BIO: Andrew Svaldenis was born in Lithuania

NBL EXPERIENCE

Andrew Svaldenis made his NBL debut with the Bankstown Bruins at 18 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

After a remarkable turnaround in 1983 under head coach Robbie Cadee—where the Bankstown Bruins improved from a league-worst 2–24 to a respectable 12–10 record—expectations were raised heading into 1984. The sixth season of the NBL was played in two divisions as the competition expand to 17 teams. Bankstown, situated in the Eastern Division, retained most of their core roster in hopes of building on last season’s playoff contention.

Ahead of the season, Cadee transitioned into a full-time coaching role after retiring as a player. Veterans Wayne Ricarte and Peter Sheehan also departed, with their places filled by returning guard Scott Fenton, promising rookie Andrew Svaldenis, and new forward Tony Barnett (via Geelong).

The campaign began poorly for the Bruins. Although the trio of Eric Claus (22 points and 8 rebounds), Cliff Martin (19 points) and Tony Barnett (19 points) played well in their season opener, they lost to Newcastle (91–81). Jim Bateman (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Jerry Dennard (18 points, 6 rebounds) led the way for the Falcons.

Their struggles continued with a blowout loss to Brisbane (89-117) and a tight road loss to Frankston (78-80), leaving them 0–3. The team finally broke through in Hobart, where Claus (27 points and 10 rebounds on 12-of-15 shooting) and Martin (25 points and 7 boards) couldn’t be stopped. Svaldenis (6 points and 2 rebounds) was also productive in this game. That 118–95 win sparked a three-game streak, with Bankstown also defeating Devonport (104–96) and local rivals Sydney (114–102). In the Sydney win, Claus (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Barnett (19 points, 5 rebounds) starred once again.

Despite the mid-season resurgence, inconsistency plagued the Bruins. They posted strong home wins over Coburg (100–94), Melbourne (102–97), Frankston (99–84), and St Kilda (76–74), but fell heavily to the likes of Coburg (147–112), Brisbane (113–74), Canberra (97–76), and Geelong (103–96) on the road. Their away record of 3–9 ultimately cost them a playoff spot.

Bankstown did close the season on a strong note, routing Sydney again (130–85), beating West Adelaide (108–89), and ending with a victory over Perth (104–95). Claus (26 points), Barnett (19 points) and Martin (18 points) delivering solid games in their final game of the season. Mike Ellis (21 points) and Roland Brooks (18 points) were Perth’s top performers.

The Bruins wrapped up the 1984 campaign seventh in the Eastern Division with a 10–14 record, failing to make the playoffs. The team was once again led by its high-scoring import duo: Eric Claus (25.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocks) and Cliff Martin (20.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.3 steals). Tony Barnett (17.0 points and 6.1 rebounds) proved to be an important addition, and Andrew Svaldenis (3.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.4 assists) appeaing in 14 appearances as a rookie.

Other notable players included Scott Fenton (8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists), Ray Dawson (6.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.5 blocks), and Mark Cumberbatch (6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks). While Bankstown maintained its scoring power, they lacked the consistency, depth, and defensive resolve to match the heights of their 1983 campaign.

1985
By 1985, the gap between professional and semi-professional NBL clubs had widened considerably. Financially outmatched, the Bankstown Bruins struggled to remain competitive. The offseason saw the departure of cornerstone imports Eric Claus and Cliff Martin, who had led the team offensively during its most successful stretch. In their place arrived the explosive American duo of Vince Kelley and Vince Hinchen.

Despite their limited resources, Bankstown pulled off a major recruitment coup by signing reigning Rookie of the Year Damian Keogh from Nunawading. Fresh off a 20-point-per-game campaign, Keogh joined the Bruins in search of a larger role and greater minutes under returning coach Robbie Cadee.

The season began with a difficult opener against Keogh’s former club. Despite big games from Hinchen (36 points) and Kelley (30 points, 13 rebounds), Bankstown fell to Nunawading 109–96. A tight 92–89 loss to Canberra followed before the Bruins finally broke through for their first win of the season against Geelong (107–103). Andrew Svaldenis provided one of the most efficient games of his young career, finishing with 10 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, along with 6 rebounds in the victory. Kelley (37 points, 22 rebounds), Hinchen (30 points), and Keogh (17 points, 9 assists) combined to show what Bankstown looked like at its best.

However, any early momentum quickly evaporated. The Bruins lost their next nine games, including a brutal 144–115 loss to Coburg where Bennie Lewis torched Bankstown for 43 points and 14 assists. Svaldenis delivered one of his strongest performances of the season in the loss, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite 30 points from Kelley and 21 from Hinchen, Bankstown’s defense again failed to hold up.

Another painful defeat came against the Adelaide 36ers, where ‘The Two Vinces’ combined for 83 of the team’s 110 points—Hinchen with 43, and Kelley with 40 points and 15 rebounds. Svaldenis added 6 points and 2 rebounds in the high-scoring 117–110 loss, which would be Hinchen’s final appearance before a season-ending injury.

Kelley (31.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks) and Hinchen (30.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists) started the season as one of the NBL’s most potent offensive duos. Keogh (13.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists), expected to flourish in a larger role, found the transition difficult and was unable to replicate his previous output.

Amidst the chaos, second-year forward Andrew Svaldenis was a consistent bright spot. He averaged 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game across 26 appearances, while also contributing 0.9 assists and 1.2 steals. He provided size and hustle in the frontcourt and frequently battled against the league’s elite big men. Other key contributors included Tony Barnett (8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds), Greg Hemmings (6.4 points, 2.1 assists), and Mark Cumberbatch (5.1 points, 3.8 rebounds).

With the team slumping to a 2–13 record, Kelley departed the club, leaving the Bruins to limp through the remainder of the year.

In their final game of the season, Bankstown edged the Sydney Supersonics 90–89. Keogh erupted for 24 points, hitting a perfect 6-of-6 from beyond the arc. Kelley added 35 points and 9 rebounds, while Svaldenis stepped up again with 13 points and 9 boards in the win.

Bankstown finished the 1985 campaign with a 6–20 record, placing twelfth in the league. Despite boasting two of the NBL’s most prolific scorers, the Bruins were undone by poor defense, roster instability, and financial struggles. At season’s end, the club was renamed the West Sydney Westars, marking the end of the Bankstown Bruins’ seven-year run in the NBL.

SYDNEY SUPERSONICS
1986
Coming off a lacklustre 1985 campaign, the Sydney Supersonics undertook a major overhaul in 1986. Departing imports Wayne Kreklow and Jerry Steurer, along with local contributors Brett Flanigan, Graham Davis, and Tony Wilkerson, left major gaps in the roster. To fill the void, Sydney recruited powerful American big man Derrick Polk, versatile forward Audie Matthews (via Brisbane), and young Australian Andrew Svaldenis (via Bankstown).

Last season’s leading scorer for the Supersonics, Kendal “Tiny” Pinder returned for a second NBL season after leading the league in scoring and earning All-NBL First Team honours the previous year. Veterans Wayne Burden, Curt Forrester, Scott Fenton, Darren Shaw, Zoran Zunic, Gavin Kelly, and Nick Stenstrom also returned to provide stability.

Coaching responsibilities shifted as well, with Owen Wells returning for a second stint as Supersonics coach, taking over the helm from Paul Coughter. Wells, a former NBL MVP with the Supersonics, was tasked with guiding a revamped squad back to contention.

Rookie forward Andrew Svaldenis made his NBL debut in the opening round against Perth, contributing 2 points and 2 boards in limited minutes. A week later, he broke out with a 12-point, 13-rebound performance against St Kilda, shooting 3-of-9 from the field and 6-of-7 at the stripe, while also recording 3 steals and 3 assists. He followed that up with 16 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-12 shooting against Canberra, again showcasing his hustle and ability to get to the line.

Through the first half of the year, Svaldenis provided steady bench minutes despite Sydney’s rocky 2–8 start. A turning point came on June 14 against Newcastle, when he shot a perfect 4-of-4 from the floor and grabbed 7 rebounds in a road win. As Coach Wells reshaped the offensive strategy around Pinder and Polk, Svaldenis carved out a clear bench role, consistently providing energy and rebounding.

His best game of the year came in a dominant home win over Perth on August 23, where he scored a season-high 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting and pulled down 13 rebounds. He added another double-digit outing against Coburg on September 6 (14 points, 5 boards, 3 assists), and notched 12 points and 9 rebounds against Wollongong in the final round of the regular season.

Over 26 appearances, Svaldenis averaged 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 47.4% from the field and 76.3% from the free throw line. He also recorded 15 steals and shot a team-best 86% from the line in high-pressure situations.

Pinder (21.4 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists) and Polk (21.9 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks) emerged as one of the league’s most dominant frontcourt tandems. Wayne Burden (14.6 points, 3.3 rebounds), Audie Matthews (10.0 points, 6.5 rebounds), and Zoran Zunic (9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds) were the other primary scorers.

In the Elimination Final against Brisbane, Svaldenis added 2 points and 6 rebounds in Sydney’s 100–82 loss. While the team’s season ended in the first round of the playoffs, Svaldenis had proven himself as a dependable rotation piece in a resurgent Supersonics squad.

1987
In 1986, the Adelaide 36ers, led by coach Ken Cole, produced the most successful season in NBL history (24-2), winning the championship amidst significant controversy. During the 1986 campaign, Cole admitted publicly to smoking marijuana and was stood down by Adelaide’s management prior to the Grand Final. Massive player backlash, including threats of boycott, forced the board’s hand, resulting in Cole’s reinstatement. He successfully guided Adelaide to the NBL championship, but despite enormous public support from fans and players, the club’s board (under pressure from sponsors and concerned about public image) chose to terminate his contract immediately after the season.

Adelaide’s loss quickly became Sydney’s gain. Seizing the opportunity to hire the reigning NBL Coach of the Year, Sydney Supersonics’ management replaced outgoing coach Owen Wells with the charismatic but controversial Cole. Known for his flamboyant style, motivational flair, and championship pedigree, “King” Cole immediately set about reshaping Sydney’s roster and culture.

Cole’s arrival symbolized a fresh start and came alongside significant roster changes. Import Kendal Pinder departed for Perth Wildcats, while veteran Wayne Burden also exited. To replace Pinder’s prolific scoring, Sydney signed relatively unknown import Marc Ridlen. Few in the NBL knew what to expect from Ridlen, who arrived after playing professionally in Argentina and the Australian SEABL. Bruce Hope (via Geelong) was signed for added scoring punch, while Mike Kenny, Robert Croker, and James Hewlett joined to bolster bench depth.

Star big man Derick Polk returned for his second season, and together with young guard Scott Fenton and rising forward Andrew Svaldenis, Sydney looked to build around a younger, athletic roster. Cole consciously modelled the new Supersonics after his successful Adelaide blueprint: Ridlen and Polk would replicate the dominant “Twin Towers” of Mark Davis and Bill Jones, while Fenton aimed to emulate the explosive playmaking style of Adelaide star Al Green.

The season opener on April 25, however, ended in disappointment as Sydney fell convincingly to Eastside Melbourne (98–76). Andrew Svaldenis (12 points, 11 rebounds) provided solid support alongside Polk (21 points, 14 rebounds) and Curt Forrester (14 points), but the Supersonics’ poor shooting (32%) and ball-handling issues undermined their efforts.

Sydney slipped to 0–2 following a 20 points loss to West Sydney (104-124), but the game marked a turning point for Marc Ridlen. After a relatively subdued debut (11 points on 4/16 shooting), the American silenced any early doubts about his suitability with a dominant performance—exploding for 35 points and 17 rebounds to firmly establish himself as the team’s offensive focal point. Derick Polk (24 points, 13 rebounds) and Bruce Hope (16 points) offered strong support, while Andrew Svaldenis (8 points, 6 rebounds) continued to provide reliable minutes off the bench.

After a 1–5 start, Sydney notched up their most impressive win of the season, defeating playoff-bound North Melbourne (105–98). Ridlen (31 points, 13 rebounds) and Polk (29 points, 17 rebounds) dominated the inside, supported effectively by Hope (13 points). Svaldenis, although limited statistically, provided valuable defensive contributions off the bench.

Sydney’s only winning streak followed, highlighted by an emotional 86–81 victory in the “Battle of Sydney” against cross-town rivals West Sydney on May 29. Polk (18 points, 7 rebounds), Ridlen (16 points, 17 rebounds), and Hope (15 points) were key figures, while Svaldenis (6 points, 8 rebounds) offered strong minutes defensively.

Another major highlight came on June 13, as the Supersonics stunned the third-placed Wollongong Hawks, 104–90. Ridlen delivered one of his most impressive games (31 points, 21 rebounds), supported strongly by Polk (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Matthews (18 points). Scott Fenton added 15 points, hitting five three-pointers to help seal the upset.

Despite these flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded Sydney all season. A mid-season slump—including consecutive losses to Canberra (142–117), North Melbourne (138–104), Geelong (102–98), and Newcastle (140–137)—effectively ended playoff hopes. Sydney frequently found itself in high-scoring shootouts, averaging over 105 points offensively but surrendering around 110, exposing clear defensive frailties and late-game execution issues.

Yet Sydney’s offensive talent remained undeniable, evidenced by a crushing 129–76 late-season victory over Melbourne in August. Ridlen starred again (36 points, 16 rebounds), with Matthews (28 points, 12 rebounds) and Hope (17 points) providing ample support. Polk dominated the boards (25 rebounds), and Svaldenis efficiently contributed 10 points in limited court time.

Throughout the season, Ridlen emerged as an elite scoring force and rebounding machine. He finished the season scoring 30-plus points in 12 of his final 13 games, including four 40-point performances. His top three games included 41 points and 22 rebounds against Westside Saints (September 5), 41 points against Newcastle (August 8), and a dominant 40-point, 26-rebound effort against Westside Saints in the season finale. Ridlen’s remarkable season secured him an All-NBL Second Team selection and instantly made him a Sydney fan favorite.

Polk (20.2 points, and 12.8 rebounds) complemented Ridlen perfectly, emerging as one of the league’s premier defensive anchors and rim protectors. He led the Supersonics with relentless energy on the offensive glass (5.3 offensive rebounds per game) and ranked second in the league in blocked shots (3.0 per game). Bruce Hope (13.0 points, and 2.9 assists 2.9 steals) proved a valuable addition, regularly providing double-digit scoring from the perimeter. Matthews (12.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists 2.6 steals) and Forrester (12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) provided supplementary scoring and toughness, while Fenton (10.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists 4.3 steals) ran the point and led the entire league in free-throw shooting percentage, while Andrew Svaldenis (6.5 points, 5.2 rebounds) appeared in 23 games, backing up Ridlen and Polk.

Despite a challenging season, Sydney closed out 1987 on a high note. In their final outing under the Supersonics name on September 18, they delivered a commanding 118–98 win over the Westside Saints. Marc Ridlen (40 points, 26 rebounds) capped his phenomenal debut campaign in dominant fashion, while Derick Polk (18 points, 21 rebounds, 5 blocks), Curt Forrester (17 points), and Audie Matthews (17 points) also delivered strong performances. Andrew Svaldenis (6 points, 6 rebounds) rounded out his season with a solid contribution off the bench.

Coach Cole praised the final performance, stating the team “finally put it all together for 48 minutes.” The victory was a fitting farewell for the franchise, which soon after merged with West Sydney Westars, giving birth to the Sydney Kings in October 1987. “The Sonics are dead – long live the Kings,” declared the local press, marking the dramatic conclusion of the Supersonics era.

Ultimately, Ken Cole’s turbulent but memorable one-year Sydney tenure showcased spectacular individual talents and laid the groundwork for the Sydney Kings’ future. The 9–17 record underscored significant growing pains, but the lasting impression of Ridlen’s breakout dominance, Polk’s relentless inside play, and the emergence of young contributors like Fenton and Svaldenis gave Sydney basketball fans hope as a new era began.

SYDNEY KINGS
1988
The 1988 NBL season ushered in a transformative moment for basketball in Sydney, marked by the historic debut of the Sydney Kings.

The Kings emerged from the consolidation of two struggling city rivals—the Sydney Supersonics and West Sydney Westars—under the visionary partnership of Supersonics owner Mike Wrublewski and Westars leader Andrew Lazaris, who shared a mission to unify Sydney basketball with the mantra “one team, one city.”

The newly established Kings instantly drew attention, introducing corporate boxes and unveiling their iconic purple-and-gold uniforms.

Yet, beneath the excitement lay the significant challenge of blending two former competitors into one cohesive roster.

Claude Williams, the league’s first Indigenous head coach and former Supersonics assistant, shouldered the substantial task of aligning disparate playing styles and personalities.

Headlining the Kings’ inaugural team was star import Steve “Mr Magic” Carfino, who joined from Hobart, taking up the captaincy after achieving All-NBL First Team honours the previous year.

Carfino formed an explosive duo with fellow import Marc Ridlen, an All-NBL Second Team forward with the Supersonics the year prior.

Veteran big man Andrew Svaldenis transitioned alongside Ridlen from the Supersonics, joined by steady playmaker Zoran Zunic.

Retained from the Westars roster were versatile wing Glen Dunsmore, athletic defender Tim Morrissey, and standout Olympian Damian Keogh, who quickly asserted himself as the team’s premier local talent.

Further bolstering the lineup, the Kings signed Olympians Ian Davies and brothers Brad and Mark Dalton, all acquired from Geelong.

The Kings launched their debut campaign impressively on February 12, capturing an electrifying 110–106 victory over Geelong at Homebush.

Imports Ridlen (33 points, 16 rebounds) and Carfino (23 points, 6 assists) starred prominently, while Andrew Svaldenis immediately made his presence felt with an impactful 16 points and 9 rebounds, alongside Davies’ 16 points.

The performance overshadowed a strong showing from Geelong’s Sam Foggin (34 points), as Sydney celebrated its first-ever franchise win.

Sydney maintained momentum a week later, downing Wollongong 103–95 to start 2–0.

Carfino again led the charge (24 points, 6 assists), supported by Mark Dalton’s dominant interior performance (23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks).

Through their first ten games, the Kings posted a solid 6–4 record, sparking enthusiasm around the new franchise.

Yet as competition stiffened, the intricate chemistry within the merged team began to fray.

A critical three-game losing streak against North Melbourne (124–125), Adelaide (98–112), and Illawarra (100–102) brought internal tensions to the forefront.

The Illawarra defeat, marked by Carfino’s season-best 32 points and Ridlen’s double-double (22 points, 12 rebounds), notably saw friction erupt publicly between Ridlen and Keogh.

Illawarra’s sharp shooting (54%) compounded Sydney’s struggles, with the Kings’ free-throw inaccuracy (55%) and 14 turnovers ultimately sealing their fate.

The squad’s visible friction underscored Coach Williams’ considerable challenge of forging unity among former rivals.

Despite these internal challenges, Andrew Svaldenis provided consistent frontcourt production, averaging 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds across all 24 games.

His standout performances included a highly efficient 22-point, 13-rebound outing (10-of-13 FG) against Eastside Melbourne on March 4, demonstrating his capability to dominate inside.

Additionally, he delivered 16 points and 9 rebounds (7-of-10 FG) in the historic opening night victory over Geelong and produced 15 points and 8 rebounds on 7-of-11 shooting against Melbourne on March 18.

Ridlen (25.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.1 blocks) consistently shone, finishing second in the league in rebounding and among the top five scorers.

His season included an exceptional franchise-record 30 rebounds alongside 25 points against Newcastle.

Carfino (21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.6 steals) dazzled as the Kings’ floor leader, earning All-NBL Second Team recognition while delivering impressive scoring and playmaking throughout the season.

Keogh (14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals) and Davies (12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists) delivered crucial scoring support and veteran leadership throughout the campaign.

Mark Dalton (9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists) added reliable toughness in the paint, while Morrissey (7.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists) anchored the Kings defensively.

The Kings closed out their inaugural season with a 4–7 stretch, concluding ninth overall on the ladder at 10–14.

Coach Claude Williams resigned at season’s end amid frustration with internal team dynamics and management conflicts.

Nevertheless, his foundational work—and the strong nucleus formed by Ridlen, Carfino, and supporting players such as Svaldenis—provided the essential groundwork for the future success of the Sydney Kings franchise.

1989
Entering their sophomore campaign, the Sydney Kings were determined to shake off their expansion-club growing pains and prove they belonged among the NBL’s contenders.

Owner Mike Wrublewski doubled down on his vision of a big-market powerhouse, replacing inaugural coach Claude Williams with NBL Coach of the Year Bob Turner (via Canberra) and naming Olympians Brad Dalton and Damian Keogh as co-captains to lead a tougher, more professional outfit. The Kings kept their main core intact—high-scoring import duo Steve “Mr. Magic” Carfino and Marc Ridlen returned, along with Mark Dalton, Ian Davies, Tim Morrissey, and Andrew Svaldenis. Joining them was Ian Robilliard, a hard-nosed veteran back from a brief hiatus, brought in to boost the team’s defensive edge.

Sydney opened with a nail-biter over Brisbane (82–79), then copped a harsh reality check in Perth (97–117). The inconsistency continued—knocking off Adelaide (113–104) on the road one week, then getting hammered at home by Eastside (67–92) the next. By the end of April, they were sitting around .500 and still figuring things out under Turner.

Then it clicked. From mid-May, Sydney went on a historic eight-game winning streak. The spark came in an overtime win over Newcastle (115–112), where Keogh delivered in the clutch. They backed it up with a grind-it-out win over Hobart (82–77), a wild shootout in Melbourne (128–125), and a tight escape in Geelong (95–90).

Momentum turned to mania when the Kings knocked off top-ranked North Melbourne (110–107) and reigning champs Canberra (119–108). By this point, Homebush was packed to the rafters—sellouts of 5,000 fans were turning it into a purple-and-gold fortress. The streak ended in North Melbourne (113–128), followed by a gut-wrenching 112–115 loss to Melbourne that cost them a top-four finish and the head-to-head tiebreak.

They still finished 15–9, good for fifth place and a ticket to the playoffs. It was a new era for Sydney basketball.

Marc Ridlen (21.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 1.0 blocks) dominated the paint, Steve Carfino (20.4 points, 5.1 assists, 2.1 steals) dazzled in the open floor and earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Keogh (17.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals) had a breakout year, and Morrissey (13.3 points, 5.9 rebounds) emerged as an elite defensive stopper. Andrew Svaldenis (5.0 points and 2.8 rebounds) provided dependable minutes off the bench and delivered several key efforts in wins over Eastside, Westside, and Melbourne.

On August 5, the Kings edged Eastside (100–97) in a fiery showdown where Tim Morrissey was headbutted by Spectres import Kent Lockhart—an ejection followed, and Sydney powered home. That same night, Andrew Svaldenis turned in his best performance of the season (21:52 min, 6-8 FG, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals), providing a crucial lift off the bench.

Sydney earned its first-ever playoff win by outlasting Melbourne in Game 1 (117–105). Ian Davies exploded for (30 points), Ridlen added (22 points, 9 rebounds), and the Kings held off Gaze (38 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) and Ray Gordon (21 points).

Game 2 was all Melbourne. The Tigers rolled Sydney (89–112) behind David Simmons (33 points, 15 rebounds) and Andrew Gaze (32 points, 5 assists, 4 steals). Sydney had solid games from Ridlen (25 points, 7 rebounds) and Carfino (17 points, 8-of-9 FT), but they were outmatched across the board.

Game 3 was a thriller. Gaze (30 points) and Simmons (24 points) led Melbourne again, but Sydney held firm. Ridlen delivered a monster double-double (28 points, 18 rebounds), Carfino chipped in (19 points), Morrissey (14 points), and Keogh (11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) iced the game with two clutch free throws. The Kings advanced with an 85–83 win.

Facing top-seeded Canberra in the semis, Game 1 saw Sydney go down swinging (98–108). Morrissey led the way (20 points, 14 rebounds), but Emery Atkinson (22 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists), Herb McEachin (21 points), and Tad Dufelmeier (20 points) proved too much.

Game 2 saw Sydney punch back. Ridlen was huge (29 points, 19 rebounds, 3 blocks), Carfino starred (30 points, 5 assists, 4 steals), and Keogh (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals) stood tall—despite being headbutted by Cannons coach Steve Breheny in a wild sideline incident. Morrissey added (16 points), Dalton battled for (12 points, 8 rebounds), and the Kings forced Game 3 with a 100–92 road win.

But that’s where the magic ran out. Game 3 in Canberra was carnage. The Cannons smashed Sydney 142–82, the biggest loss in Kings history. They shot (57%), out-rebounded the Kings (52–41), and handed out (26 assists). Simon Cottrell (34 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals), McEachin (25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals), and Simmons (20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 blocks) were relentless. Phil Smyth (16 points, 10 assists, 7 steals) ran the show. Atkinson was back to his best (20 points, 15 rebounds).

Morrissey (26 points, 6 rebounds), Dalton (15 points, 12 rebounds), and Robilliard (11 points) showed fight, but it wasn’t enough. A 60-point thumping ended their run, but the Kings had made their mark on the season.

1990
The 1990 NBL season was a key chapter for the Sydney Kings, building on their inaugural playoff run and pushing the club further toward contender status.

Under coach Bob Turner and captains Brad Dalton and Damian Keogh, Sydney brought back most of its 1989 core, including imports Marc Ridlen and Steve Carfino, plus locals Ian Davies, Tim Morrissey, Mark Dalton, Ian Robilliard, and young forward Andrew Svaldenis.

The club also shifted its home venue to the 12,500-seat Sydney Entertainment Centre—the “Kingdome”—drawing average crowds of over 8,000 and setting the stage for a high-energy season.

Sydney opened their season in front of more than 9,000 fans but suffered a 91–114 loss to Andrew Gaze’s Melbourne Tigers, with Ridlen (26 points, 10 rebounds) standing out despite the team’s poor 4-of-17 three-point shooting.

The following week, they fell narrowly 101–106 to the defending champion North Melbourne Giants, leaving them 0–2 before breaking through in Round 3 with a 91–84 road victory over Geelong.

The Kings’ early season was marked by inconsistency. A 148–119 blowout loss to North Melbourne was followed by a resounding 126–100 win over the Canberra Cannons the next day, highlighting the team’s fluctuating form.

By late April, Sydney sat at 2–4 after a narrow 99–101 home defeat to the Gold Coast Rollers.

Momentum began shifting in May and June. A home win over Adelaide (117–93) and a rout of Newcastle (109–79) set the tone, with Svaldenis erupting for a season-high 18 points (4-of-7 FG, 10-of-14 FT) and 6 rebounds in one of his best performances.

In Round 8, the Kings exploded for their highest point total of the year, a 143–107 away demolition of Hobart, where Svaldenis added 7 points (2-of-4 FG, 3-of-3 FT), 3 rebounds, and a steal off the bench as part of a dominant team display led by Carfino (30 points), Ridlen (30 points), and Keogh (22 points).

Later, in a June 23 rematch against Newcastle, Svaldenis again made a big impact with 14 points (7-of-9 FG) and 2 rebounds, helping the Kings continue their late-season surge.

Sydney closed the regular season strong, mounting an impressive late push by winning eight of their last ten games and ultimately finishing 16–10, grabbing the final playoff berth on points percentage.

While Ridlen (22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds), Carfino (20.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 steals), Keogh (20.9 points, 5.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds), Morrissey (14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds), and Mark Dalton (13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds) were the key stars, Svaldenis (4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds) provided valuable frontcourt backup, delivering reliable size, toughness, and efficient scoring when called upon.

In the elimination finals, sixth-seeded Sydney faced third-seeded Brisbane in a best-of-three series.

Game 1 at the State Sports Centre saw the Kings claim a 98–87 win, with Svaldenis contributing 2 points and 2 rebounds in 4 minutes as part of a strong team effort led by Keogh (26 points) and Ridlen (13 rebounds).

Game 2 shifted to Brisbane, where the Bullets roared back 124–96 behind Derek Rucker’s 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, despite Carfino’s 30-point, 5-assist effort; Svaldenis provided hustle minutes, adding 4 points and 6 rebounds in 18 minutes.

In the decisive Game 3, Sydney fought valiantly but fell just short, losing 104–107 in a thriller, with Ridlen delivering a monster 35-point, 8-rebound performance and Morrissey chipping in 22 points (8-of-11 FG). Sydney closed the gap to three points in the final seconds, but Keogh’s last-gasp three-point attempt missed, sealing a heartbreaking end to the series.

1990
Under coach Bob Turner and captains Brad Dalton and Damian Keogh, Sydney brought back most of its 1989 core, including imports Marc Ridlen (22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.6 blocks) and Steve Carfino (20.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.9 steals, 0.2 blocks), plus locals Ian Davies (2.7 points, 1.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists), Tim Morrissey (14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.3 blocks), Mark Dalton (13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.7 blocks), Ian Robilliard (6.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.1 blocks), and young forward Andrew Svaldenis (4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists, 0.2 steals, 0.1 blocks).

The club also shifted its home venue to the 12,500-seat Sydney Entertainment Centre—the “Kingdome”—drawing average crowds of over 8,000 and setting the stage for a high-energy season.

Sydney opened their season in front of more than 9,000 fans but suffered a 91–114 loss to Andrew Gaze’s Melbourne Tigers, with Ridlen (26 points, 10 rebounds) standing out despite the team’s poor 4-of-17 three-point shooting.

The following week, they fell narrowly 101–106 to the defending champion North Melbourne, leaving them 0–2 before breaking through in Round 3 with a 91–84 road victory over Geelong.

The Kings’ early season was marked by inconsistency. A 148–119 blowout loss to North Melbourne was followed by a resounding 126–100 win over the Canberra Cannons the next day, highlighting the team’s fluctuating form.

By late April, Sydney sat at 2–4 after a narrow 99–101 home defeat to Gold Coast.

Momentum began shifting in May and June. A home win over Adelaide (117–93) and a rout of Newcastle (109–79) set the tone, with Svaldenis erupting for a season-high 18 points (4-of-7 FG, 10-of-14 FT) and 6 rebounds against Newcastle, delivering his best game of the season.

In Round 8, the Kings exploded for their highest point total of the year, a 143–107 away demolition of Hobart, where Svaldenis added 7 points (2-of-4 FG, 3-of-3 FT), 3 rebounds, and a steal off the bench as part of a dominant team performance led by Carfino (30 points), Ridlen (30 points), and Keogh (22 points).

Later in the year, Svaldenis again made a strong impact against Newcastle on June 23, recording 14 points (7-of-9 FG) and 2 rebounds in an important victory.

Sydney closed the regular season strong, mounting an impressive late push by winning eight of their last ten games and ultimately finishing 16–10, grabbing the final playoff berth on points percentage.

While Ridlen (22.1 points, 9.9 rebounds), Carfino (20.6 points, 4.3 assists, 2.9 steals), Keogh (20.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists), Morrissey (14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds), and Mark Dalton (13.2 points, 6.1 rebounds) were the key stars, Svaldenis (4.7 points, 2.9 rebounds) provided valuable frontcourt backup, delivering reliable size, toughness, and efficient scoring when called upon.

In the elimination finals, sixth-seeded Sydney faced third-seeded Brisbane in a best-of-three series.

Game 1 at the State Sports Centre saw the Kings claim a 98–87 win, with Svaldenis contributing 2 points (1-of-1 FG) and 2 rebounds in 4 minutes as part of a strong team effort led by Keogh (26 points) and Ridlen (13 rebounds).

Game 2 shifted to Brisbane, where the Bullets roared back 124–96 behind Derek Rucker’s 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists despite Carfino’s 30-point, 5-assist effort; Svaldenis provided hustle minutes, adding 4 points (2-of-4 FG), 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 18 minutes.

In the decisive Game 3, Sydney fought valiantly but fell just short, losing 104–107 in a thriller, with Ridlen delivering a monster 35-point, 8-rebound performance and Morrissey chipping in 22 points (8-of-11 FG). Sydney closed the gap to three points in the final seconds, but Keogh’s last-gasp three-point attempt (21 points) missed, sealing a heartbreaking end to the series.

1991
Sydney was forced to reshape its roster following the departures of imports Marc Ridlen and Steve Carfino, who were both not re-signed, with Carfino retiring after persistent back problems.

Led by Damian Keogh, who assumed full captaincy this season, the Kings retained most of their Australian core, including Mark Dalton, Tim Morrissey, Ian Robilliard, Tony De Ambrosis, and Andrew Svaldenis.

The team then brought in two new imports: NCAA champion and NBA talent Dwayne McClain, and athletic forward Kenne Young, though Young lasted only one game before injury saw him replaced by dominant rebounder Ken McClary.

The Kings struggled through the season, losing to Melbourne (97–116), North Melbourne (95–100), Hobart (99–116), and again to Melbourne (90–102) to open 0–4. However, they bounced back in Round 5 with a 127–108 win over Gold Coast and continued to show flashes of form, defeating Adelaide (110–99), Geelong (103–91), Brisbane (111–109), and Newcastle (120–107).

In June, Sydney managed to get wins over Eastside Melbourne (92–87), Canberra (96–85), and Hobart (124–102), plus a critical road victory against Newcastle (111–103), but dropped games to teams like Southern Melbourne (106–107) and Brisbane (101–106), which they should have won, ultimately seeing them finish seventh (14–12) on the ladder.

While McClain (28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks) became an instant star and face of the franchise, McClary (23.0 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and his presence in the post helped balance the offense. Other key contributors included Damian Keogh (16.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals), Tim Morrissey (11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists), and Mark Dalton (10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks).

Off the bench, Andrew Svaldenis (4.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) played a key role, and despite the team missing out on a deep playoff run, the 1991 Kings were an exciting team to watch.

HOBART DEVILS
1992
The 1992 NBL season marked an important chapter for Andrew Svaldenis, who transitioned from the Sydney Kings to the Hobart Devils under player-coach Cal Bruton. Svaldenis immediately became a vital presence in the Devils’ frontcourt, delivering a strong season with averages of (13.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks across 24 games), establishing himself as one of the team’s key contributors.

The Devils’ roster was led by veteran import Wayne McDaniel (22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists), who anchored the offense with his scoring punch, alongside exciting newcomer Donald Whiteside (15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.7 steals), who played 21 games and added sharp playmaking and perimeter defense. Svaldenis’ rebounding and inside scoring complemented the efforts of Joe Hurst (10.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists), while Shane Froling (8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists) and David Stiff (6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 assists) added toughness and hustle in the paint.

Player-coach Cal Bruton (8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists) balanced leadership duties with on-court contributions, supported by David Close (9.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists), Justin Cass (5.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists), and rising young talent Anthony Stewart (5.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists). Although the Devils showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, inconsistency ultimately hampered their playoff ambitions.

Despite standout performances from their core players, including Svaldenis’ consistent double-figure scoring and rebounding, Hobart finished in tenth place on the NBL ladder with a (9–15) record.

1993
Throughout the 1993 season, Andrew Svaldenis delivered several standout performances that showcased his importance to the Hobart Devils’ frontcourt. One of his most dominant games came on August 7 against Sydney, where he erupted for a season-high 33 points (12-of-17 FG, 9-of-9 FT) while grabbing 14 rebounds, leading the team in a determined effort despite the loss.

Earlier in the year, Svaldenis impressed on July 23 against Perth, scoring 25 points (11-of-17 FG) and pulling down 7 rebounds in a hard-fought contest. On June 18 against South East Melbourne, he tallied 21 points (8-of-10 FG, 4-of-6 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal, helping the Devils stay competitive. Against Geelong on July 30, Svaldenis posted 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals, while on September 11 against Townsville, he poured in 26 points (12-of-16 FG) with 5 rebounds and 3 steals, showing his ability to rise in critical moments.

After a challenging 1992 season under player-coach Cal Bruton, the Devils shifted direction in 1993, opting not to renew Bruton’s contract and parting ways with import Joe Hurst and veteran Shane Froling. Promising big man David Stiff also left to play at Boston College. Despite these losses, Hobart retained a core group featuring prolific scorer Wayne McDaniel (20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds), rising forward Andrew Svaldenis (career-best 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 steals), import guard Donald Whiteside (15.2 points, 5.6 assists, 2.5 steals), sharpshooter David Close (13.2 points, 2.9 assists), and second-year guard Anthony Stewart (11 points, 3.7 assists), who notably doubled his scoring output from the prior year.

Injuries to key players like McDaniel and Close forced the Devils to bring in Mike Kelly as an injury replacement; he delivered an impressive short stint with 19.5 points and 9 rebounds across two games. Additional contributions came from Jim Havrilla (9.8 points, 5.4 rebounds) and Justin Cass (7.5 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists), but limited depth and mounting injuries exposed significant weaknesses across the season.

Despite the determined efforts of Svaldenis and the core group, Hobart ultimately struggled against the league’s top teams, finishing with a disappointing 6–20 record and a 13th-place standing. Still, Svaldenis’ statistical improvement and breakout performances underlined his growing importance and solidified his role as one of the Devils’ most reliable interior scorers and rebounders.

Svaldenis most dominant games this season included his season-high 33 points (12-of-17 FG, 9-of-9 FT), while grabbing 14 rebounds in a determined effort despite the team’s loss.

Earlier in the year, Svaldenis impressed on July 23 against Perth, scoring 25 points (11-of-17 FG) and pulling down 7 rebounds in a hard-fought contest. Another memorable performance came on June 18 against South East Melbourne, where he tallied 21 points (8-of-10 FG, 4-of-6 FT) and secured 8 rebounds, adding 2 assists and a steal to help the Devils remain competitive.

Across the season, Svaldenis repeatedly showed his ability to rise in big moments, including a strong 26-point, 5-rebound, 3-steal outing against Townsville on September 11, and 21 points with 11 rebounds and 4 steals against Geelong on July 30.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
1994
The 1994 NBL season marked a fresh chapter for Andrew Svaldenis, who joined the Adelaide 36ers after several seasons with the Hobart Devils. Under new head coach Mike Dunlap, Adelaide revamped its lineup, adding reigning league MVP Robert Rose (via South East Melbourne) alongside Svaldenis to strengthen the frontcourt. The 36ers finished the regular season with a strong 19–8 record, securing fourth place and advancing deep into the playoffs despite battling off-court distractions, including a record fine for alleged salary cap breaches.

Svaldenis, known for his grit and rebounding, played an important depth role for Adelaide during the campaign, contributing (4.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 26 games). Among his best outings was a 16-point, 12-rebound effort on October 14 against Melbourne, where he went 6-of-11 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line, helping the 36ers push into the playoff run. Another highlight came on August 26 against Wollongong, when Svaldenis tallied 8 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal in a tough contest. He also made an impact on September 16 against the Gold Coast Rollers, finishing with 8 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, showing his versatility off the bench. In a late-season clash against Hobart on September 9, he chipped in 8 points and 6 rebounds, while in a critical postseason game on September 28 against Brisbane, Svaldenis delivered a valuable 7-point, 5-rebound showing in just 19 minutes.

The 36ers’ postseason journey saw them sweep past the defending champion Melbourne Tigers in the semi-finals, though the victory came at a cost. Captain Mark Davis dislocated his shoulder in the first game, limiting his Grand Final availability. Facing the North Melbourne Giants in the championship series, Adelaide fell 0–2, losing a heartbreaker 93–95 in overtime at home before dropping the second game 97–117 in Melbourne. Despite the disappointment, Robert Rose shone with back-to-back 30+ point games (33 and 31 points), nearly willing the 36ers to an upset, while Chris Blakemore’s rise (13 points, 33 minutes per game) earned him the NBL Most Improved Player award.

Svaldenis’ first year with Adelaide ended with a Grand Final appearance and valuable playoff experience, as he carved out a reliable role in one of the league’s top rotations. Surrounded by veterans like Phil Smyth (6.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists) and emerging stars, Svaldenis’ efforts in 1994 helped solidify the 36ers’ frontcourt depth and positioned him as a steady contributor in a championship-caliber lineup.

GEELONG SUPERCATS
1995
The 1995 NBL season marked a fresh opportunity for Andrew Svaldenis as he joined the Geelong Supercats after his year with Adelaide. Under head coach Jim Calvin, entering his third season, Geelong rebuilt its roster around returnees Cecil Exum, Simon Kerle, Jason Joynes, and Justin Cass, while adding fresh imports Joey Wright and Jeff Arnold, along with key local additions Svaldenis and David Graham. Despite the new-look squad, the Supercats finished the season with a 9–17 record, falling short of playoff qualification but showing flashes of promise in a highly competitive league.

Svaldenis delivered steady contributions throughout the season, averaging (10.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), providing much-needed interior presence and toughness for the team. Among his best performances, Svaldenis impressed on May 13 against Perth, when he scored 20 points (8-of-11 FG, 4-of-4 FT) and pulled down 11 rebounds, adding 3 assists and a block in a dominant two-way showing. Earlier, on May 5 against Townsville, he delivered 17 points (7-of-12 FG, 3-of-4 FT) with 12 rebounds and 3 assists, helping Geelong edge out a tight road win. On May 27 versus Brisbane, Svaldenis stood tall again, recording 14 points (4-of-10 FG, 6-of-6 FT), a season-high 14 rebounds (8 offensive), and 5 assists while grabbing 3 steals to anchor the Supercats’ interior game.

Throughout the season, Svaldenis consistently provided key frontcourt production, posting 17 points and 8 rebounds against Hobart on May 20 and another strong double-double with 15 points (4-of-11 FG, 7-of-8 FT) and 10 rebounds versus Adelaide on May 12. He added another standout performance on July 8 against Wollongong, pouring in 20 points (8-of-17 FG, 4-of-4 FT) with 7 rebounds and a steal, highlighting his ability to rise in crucial moments.

While the Supercats struggled for consistency across the season, Svaldenis’ arrival was a bright spot, solidifying the team’s rebounding and low-post scoring. Alongside teammates like Wright, Arnold, Exum, and Graham, Svaldenis played a vital role in helping Geelong remain competitive despite their final 9–17 record. His individual performances, marked by career-high rebounding averages and key scoring contributions, confirmed his status as a reliable NBL frontcourt contributor and a key piece in Geelong’s rotation.

1996
1996 would see coach Jim Calvin replaced by up-and-coming coach Ian Stacker, with the team overhauling its roster. Major moves included securing Rupert Sapwell (via South East Melbourne) and Matt Scalzi (via Adelaide) to fill the departures of David Graham and Justin Cass, and bringing in powerhouse import Ray Owes to replace Jeff Arnold. Owes was joined by returning guard Joey Wright, who was injured after just two games and replaced by high-scoring Orlando Williams.

Andrew Svaldenis appeared in 15 games during the season, contributing (5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.3 assists) in a campaign disrupted by injury. He was impactful in a handful of outings, beginning with a 14-point effort on May 3 against the Hobart Devils where he went 5-of-7 from the field and added 8 rebounds in 26 minutes. A week later on May 10, he chipped in 6 points (2-of-3 FG) and 3 rebounds in limited time against North Melbourne. On May 24 against Canberra, he added 8 points and 6 rebounds, continuing a stretch of solid play. He posted 11 points and 5 rebounds on May 31 in Hobart and rounded out the regular season with a steady showing against the Gold Coast on September 21, tallying 5 points, 2 assists, and a rebound on 2-of-3 shooting in just under 8 minutes.

Svaldenis featured in the Supercats’ best performance of the season on August 24, a high-scoring thriller in Townsville. While he did not score in the 119–116 loss, he played 4 minutes and grabbed 2 rebounds. The match was headlined by Ray Owes, who delivered one of the most dominant individual games in NBL history with 40 points (15-of-24 FG, 10-of-17 FT), 22 rebounds (11 offensive), 4 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Simon Kerle added 24 points and 1 assist, while Orlando Williams finished with 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals. The following night, Geelong returned home and overwhelmed the Gold Coast Rollers 131–93 in what would become the final NBL victory in club history. Svaldenis contributed 5 points (2-of-3 FG, 1-of-1 FT), 2 assists, and a rebound in under 8 minutes. The win was led by Owes with 33 points and 26 rebounds (13-of-19 FG, 7-of-7 FT), while Williams posted 32 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Rollers were paced by Trevor Torrance and Chad McClendon, each scoring 20 points.

Svaldenis did not take the court in Geelong’s final NBL appearance on September 28, a 100–94 road loss to the Sydney Kings. That game marked the end of the Supercats’ time in the NBL. The Kings sealed the win through standout efforts from Shane Heal (25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Isaac Burton (25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals). Geelong’s best were Rupert Sapwell with 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Simon Kerle who finished with 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Ray Owes stood out as one of the league’s most dominant frontcourt players, averaging (22.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) across 25 games and earning All-NBL First Team honours.

Despite the influx of talent, the Supercats endured a difficult campaign, finishing 13th with a 6–20 record and ultimately handing back their NBL licence at season’s end due to financial strain and league restructuring.

Despite the Supercats’ struggles, Owes remained a consistent force, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and interior presence. Alongside Orlando Williams (23.5 points), Simon Kerle (17.0 points, 5.2 assists), Rupert Sapwell (11.7 points, 6.3 rebounds), and Andrew Svaldenis (5.0 points, 2.6 rebounds), the team maintained a capable offensive rotation. Svaldenis’ minutes fluctuated due to injury, but he remained an active presence in rotation through the first half of the season, logging his best form in May. His efforts in key wins and performances across 15 appearances contributed modestly to a talented yet ultimately short-lived roster.

Andrew Svaldenis played thirteen seasons across five NBL teams. This included the Bankstown Bruins, Sydney Supersonics, Hobart Devils, Sydney Kings, Adelaide 36ers and Geelong Supercats. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 299 NBL games.

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.