BIO: Lachlan Barker was born in Melbourne (VIC) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Frankston basketball program.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Lachlan Barker made his NBL debut with the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 25 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

South East Melbourne Phoenix sought to build on their first-ever Finals appearance by re-signing head coach Simon Mitchell to a one-year deal and retaining key players, including Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Izayah Le’Afa, and Mitch Creek. To offset the departures of Keifer Sykes (to the NBA) and Yanni Wetzell (to New Zealand), the team bolstered their roster with the additions of Tohi Smith-Milner, Zhou Qi, Zach Hankins, and Xavier Munford.

The Phoenix started strong, winning three of their first four games. However, injuries to Zhou Qi and Ryan Broekhoff midway through the season significantly impacted their performance. As a result, South East Melbourne struggled in the second half, winning just six of their final 14 games to finish with a 15-13 record, placing sixth on the ladder. Despite the challenges, a season highlight came when they defeated Perth in overtime (102–100), ending the Wildcats’ 35-year playoff streak.

Amid injury and COVID-19-related absences, the Phoenix utilized several replacement players, including Lachlan Barker, who joined mid-season. Over 14 games, including one start, Barker averaged 2.6 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. His standout performance came in February against the Sydney Kings, where he scored a season-high 14 points.

Lachie Barker is providing a serious spark

In his first NBL career start, the @NBL1 star has 10 first-half points to lead the @SEMelbPhoenix #NBL22 live on @ESPNAusNZ + @kayosports pic.twitter.com/GUOulMYJj5

— The NBL (@NBL) February 10, 2022

MELBOURNE UNITED
2022/23
Barker joined Melbourne United as a nominated replacement player during the 2022/23 NBL season, appearing in 15 games. While his role was limited, Barker continued to showcase his ability to contribute when called upon.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
2023/24
Barker joined the Tasmania JackJumpers early in the 2023/24 season as a replacement player. CEO Jorrick Chivers praised his addition, stating:

“Lachlan adds depth to our backcourt as a creator and proven scorer at the NBL1 level. He has had to work hard his whole career to get opportunities at the NBL level, and that fits perfectly with the JackJumpers DNA. He wants to prove he belongs at this level, and we are excited to get him into our group.”

Barker’s ability to adapt and provide depth to multiple NBL teams underscores his determination and hard-working nature, aligning with the JackJumpers’ values. His signing reinforced Tasmania’s commitment to building a competitive and resilient team culture.

Lachlan Barker currently plays for the Tasmania JackJumpers and has played 50 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 2.2 points, 0.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists since entering the league in 2021.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Tasmania JackJumpers – 1 Year Deal (2024-25)

Dan Boyce (829 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.