixth Man, and All-Star Game MVP—marking one of the most decorated first-year campaigns in NBL history.

2005/06
The Crocodiles entered the season with significant roster changes. Pat Reidy retired, while Derek Moore and import Robert Brown exited the team. Larry Abney was signed to replace Brown, bringing athleticism and rebounding, while veteran guard Damon Lowery (via Wollongong) was added for experience. Development player Michael Cedar was elevated to the main roster to inject youthful energy.

Brad Newley (19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks) returned for his second NBL season and built on his impressive rookie campaign. Playing alongside the team’s new leading scorer Larry Abney (20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks), Newley continued to emerge as one of the NBL’s most exciting young stars. Despite strong individual contributions from Abney, Newley, and Casey Calvary (17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks), who provided a consistent interior presence, the Crocodiles struggled throughout the season, finishing ninth with a disappointing 9–23 record and missing the playoffs.

Newley was selected to participate in the 2006 NBL All-Star Game in Adelaide and earned All-NBL Second Team honours at season’s end.

Veteran guard John Rillie (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks) continued to provide leadership and versatility, while Robert Rose (8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) remained a key contributor, though showing signs of decline from his 2000 MVP form. He would retire at the conclusion of the season.

Supporting roles were filled by Kelvin Robertson (7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), Greg Vanderjagt (6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds), and Damon Lowery (5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists), while younger players Cameron Tragardh (3.1 points) and Michael Cedar (2.6 points) showed promise for the future.

2006/07
After initially declaring for the 2006 NBA Draft, Brad Newley later withdrew his name and returned to Townsville for a third NBL season. The Crocodiles underwent several offseason changes, with veteran Robert Rose (to Cairns) and and import Casey Calvary both exiting the club. In their place, the club signed Daniel Egan (via Brisbane) and American Jelani Gardner. Gardner averaged (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) across 14 games before being released mid-season and replaced by point guard E.J. Rowland, who contributed (12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals) in 21 games.

Brad Newley (22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals) would become the Crocodiles’ leading scorer, forming a potent offensive trio with returning import Larry Abney (21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) and veteran guard John Rillie (19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists). Together they propelled Townsville to a 19–14 record and fifth place finish on the ladder.

Kelvin Robertson (10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) delivered a career-best campaign this season, while new recruit Daniel Egan (10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds) and Greg Vanderjagt (6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds) were the team’s main contributors off the bench.

Behind a dominant display from John Rillie (37 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) and a solid effort from Newley (23 points), Townsville opened their playoff run by defeating Singapore (106–93) at home. However, in the following round, the Crocodiles were eliminated in a one game quarter-final face off with the Sydney Kings, falling 122–89 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Over the course of three seasons with the Crocodiles, Newley played 102 games and averaged (19.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) per game. Following the season, he initially agreed to a two-year deal with the Adelaide 36ers but instead re-entered the NBA Draft. Selected by the Houston Rockets, Newley opted to pursue a European career at the club’s request, marking the next phase in his professional journey.

SYDNEY KINGS
2016/17
The Sydney Kings entered the 2016/17 season determined to reclaim relevance both on the court and among Sydney’s basketball fans. Their first major move was signing Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze to a three-year deal as head coach.

Shortly after, the Kings convinced star import Kevin Lisch to reject a contract extension from the Illawarra Hawks and sign a lucrative three-year deal, making him the highest-paid player in the NBL. Gaze, along with Kings GM Jeff Van Groningen, aimed to rebuild the roster following a disappointing 6–22 record and last-place finish the previous season.

Key additions included two Australian Boomers. First, swingman Brad Newley (via Spain) was brought in, followed by Aleks Maric, whose physical, inside-focused playstyle earned him the nickname “Truck.” Lisch, Newley, and Maric joined a returning core featuring Tom Garlepp, Jason Cadee, Jeromie Hill, and Julian Khazzouh.

An additional roster boost came when Lisch gained Australian citizenship in March, opening three import slots for the Kings. The team opted not to re-sign previous imports Josh Childress and Al Harrington. Instead, they added Michael Bryson, Greg Whittington, and Josh Powell.

Powell’s signing proved pivotal when a quadriceps injury sidelined Khazzouh for the entire season. In the opening game, Kevin Lisch led the Kings with 20 points, but the team lost 77–73 to Brisbane. Sydney rebounded in Game 2 behind Powell’s debut, notching an 88–84 win over Illawarra. Momentum built quickly, with the Kings surging to a 3–1 record and topping the ladder early.

Brad Newley was central to the Kings’ resurgence, averaging (17.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) across 28 games. On November 17, he erupted for a season-best 34 points (11-of-17 FG, 7-of-10 3PT) against Perth, adding 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. He delivered again on October 30 with 29 points (10-of-16 FG), 8 boards, and 2 assists in a home win over Brisbane, and followed up with another 29-point effort against Melbourne on November 26, shooting 10-of-15 from the floor and 4-of-6 from deep.

Michael Bryson (1.8 points, 1.0 rebound, and 0.8 assists) was eventually replaced by NBA veteran Steve Blake. While Blake (5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) brought experience, Sydney’s early chemistry faded, and the team fell from 8–3 to 11–8 by Christmas.

Injuries further derailed the campaign. Tony Tolovae’s season ended after one game, and Garrett Jackson was signed midseason from the state league. The Kings also added development prospect William McDowell-White (2.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists), who had failed to gain NCAA clearance at Fresno State.

Despite a promising start, the Kings dropped nine of their last twelve games and failed to secure a playoff spot, finishing 13–15 and seventh overall. Under first-year coach Gaze, the team showed flashes but couldn’t sustain its early success.

Brad Newley’s consistency and veteran leadership were recognised with All-NBL Second Team honours, alongside teammate Kevin Lisch (16.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 steals), capping a strong return season for Newley on home soil.

2017/18
After assembling a star-studded lineup that included Brad Newley and Kevin Lisch the previous year only to miss the playoffs with a 13–15 record, the Sydney Kings returned in 2017/18 with a retooled roster and renewed expectations. Head coach Andrew Gaze was back at the helm, alongside veterans Newley and Lisch. The Kings added Todd Blanchfield (via Melbourne) and promising big man Isaac Humphries to strengthen their local rotation, while opening the year with imports Perry Ellis (15.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) and Travis Leslie (12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), hoping for more stability after a revolving door of imports the season before.

Sydney began their campaign with an 86–99 loss to Adelaide, where Brad Newley impressed with 24 points (9-of-18 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. He continued his strong form on November 5, posting 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 92–87 win over Illawarra. Newley added another standout performance on December 11, tallying 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists while hitting 4-of-7 from long range in a close loss to Melbourne.

Following a 2–6 start and a calf injury to Kevin Lisch, the Kings moved quickly to reset their roster. Leslie was released and replaced by 2017 NBL MVP Jerome Randle (19.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 17 games), while former NBA center Jeremy Tyler (13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 11 games) was added to bolster the frontcourt. While waiting for Tyler’s arrival, Sydney signed Jeremy Kendle (6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 6 games) as a temporary import. Randle brought scoring and playmaking to the backcourt, but the team struggled to find consistent chemistry.

Brad Newley’s output dipped due to age and injury niggles, finishing the year with averages of (11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) across 27 games. Despite enduring a challenging season, the Kings closed strongly, winning their final four games to end the year at 11–17 in seventh place. Isaac Humphries (6.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks) was named NBL Rookie of the Year, providing a glimpse of hope for the franchise’s future.

2018/19
Sydney entered the 2018/19 NBL season with high hopes following significant offseason acquisitions, headlined by the arrival of former NBA champion Andrew Bogut. Returning to Australia after a 14-year NBA career, Bogut brought a wealth of experience and immediately elevated expectations around the league.

The Kings further capitalized on the NBL’s new Next Stars initiative, signing McDonald’s All-American forward Brian Bowen, who bypassed college to prepare for the NBA Draft. The squad retained All-NBL guard Jerome Randle and added Daniel Kickert (via Brisbane), David Wear (via Spain), Deng Deng (via McKinnon – Big V), Kyle Adnam (via Melbourne), and Tom Wilson (via Melbourne).

Sydney began their campaign by participating in the NBLxNBA series, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on September 30. Despite losing 110–91, the Kings impressed as Jerome Randle tallied 25 points, Kevin Lisch added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Brad Newley chipped in with 8 points.

Newley (10.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) was a key contributor throughout the season, providing versatility in both starting and bench roles. On November 10, he notched 26 points (11-of-18 FG), 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in a win over Adelaide. Just two weeks earlier, he added 23 points (7-of-13 FG), 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in another strong showing against the 36ers. Newley continued his impact on December 6 with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in a narrow loss to Perth.

Supporting Newley, Jerome Randle led the Kings in scoring with (17.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists), while Kevin Lisch added (14.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists). Andrew Bogut anchored the team defensively, posting (11.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks) and was named both NBL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

Midseason, Sydney signed big man Ray Turner (1.7 points and 0.7 rebounds) to provide additional depth when Bogut managed minor injuries.

Sydney closed the regular season at 18–10, finishing third on the ladder to secure a playoff berth. In the semi-finals, they met Melbourne United. Game 1 saw the Kings fall 95–73, with Newley contributing 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Randle and Lisch added 13 points each, but United’s depth proved decisive, led by Casper Ware (22 points) and DJ Kennedy (20 points).

Game 2 ended Sydney’s season in a 90–76 loss. Newley added 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Bogut posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. However, Ware (30 points) and Chris Goulding (23 points) guided Melbourne to the Grand Final, ending Sydney’s campaign.

Newley’s veteran poise and steady production were instrumental in Sydney’s resurgence. His best games of the year included 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists against Adelaide (Nov 10), 23 points and 5 rebounds against Adelaide (Oct 19), and 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists in a December 6 clash with Perth.

2019/20
The Sydney Kings entered the 2019/20 NBL season intent on restoring their championship credentials after two underwhelming years under Andrew Gaze. The club appointed Boomers assistant Will Weaver as head coach and overhauled the roster, with veteran swingman Brad Newley returning for his fourth season in purple and gold. Newley remained a key part of the leadership core, averaging (11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) across the campaign.

Sydney’s roster revamp included re-signing Kevin Lisch and bringing in new imports Casper Ware (via Melbourne) and Jae’Sean Tate, while also adding Xavier Cooks (Winthrop University), Shaun Bruce (via Adelaide), and Lucas Walker (via Cairns). The Kings also signed Brazilian prospect Didi Louzada through the NBL’s Next Stars program.

The team suffered an early blow when Kevin Lisch fractured his ankle in Round 2, sidelining him for two months. In response, Sydney signed Deshon Taylor (6.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists), who provided cover until Lisch returned in the final stages of the regular season. Despite the setback, the Kings surged to the top of the ladder and finished first with a 20–8 record, their best result in over a decade.

Brad Newley played a consistent and valuable role across the season, complementing the team’s stars and delivering in crucial moments. Among the Kings’ standouts were Casper Ware (19.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists), who led the team in scoring, and Jae’Sean Tate (16.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), who earned All-NBL First Team honours and was named Kings MVP. Andrew Bogut (8.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks) anchored the defense and made the All-NBL Second Team.

In the semi-finals, Sydney edged Melbourne United in a three-game series (2–1). Newley contributed as a stabilizing presence, while Ware and Tate propelled the Kings to their first Grand Final appearance since 2008.

Game 1 of the Grand Final saw Sydney fall to Perth 88–86, with Kevin Lisch scoring 17 points and Brad Newley playing solid minutes in the backcourt rotation. Sydney bounced back in Game 2, winning 97–85 behind a dominant performance from Andrew Bogut (24 points, 14 rebounds) and 21 points from Jae’Sean Tate. Newley again contributed with strong minutes off the bench.

Game 3 shifted momentum back to Perth, with Nick Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists) and Bryce Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists) combining to lead the Wildcats to a 111–96 win. Newley and the Kings battled but couldn’t match Perth’s offensive power.

Before Game 4 could be played, the Kings withdrew from the series due to escalating travel concerns and the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. With a 2–1 series lead, Perth was awarded the championship and Cotton (30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) was named Grand Final MVP.

Newley’s season highlighted his enduring value as a reliable scorer and leader. Among his best performances were a 20-point outing against Adelaide on January 4 (6-of-11 FG, 3-of-5 3PT, 6 rebounds), a 20-point game on 7-of-9 shooting including 4-of-4 from deep against Brisbane on November 8, and a 15-point, 8-rebound, 4-assist showing against Adelaide on November 2.

2020/21
The Sydney Kings entered the 2020/21 NBL season facing a major rebuild after a wave of high-profile departures. Head coach Will Weaver and star forward Jae’Sean Tate both left for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, while veterans Kevin Lisch, Andrew Bogut, and Lucas Walker announced their retirements. Assistant coach Adam Forde was promoted to head coach and led a refreshed squad featuring new import Jarell Martin, rookie guard Dejan Vasiljevic (via Miami University), and former Hawk Angus Glover. Veteran swingman Brad Newley returned for his fifth season with the club.

Injuries hampered the Kings from the outset. Xavier Cooks missed the early part of the season due to a foot injury, with Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) signed as his temporary replacement. Just two games in, Angus Glover suffered an ACL tear, ruling him out for the rest of the campaign. Despite early struggles, including three losses from their first four outings, the Kings gradually found cohesion.

Sydney used the mid-season NBL Cup to stabilize their season. The team finished 4–4 in the tournament and followed with consecutive home victories to climb back into finals contention. Jarell Martin led the team in scoring and rebounding (17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist), highlighted by a 29-point performance against New Zealand. Casper Ware (17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists) anchored the backcourt, while breakout star Dejan Vasiljevic (15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists) earned NBL Rookie of the Year honours. Jordan Hunter emerged as a dependable interior presence (9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks), finishing second in Most Improved Player voting. Cooks returned late in the season and posted solid numbers (10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists), including a standout 19-point, 11-rebound effort against Illawarra.

Brad Newley played a reduced but steady role, averaging (6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist) across the year. He reached a personal milestone in the season finale against Brisbane, notching his 250th NBL game in a one-point win. Newley’s best performances included 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals in a win over South East Melbourne on April 15 (7-of-10 FG), and back-to-back standout games in January against Cairns with 17 points (7-of-14 FG, 5 rebounds) on January 23 and 14 points (6-of-9 FG, 2-of-4 3PT, 6 rebounds) on January 16.

Despite a late push, Sydney’s inconsistent three-point shooting (33.4%, tied for worst in the league) and a 50% road record kept them just outside the playoff bracket. They finished fifth with a 19–17 record, narrowly missing the postseason.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2021/22
After Sydney decided not to re-sign Brad Newley, the veteran dual Olympian considered joining his hometown Adelaide 36ers before ultimately inking a one-year deal with Melbourne United for the 2021/22 season. Newley joined a team that had just secured the 2021 NBL Championship but was undergoing significant roster changes. Melbourne lost its leading scorer Jock Landale, who signed with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, and starting point guard Mitch McCarron, who became the league’s highest-paid local player after signing a three-year deal with Adelaide.

United wasted no time rebuilding their roster, re-signing Lual-Acuil Jr., David Barlow, and Shea Ili while welcoming back Jack White from an ACL injury. They also added Newley from Sydney, Dion Prewster, fresh off an NZNBL MVP season, and NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova on a three-year deal. Caleb Agada, a Nigerian Olympian, replaced Scotty Hopson as an import, and German prospect Ariel Hukporti joined under the NBL’s Next Stars program.

Despite starting the season 0-2, Melbourne quickly found their rhythm, winning their next three games to close December and losing only one game in January, during which all matches were played on the road. The team maintained dominance throughout February, winning four of five games and cementing their place atop the NBL ladder with a 12-4 record. Melbourne remained in the top position for the rest of the season, finishing first with a 20-8 record.

Brad Newley played a reliable role throughout the season, appearing in 31 games and averaging 4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. While his individual scoring numbers were modest, his veteran leadership and ability to contribute off the bench were crucial for United’s regular-season success. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. led the team in scoring with 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, earning a spot on the All-NBL First Team. Chris Goulding, who averaged 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, was named to the All-NBL Second Team. Meanwhile, Shea Ili’s impact off the bench was rewarded with the Sixth Man of the Year award.

In the semifinals, Melbourne faced the Tasmania JackJumpers, who had exceeded expectations in their debut season by finishing fourth on the ladder. United claimed the first game of the series with a 74-63 win, showcasing their defensive prowess and efficient ball movement. However, Tasmania leveled the series with a victory in Game Two, marking their first home playoff game in franchise history. The decisive Game Three took place without captain Chris Goulding, who was ruled unfit to play. This absence proved critical as Tasmania capitalized on their defensive strategy. United struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, with Dellavedova, Agada, White, and Baba combining for a dismal 1-21 shooting performance from three-point range. Melbourne shot just 20% from deep compared to Tasmania’s 31%. Despite keeping the game close, United fell 76-73, ending their playoff run and enabling the JackJumpers to reach the Grand Final in their inaugural season.

2022/23
Heading into the 2022/23 season, Melbourne United looked to bounce back from their early playoff exit. However, the team faced significant challenges before the season even began, losing key players to injuries and overseas opportunities. Jo Lual-Acuil Jr., the team’s leading scorer, departed for China, while Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White secured NBA deals with Sacramento and Denver, respectively. These late departures left United scrambling to fill roster spots, eventually signing Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Rayjon Tucker, and Jordan Caroline. David Barlow, who had announced his retirement, returned to assist with depth.

The challenges continued when Next Star Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during the NBL Blitz in Darwin. With Humphries returning from knee issues, Melbourne was forced to rely heavily on veteran forwards Barlow, Newley, and import Jordan Caroline to play extended minutes at the center position.

Despite these setbacks, United opened the season with a thrilling 101-97 overtime win against New Zealand, led by Xavier Rathan-Mayes’ 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. However, the team struggled with consistency, sitting at 5-6 after three months. Calls for changes to their import roster grew louder, particularly surrounding Jordan Caroline, who was later replaced by Marcus Lee in November. Lee’s addition brought much-needed size and defense, averaging 9.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks.

United’s fortunes began to shift after a disappointing loss to Illawarra, a team with just one win at the time. The loss served as a wake-up call, and Melbourne responded with a 104-88 victory over Brisbane. The game showcased the team’s potential, with Goulding (20 points), Tucker (20 points), Lee (18 points), Ili (15 points), and Rathan-Mayes (8 points, 10 rebounds) all contributing.

Melbourne closed the season on an impressive 11-3 run, entering the final day with hopes of qualifying for the Play-In Tournament. Tucker delivered a standout 31-point performance in a 116-107 win over Adelaide, but Perth’s victory over Sydney ended United’s postseason hopes based on points percentage.

Brad Newley appeared in 27 games, averaging 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. While his role was reduced, his veteran presence remained valuable in a turbulent season. United also participated in historic moments, including the first-ever NBL Christmas Day game, which drew over 300,000 viewers. Despite Tucker’s game-high 31 points, United lost 101-80 to Sydney. The team also spearheaded the NBL’s inaugural Pride Round, celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion, further solidifying their off-court impact.

2023/24

Brad Newley played eleven seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Townsville Crocodiles, Sydney Kings and Melbourne United. He averaged 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2 assists in 323 NBL games.

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Dan Boyce (837 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.