BIO: Ben Knight was born in Wollongong (NSW) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Penrith basketball program. He later joined the Sydney Sky where he played under 18’s basketball and his first season in the NSW state league competition.

As a player, he was one of the most underrated players in NBL history. He was tough, hard-nosed, intimidating and dependable. But he also had a wide-ranging skillset. He could hit the three, knock down the midrange jumper and play tough in the post. He was a strong rebounder, he could defend multiple positions, and was a better passer than given credit for. He was a outstanding teammate and a leader wherever he played.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Ben Knight made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 21 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

After finishing fifth with a 16-10 record before being eliminated by Canberra in the 1996 quarterfinals, Sydney entered 1997 needing to replace Shane Heal after his strong 1996 Olympic campaign led to a contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Neil Turner also departed and Dean Uthoff retired, while Isaac Burton, Melvin Thomas, Bruce Bolden, Stephen Whitehead, Justin Withers, Brad Williams, Brad Rosen and Danny Williams returned under head coach Alan Black. The Kings signed Aaron Trahair (via Perth), an up-and-coming guard who had spent much of his Wildcats career playing alongside Ricky Grace, and Cameron Dickinson (via Townsville) to help replace the perimeter shooting lost with Heal. Matthew Nielsen (via AIS), who had previously been a Kings training player, and rookie Ben Knight were also added, while Bolden was named captain in Heal’s absence. With Hobart, Geelong and Gold Coast exiting the league after 1996 and talent from those rosters redistributed among the remaining clubs, the 1997 season became one of the most competitive in NBL history.

Sydney opened the season against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre on April 11, where Rosen went scoreless with 1 rebound and 1 steal in nine minutes as the Giants won 85-81. Burton (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Bolden (14 points) led the Kings, while Pat Reidy (24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block) led North Melbourne. Sydney had led 70-68 with a little over five minutes remaining before the Giants produced a 10-0 run, prompting Black to say, “We lost the game in 30 seconds.” The defeat began a difficult opening stretch which saw Sydney lose three of its first four games.

Rosen (5.1 points across 26 games) spent much of the season as a reserve guard before his responsibilities increased as Sydney searched for stability at point guard. Trahair (11.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals across 22 games) had been asked to move from the off-guard role he had largely played beside Grace in Perth into full-time point guard duties, but was shifted back off the ball during the season. He later suffered a season-ending foot injury after the All-Star break and missed Sydney’s final six games, leaving Rosen as the Kings’ best remaining option at point guard. Black moved Rosen into the starting lineup in August, with his ‘Lightning’ speed allowing him to get past defenders and also pressure opponents at the defensive end. His field-goal percentage climbed above 50 per cent for the first time in his career and placed him among the league’s leading guards in that category. Rosen was also a popular figure in Sydney through his well-known Tooheys television commercial and was voted the Kings’ Most Inspirational Player for 1997.

One of Sydney’s biggest individual performances came at Beaton Park on June 20, where Rosen went scoreless with 1 rebound and 1 steal in nine minutes as the Kings defeated Illawarra 123-107. Burton (44 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 7 steals) made 15-of-22 shots in a near quadruple-double, while Thomas (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support and Clayton Ritter (29 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Hawks.

Rosen produced one of his better reserve performances against Newcastle at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on July 18, finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals as the Falcons defeated Sydney 109-92.

After moving into the starting lineup, Rosen produced the best and highest-scoring game of his NBL career against North Melbourne at the Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre on September 7. Rosen finished with a career-high 22 points and a season-high 5 assists, but the Giants defeated Sydney 117-96, with Matthew Shanahan (19 points and 8 rebounds) and Andrew Goodwin (14 points and 10 rebounds) among North Melbourne’s major contributors.

Rosen followed with 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists in the return meeting with Newcastle at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on September 15, helping the Kings defeat the Falcons 90-85.

Burton (20.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3 steals across 30 games) carried much of the scoring and playmaking responsibility left by Heal’s departure, leading Sydney in scoring and topping the NBL in steals for the second consecutive season. Thomas (18.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) led the Kings in rebounding during his second season in Sydney, while 26-year-old Whitehead (12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds across 30 games) developed into the team’s third-leading scorer. Bolden (11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds across 25 games) provided veteran leadership, Dickinson (10.8 points across 30 games) supplied perimeter scoring and Nielsen (9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds across 29 games) established himself in the rotation after having been a Kings training player since 1995, earning NBL Rookie of the Year honours.

Sydney closed its season against Canberra at the AIS Arena on September 27, where Rosen (6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) played almost 35 minutes. Burton (31 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) and Thomas (25 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) led the Kings, while Robert Rose (37 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 assists) carried Canberra to a 98-95 victory. The loss was Sydney’s third in a row and left the Kings tenth, second-last on the ladder, with a 12-18 record and outside the playoffs.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE MAGIC
1998
Knight then moved to Victoria to play with the South East Melbourne Magic where he felt playing under legendary coach Brian Goorjian would help him develop his game further and help him become one of the premier big men in the NBL.

After finishing first with a 22-8 record before losing the 1997 Grand Final series to Melbourne, South East Melbourne returned under Brian Goorjian looking to go one step further. Chris Anstey (to Dallas), Brian Tolbert and Matthew Moore departed, while Tony Ronaldson, Sam Mackinnon, Mike Kelly, Frank Drmic, John Dorge, Andrew Parkinson and Jason Smith returned. Goorjian added former NBA guard Clinton McDaniel, Brett Wheeler (via Adelaide) and Ben Knight (via Sydney), with Wheeler brought in to replace the frontcourt size lost when Anstey left for the NBA. After making only four appearances for Sydney the previous season, Knight moved to Victoria believing that playing under Goorjian would help develop his game and eventually establish him as one of the NBL’s premier big men.

South East Melbourne opened the season against Newcastle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 30, where Knight (4 points and 1 rebound) made both of his field-goal attempts in 2:24 as the Magic won 93-73. McDaniel (19 points, 3 assists, and 5 steals) and Drmic (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) led South East Melbourne, while Isaac Burton (21 points and 5 rebounds) was Newcastle’s best.

Knight (2.6 points across 21 games) remained deep in a veteran frontcourt rotation during his first season with the Magic, averaging just over five minutes per appearance. He played 20 of South East Melbourne’s 30 regular-season games and appeared once during the postseason, with no injury established as the reason for his other non-appearances. His best game and one of his season-high scoring performances came against Sydney at Melbourne Park on March 11, where Knight (8 points and 3 rebounds) made 4-of-6 field goals in 7:43 as the Magic defeated the Kings 115-88. Kelly (25 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) and Wheeler (15 points and 10 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

McDaniel (17.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.7 steals across 24 games) had been South East Melbourne’s import guard from opening night before an injury following the April 24 game against Newcastle sidelined him for the next ten games. Former Magic championship guard Billy McCaffrey (10.3 points across 7 games) (via Germany) returned on May 6 as McDaniel’s injury replacement and played seven games before McDaniel returned on June 3.

Ronaldson (18.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across 34 games) again led South East Melbourne in scoring, while Drmic (14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3 assists across 34 games), Mackinnon (13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals across 33 games), Kelly (13 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals across 34 games), Wheeler (12.6 points and 7.1 rebounds across 34 games) and Smith (9.2 points and 4.1 rebounds across 33 games) gave Goorjian one of the league’s deepest rotations. McDaniel led the NBL in steals, Mackinnon was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and Ronaldson, Drmic and McDaniel earned All-NBL Third Team honours. Kelly was named the NBL’s Best Defensive Player for the second consecutive season, Smith won Best Sixth Man and Goorjian collected his third Coach of the Year award.

South East Melbourne closed the regular season against defending champion Melbourne at Melbourne Park on June 6, where Knight went scoreless in the final 58 seconds as the Tigers won 110-106. McDaniel (24 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Kelly (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Magic, while Andrew Gaze (33 points and 10 assists) was Melbourne’s best. Despite the loss, South East Melbourne finished first with a 26-4 record, at the time the third-best regular-season record in NBL history behind Adelaide’s 24-2 season in 1986 and Geelong’s 21-2 record in 1984, and received a first-round playoff bye.

South East Melbourne opened its semifinal series against Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention Centre on June 19 without Knight entering the game. Ronaldson (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Kelly (25 points and 4 rebounds) led the Magic to a 106-98 victory, overcoming a huge performance from Steve Woodberry (46 points and 12 rebounds) for Brisbane.

Knight was again not used in game two at Melbourne Park, where Mackinnon (30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Ronaldson (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 90-84 victory. Woodberry (28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was again Brisbane’s best as the Magic completed the semifinal sweep and reached the Grand Final for the third consecutive season.

The Grand Final opened at the Clipsal Powerhouse on June 28, with Knight not used as Adelaide defeated South East Melbourne 100-93. Wheeler (29 points and 9 rebounds) made 12-of-15 field goals and McDaniel (20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Magic, while Kevin Brooks (24 points and 8 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best. South East Melbourne had defeated the 36ers in all three regular-season meetings by a combined six points, but the result was only Adelaide’s second victory over the Magic since the club was formed in 1992.

Knight returned for game two at Melbourne Park, finishing with 2 points and 3 rebounds in 2:54 as Adelaide overwhelmed South East Melbourne 90-62. Wheeler (12 points and 5 rebounds) and Ronaldson (11 points and 6 rebounds) were the Magic’s only double-figure scorers, while Brooks (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Martin Cattalini (20 points and 6 rebounds) led the 36ers. South East Melbourne committed 26 turnovers compared with Adelaide’s 14 and attempted only eight free throws to the 36ers’ 33 as Adelaide completed the Grand Final sweep, claimed its first championship since 1986 and Brooks was named Grand Final MVP in the NBL’s final winter season. It was also the final game in South East Melbourne Magic history, with the club merging with the North Melbourne Giants during the offseason to form the Victoria Titans. Knight was squeezed out of the merged roster and signed with Brisbane as a free agent.

BRISBANE BULLETS
1998/99
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Brisbane entered the 1998/99 campaign looking to build on its first playoff series victory since 1993. The Bullets lost Chuck Kornegay, CJ Bruton (to Wollongong), Ben Thompson (to West Sydney) and John Szigeti (retired), while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Mark Nash and Rodger Smith returned under head coach Brian Kerle. With the NBL moving from a winter to a summer schedule, Kerle signed import Thaddeous Delaney to replace Kornegay in the frontcourt, while Ben Knight and Matthew Shanahan joined after being squeezed out of the North Melbourne Giants and South East Melbourne Magic merger that formed the Victoria Titans. Phil Doherty (via Perth) was also added after leaving the Wildcats in search of more playing time.

Knight had spent the previous season with South East Melbourne under Brian Goorjian, but played a limited role behind the Magic’s experienced frontcourt, appearing in 21 games as the club finished first with a 26-4 record before losing the Grand Final to Adelaide. When the Magic merged with crosstown rivals North Melbourne, the new Victoria Titans retained established big men Tony Ronaldson, Brett Wheeler and Paul Maley, leaving Knight without a roster spot. He signed with Brisbane as a free agent, joining his third NBL club in three seasons and gaining an opportunity for considerably more playing time under Kerle. Knight later discussed being squeezed out of the merged roster and his decision to join the Bullets during an appearance on the Aussie Hoopla podcast.

Brisbane opened the season against Canberra at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 9, where Knight (7 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) made three of four field goals, including his only three-point attempt, in 12 minutes off the bench. Woodberry (33 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) made five three-pointers and led Brisbane in scoring, while Doherty (14 points and 11 rebounds) provided a double-double in his first game for the club. Former Bullet Mike McKay (16 points and 6 rebounds) led Canberra, but Brisbane recorded a convincing 110-78 victory to begin the season.

Knight (6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds across 28 games) immediately took on a larger role than he had enjoyed with South East Melbourne, appearing in all 26 regular-season games and both playoff games. His scoring and playing time improved considerably from the previous season, with Knight averaging more than 18 minutes per game while providing Kerle with another frontcourt option behind Delaney and Nash. His ability to score around the basket, rebound and occasionally step outside to make three-pointers added versatility to Brisbane’s rotation, although his offensive production remained inconsistent as the Bullets relied heavily on Woodberry and Loggins.

On October 31, Knight (2 points and 2 rebounds) played six minutes as Brisbane defeated West Sydney 95-80 at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Woodberry (33 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made five of six three-pointers, while Delaney (10 points and 20 rebounds) dominated the glass with nine offensive rebounds. Simon Dwight (24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) led the Razorbacks, but Brisbane’s perimeter shooting and rebounding proved decisive.

Brisbane travelled to Perth on November 15, where Knight (0 points and 1 steal) played just three minutes, missing his only field-goal attempt. Woodberry (41 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals) produced one of the most efficient performances of his NBL career, making 17-of-22 field goals, while Loggins (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support. Paul Rogers (19 points and 7 rebounds) led Perth, but Brisbane recorded an impressive 97-77 victory at the Perth Entertainment Centre, beginning a four-game winning streak.

Brisbane continued that winning run against defending champion Adelaide on November 21, where Knight (2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block) played nine minutes as the Bullets defeated the 36ers 112-96 at Adelaide Arena. Loggins (31 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) delivered his season-high scoring performance, making four three-pointers and all nine free throws, while Woodberry (27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists) narrowly missed a triple-double. Kevin Brooks (25 points) led Adelaide, but Brisbane’s experienced scoring combination proved too strong.

Knight’s playing time began to increase during December, with the young forward contributing 7 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in a narrow 86-83 victory over Wollongong on December 4. His minutes continued to fluctuate, however, as Kerle adjusted the rotation around Brisbane’s experienced starting lineup. Against Sydney at the Brisbane Convention Centre on December 12, Knight (4 points and 2 rebounds) made both field-goal attempts in 16 minutes as Woodberry (38 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) played all 53 minutes of an overtime contest. Smith (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support, but Acie Earl (33 points and 12 rebounds) led the Kings to a 103-95 victory.

Brisbane faced Melbourne at Melbourne Park on December 27, where Knight (7 points and 5 rebounds) played 29 minutes, one of his longest appearances of the season to that point. Loggins (29 points) made 12-of-17 field goals and five of six three-pointers, while Woodberry (22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) added a double-double. However, Andrew Gaze (37 points) led the Tigers to a 102-91 victory, further highlighting Brisbane’s reliance on its veteran scoring combination against the league’s stronger teams.

Knight delivered another strong performance against Newcastle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 9, finishing with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block while making five of eight field goals and all three free throws. Loggins (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led the scoring, while Woodberry (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) contributed across both ends of the floor. David Simmons (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Newcastle, but Brisbane recorded a 98-82 victory as Knight provided valuable support in the frontcourt.

Knight’s best overall game and highest-scoring performance of the season came against his former club, Victoria, at Melbourne Park on February 20. Knight (19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made eight of 15 field goals, including three of four three-pointers, while playing a season-high 31 minutes. Woodberry (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Brisbane in scoring, while Delaney (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided a double-double. Frank Drmic (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Titans, with Tony Ronaldson (22 points and 9 rebounds) also productive as Victoria defeated Brisbane 101-95. Despite the loss, Knight’s performance against the club that had left him without a roster spot following the Magic-Giants merger was a major highlight of his first season with the Bullets.

Knight continued to receive increased opportunities over the closing weeks of the regular season, finishing with 14 points and 4 rebounds against Wollongong on February 27 before producing another 14-point performance against defending champion Adelaide on March 12. Against the 36ers at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Knight (14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) played 34 minutes and attempted a season-high 16 field goals. Woodberry (29 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Brisbane offensively, while Delaney (13 points, 19 rebounds, and 2 blocks) controlled the glass. Brett Maher (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Adelaide to a 98-83 victory, leaving Brisbane needing a strong finish to maintain its playoff position.

Brisbane’s offence continued to revolve around Woodberry (27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals across 28 games) and Loggins (18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games), who remained the Bullets’ two leading scorers throughout the season. Woodberry produced the best statistical season of his NBL career, winning the 1999 Most Valuable Player award and earning selection to the All-NBL First Team for the second consecutive season. Loggins continued to provide scoring and defensive pressure despite turning 41 during the campaign, having also been selected to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team in 1998.

Outside Brisbane’s veteran scoring combination, Delaney (11.6 points and 10.6 rebounds across 28 games) provided rebounding and interior defence but never developed into the dominant replacement the Bullets had hoped for following Kornegay’s departure. Nash (8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds across 28 games) remained a reliable frontcourt contributor, while Doherty (8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds across 22 games), Smith (6.5 points across 26 games), Shanahan (6.2 points across 27 games) and Peter Harvey (4.5 points across 17 games) rounded out Kerle’s main rotation. Shanahan provided valuable outside shooting, converting 48.1 percent of his three-point attempts, while Smith remained an important defensive presence. However, Brisbane’s lack of consistent scoring depth meant it often required a major performance from Woodberry or Loggins just to remain competitive, with Knight’s improved production offering some encouragement for the team’s developing local talent.

Brisbane entered the final weeks battling to secure a playoff position after struggling to maintain the consistency shown during its four-game winning streak earlier in the season. The Bullets closed the regular season against Canberra at AIS Arena on March 13, where Knight (6 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) played 18 minutes as Brisbane defeated the Cannons 107-97. Woodberry (30 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals) narrowly missed a triple-double, while Loggins (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support. Melvin Thomas (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Canberra, but Brisbane’s victory completed a 13-13 regular season and secured fifth place on the ladder, earning a qualifying finals rematch against Melbourne, which the Bullets had swept from the playoffs the previous season.

What a warrior Ben Knight was 💯🇳🇿🏀💪

🏀 403 games across 16 seasons
🏀 Played with 9 different team’s
🏀 Made playoffs with 7 different team’s
🏀 2005 @NBL Champion 👑pic.twitter.com/eGHAQmjuO5— John Casey (@JohnCasey2880) March 26, 2023

Brisbane opened its qualifying finals series against Melbourne at the Brisbane Convention Centre on March 20, where Knight (0 points and 0 rebounds) played 16 minutes, missing all three field-goal attempts as the Bullets struggled offensively. Woodberry (29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Loggins (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Brisbane, but Marcus Timmons (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) powered Melbourne to a 100-85 victory. The result left the Bullets trailing 1-0 in the series and needing consecutive victories to advance.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on March 26, where Knight (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) played 22 minutes, making just one of five field goals as Brisbane attempted to keep its season alive. Woodberry (35 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced another outstanding performance, while Loggins (17 points and 9 rebounds) provided support. However, Lanard Copeland (30 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne to a 98-92 victory, completing the two-game sweep and eliminating Brisbane from the playoffs in the opening round, marking the Bullets’ final postseason appearance until 2004.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
1999/00
Townsville entered the 1999/00 NBL season aiming to build on the promising foundations established by head coach Ian Stacker and star forward Sam Mackinnon, both of whom joined the Crocodiles the previous year. The Crocs maintained stability by retaining their strong local nucleus, including veteran import Robert Rose, rapidly improving big man Andrew Goodwin, guard Brad Davidson, and forward David Pennisi. Notable departures included import James Harper and seasoned guard Simon Kerle, with the team bringing in defensive standout Mike Kelly (a former South East Melbourne teammate of Stacker and Mackinnon), versatile forward Pat Reidy (from Newcastle), and emerging forward Ben Knight (from Sydney) to bolster the roster.

Despite a challenging opening game—a 106–95 defeat on the road against Stacker and Mackinnon’s former club, the Victoria Titans—Townsville quickly rebounded. The Crocodiles responded with an impressive four-game winning streak, highlighted by convincing victories over Illawarra (99–88), Sydney (98–88), Cairns (103–75), and Adelaide (131–127). This early success signaled to the league that Townsville had significantly elevated their game from previous seasons.

A major factor in the Crocodiles’ rise was Andrew Goodwin’s development, who elevated his scoring dramatically from 14.7 points per game to 18.0, along with 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Goodwin emerged as the team’s leading scorer and was honoured with the NBL’s Most Improved Player award. Supporting Goodwin was versatile forward Sam Mackinnon (17.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.1 blocks), and veteran playmaker Robert Rose (17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.8 steals), both consistently filling stat sheets. Mike Kelly contributed strongly, averaging 16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, and was the league’s leading three-point shooter at 43.9%. Pat Reidy (14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists) rounded out Townsville’s formidable starting five.

Off the bench, Ben Knight (8.5 points, 4.4 rebounds) provided important interior depth and earned recognition as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year. Brad Davidson (7.1 points, 2.7 assists) further strengthened the team’s rotation, delivering reliable guard play and valuable experience.

The Crocodiles ended the regular season with a franchise-best 22–6 record, evenly split between home (11–3) and away (11–3) fixtures, securing second place on the NBL ladder. Coach Ian Stacker’s adept management and tactical acumen saw him awarded NBL Coach of the Year honours.

In the semi-finals, Townsville faced the battle-tested Perth Wildcats. Game one in Perth was a nail-biting, high-scoring matchup highlighted by Mike Kelly’s 29 points, but the Crocodiles narrowly fell 104–101 despite Kelly’s duel with Wildcats legend Ricky Grace (24 points, 6 assists).

Returning to Townsville for Game two, the Crocodiles delivered a commanding 101–78 victory, driven by outstanding performances from Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Reidy (22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), and Rose (21 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists—just one assist shy of a triple-double), forcing the series into a decisive Game three.

Unfortunately, Perth’s depth and playoff experience proved decisive in the series finale. Despite a courageous 33-point effort from Robert Rose, Townsville could not overcome the Wildcats’ balanced attack, spearheaded by Grace (21 points, 11 assists), Anthony Stewart (21 points), Paul Rogers (20 points, 12 rebounds), and Andrew Vlahov (15 points, 17 rebounds). Perth won convincingly, 104–84, ending Townsville’s championship hopes before going on to defeat the Victoria Titans to claim the NBL title.

Though their playoff run ended prematurely, the 1999/00 season represented a significant leap forward for the Townsville Crocodiles, marked by outstanding individual achievements, team success, and notable league-wide recognition.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2000/01
Knight delivered a breakout season in 2000/01, more than doubling his numbers from the previous season to average 18.9 points and 10.1 rebounds, and helped guide the Taipans to a ninth-place finish during the regular season with a 6-22 record.

2001/02
Knight averaged 15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists during the 2001/02 season, a season where the Taipans struggled to remain competitive as financial woes within the franchise grew stronger and the team finished dead last with a 9-21 record under first year head coach Guy Molloy.

2002/03
During the 2002/03 season, Knight averaged 17 points and 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, and helped guide the Taipans to a eighth place finish in the regular season with a 13-17 record.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
2003/04
In 2003/04 Knight averaged 14.3 points and 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, and helped guide the Hawks to a second place finish in the regular season with a 25-8 record.

SYDNEY KINGS
2004/05
The 2004/05 season was a historic one for the Sydney Kings, as they became the first team in NBL history to win three consecutive championships.

Captain Jason Smith (19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals) led the team offensively, setting the tone with his leadership, defensive intensity, and ability to step up in clutch moments.

He was supported by a strong core, including import duo Mark Sanford (16.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists), Rolan Roberts (16.4 points, 9.1 rebounds), C.J. Bruton (16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists), and Ben Knight (13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists).

In 2004, Knight returned to his hometown Sydney to play for the Kings again, facing the arduous task of replacing departed star Matthew Nielsen, who had just won two championships and established himself as one of the greatest Sydney Kings players ever. That challenge could have overwhelmed a lesser athlete, but not Knight, who right from the start became a key member of the ballclub that would create history as the first team ever to win three straight NBL titles.

Knight averaged 13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, shooting 52.2% from the field and 75.4% from the free throw line. However, in the playoffs, his efficiency rose significantly as he compiled 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, while shooting impressive numbers of 55.1% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 85.7% from the charity stripe in 35 minutes per contest.

Knight delivered numerous standout performances throughout the season, proving his value as a versatile big man. On January 9 against Cairns, he scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, shooting an impressive 10-for-12 from the field. He also had a strong outing against Townsville on January 2, putting up 22 points and 13 rebounds on efficient 9-for-14 shooting. Another highlight came on November 3 against Adelaide, where he tallied 18 points and pulled down 15 rebounds.

Twelve games into the season, rookie Luke Kendall (12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists) suffered an ACL injury causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Under head coach Brian Goorjian, the Kings continued their dominance, finishing atop the regular season standings with a 21-11 record.

The Kings swept the Brisbane Bullets in Game 1 (113-79), with seven players scoring in double figures: Jason Smith (16 points), Rolan Roberts (16 points), Brad Sheridan (16 points), Ben Knight (15 points), CJ Bruton (14 points), David Barlow (12 points), and Mark Sanford (12 points).

The Kings closed out the series, winning Game 2 (111-105) behind big games from Smith (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Knight, who delivered one of his best performances with 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists in 44 minutes. His clutch play prevented Brisbane from forcing a deciding Game 3, demonstrating his critical value to the Kings.

The Grand Final series saw Sydney dominate the Illawarra Hawks across three straight games, completing one of the most commanding championship runs in NBL history.

Smith (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the way in the Kings’ Game 1 victory (96-73). Knight contributed significantly, finishing with 12 points and 4 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field.

In Game 2, the Kings secured a 105-80 win on the Hawks’ home court, with CJ Bruton finishing as the game-high scorer with 26 points. Knight added 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, helping to maintain Sydney’s momentum.

Game 3 was close initially, but the Kings outscored the Hawks 38-21 in the second quarter, sealing a comfortable 112-85 win. Jason Smith delivered the best playoff game of his career, scoring 38 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to take home Grand Final MVP honors. Knight provided steady contributions, scoring 9 points, including 50% shooting from the field, while also adding 3 rebounds and 6 assists to round out the victory.

With their 3-0 Grand Final series win, the Kings cemented themselves as one of the greatest teams in NBL history, becoming the first team ever to complete a three-peat. Their combination of leadership, talent, and depth made them an unstoppable force, with Jason Smith, C.J. Bruton, Mark Sanford, and the supporting cast, including Knight, all playing vital roles in Sydney’s championship run.

2005/06
In 2005/06, Knight averaged 10.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists as the Kings again finished atop the NBL ladder. In a loaded squad where he maintained his outstanding play as part of a group that won a franchise-record 15 straight games in the regular season and went to their fourth consecutive grand final.

Import centre Rolan Roberts suffered a torn pectoral muscle imitating a Vince Carter dunk during the All Star dunk competition and was replaced by Sedric Webber. In the finals they were swept 3–0 by the Chris Anstey led Melbourne Tigers.

SINGAPORE SLINGERS
2006/07
For the 2006/07 season the Singapore Slingers entered the league and with former Sydney Kings legendary coach Bob Turner charged with setting up the team, he convinced Knight to leave the Kings for a opportunity to captain the NBL’s first Asian based team.

Knight (15 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) played for the Singapore Slingers during their inaugural season where he recorded a career high 33 points in the Slingers road loss against Melbourne United, 125-114. He also added 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in one of the best games of his NBL career.

2007/08
In 2007/08, Knight averaged 14.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his second season with the Slingers but with the team failing to invest the same amount of money during the team’s second year as they did in the first season, the roster struggled to be competitive and finished with a dismal record (6-24). Singapore withdrew the following season due to financial reasons.

PERTH WILDCATS
2008/09
In 2008/09, Knight averaged 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds, and helped guide the Wildcat’s to a fourth place finish in the regular season with a 17-13 record.

MELBOURNE TIGERS
2009/10
Thanks to the demise of the South Dragons in 2009, Mark Worthington, who found himself without a team, joined Melbourne to pair with Boomers teammate Chris Anstey in the frontcourt. Anstey’s body would struggle through the 2009/10 season, however, missing a large amount of the team’s games due to a recurring back injury. Even when he was able to suit up, Anstey (9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game) was a shadow of himself on the court, putting up his worst numbers since his 1996 breakout season with the Magic. His absence would benefit rising star Daniel Johnson, who improved his numbers from 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds to 10.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, including a career-high 17 points effort against Adelaide.

The Tigers’ injury woes didn’t finish with Anstey. New addition Ben Knight (4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) managed only four games before suffering a season ending injury after he jumped to get a loose ball against Gold Coast Blaze big man Pero Cameron. This was later diagnosed as a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee. Co-captain Nathan Crosswell was sidelined with a fractured finger for three weeks, forcing versatile import Julius Hodge to switch from small forward to point guard. Prior to Crosswell’s injury, the Tigers had just won their first set of back-to-back games for the year and, despite being last on the ladder, hoped to win seven of the team’s last nine games. After winning their next three games in a row, the Tigers fell well short, however, losing four games in a row to end the season in sixth place (11-17).

After failing to make the playoffs, Long time teammates Anstey and MacKinnon announced their retirements together at the end of the season.

SYDNEY KINGS
2010/11
“After the Sydney Kings licence was revoked in 2008 after club sponsor Firepower collapsed and the Kings were unable to pay player salaries, new ownership relaunched the Sydney Kings for the 2010/11 NBL season, returning to the league after a two-year absence.

The ‘Resurrection Squad’, the name given to the Sydney Kings roster which had returned to the league for the first time in two years with the team’s first moves being the hiring former Kings player Ian Robilliard as head coach and convincing a number of European based aussies to return to play for the team’s latest reincarnation.

Julian Khazzouh (Israel), Luke Cooper (Latvia) and Damien Ryan (Italy) all signed deals for the 2010/11 season, as was college graduate Ben Madgen (Augusta State University). The Kings then filled the remaining roster with offcast NBL talent, Graeme Dann (via State League), Luke Martin (via Wollongong) and Ben Knight (via Melbourne), who had played for the previous iteration of the Kings, was added and named co-captain along with Khazzouh. Robilliard added imports Taj McCullough and Rod Grizzard for excitement and scoring punch to the roster and the team was ready to return to the NBL.

Grizzard, who had previously put up 19 points per game with Singapore and 13 points per game with Melbourne struggled to produce as a King. He produced a megre 8 points per game on a 36% field goal percentage, resulting in the import axe swinging quickly, as he was released five games into the season.

The axe then fell for fellow import McCullough who after being told his contract was on the line prior to a game against New Zealand he managed only ten points on a lowly 5 from 17 from the field in a 80-94 home loss. After eight games Taj McCullough (11.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game) would become the second import to be released by the Sydney Kings during the 2010/11 season.

Former NBA talent Trey Gilder (13.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals) replaced Taj McCullough then Patrick Sanders (13.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) filled the shoes of Rod Grizzard as Robilliard looked to deliver a team capable of entertaining the valuable Sydney market while it was clear they would struggle to compete against other NBL team’s. The Kings limped home to a last place finish and a record of 8–20, the poor season likely costing Julian Khazzouh (17.4 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, 1 steal, and 1.8 blocks per game) a MVP trophy as mid-season he was the hot favourite for the award but ended up finishing second in the voting behind Wollongong’s Gary Ervin.

During the season Knight (6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) would go on an incredible shooting tear, where he hit an amazing 17 consecutive shots over a two-game period against Melbourne and Townsville. The Kings comeback season ended with Sydney finishing in last place with a record of 8–20.

2015/16
After finishing seventh with a 9-19 record in 2014/15, Sydney retained head coach Damian Cotter and Josh Childress, while Cody Ellis (to Illawarra), Kevin White (to Illawarra), Ben Madgen (to Belgium), Kendrick Perry, Josh Duinker and Daniel Joyce departed. Julian Khazzouh (via Lebanon), Steven Markovic (via Townsville), Rhys Carter (via New Zealand), Jeromie Hill (via UTSA), Marcus Thornton (via William & Mary) and Dion Prewster (via Wellington) were added.

Knight had retired from the NBL in 2011 after knee problems ended his playing career one game short of 400 appearances, remaining involved with Sydney as an assistant coach and club ambassador. More than four years later, a season-ending injury to Khazzouh opened the door for an unexpected return. Khazzouh (13.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 17 games) ruptured his right quadriceps tendon against Illawarra on December 18, joining Childress, who was sidelined with a fractured left hand, and leaving Sydney desperately short of frontcourt players. Knight had continued playing at a lower level with North Sydney and began training with the Kings following Khazzouh’s injury before being activated as emergency cover behind Garlepp, Brandt and Hill.

Knight returned against New Zealand at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre on December 27, more than four years after his previous NBL appearance, and entered the game during the first quarter to officially become a 400-game player. Knight (0 points and 1 rebound) played eight minutes as Garlepp (25 points) and Cadee (14 points, 6 assists) led Sydney, while Corey Webster (38 points) carried New Zealand to a 93-83 victory. “The body’s responded pretty well,” Knight said after the game. “It’s an honour, to finally chalk that one up was great and thanks to the coaching staff for the opportunity.”

Knight (0.5 points and 1.5 rebounds across 4 games) appeared in four games during his emergency return, with his appearances coming on December 27, December 30, January 2 and February 5 rather than Sydney’s final four games. He was not sidelined by a new injury during the stint, with his availability instead determined by Sydney’s changing injury-replacement requirements.

Two nights after reaching 400 games, Knight (2 points and 1 rebound) scored his only points of the season against Melbourne, making his only field-goal attempt in 2 minutes and 25 seconds. Childress (27 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks), Garlepp (22 points and 5 rebounds) and Brandt (15 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Sydney, while Daniel Kickert (26 points) and Stephen Holt (22 points and 9 assists) helped Melbourne win 100-90.

Knight’s best game came against Cairns on January 2, where Knight (0 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) played 7 minutes and 25 seconds. Cadee (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Childress (21 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) led Sydney, while Mark Worthington (21 points and 8 rebounds) helped Cairns win 77-74.

Sydney then signed Jordan Vandenberg (via Westchester) on January 7 for the remainder of the season as Khazzouh’s injury replacement, ending the need for Knight to remain in the regular rotation. Vandenberg (3.1 points across 8 games) had previously been with the New York Knicks organisation and was selected ahead of Craig Moller after both trained with Sydney. Moller remained with the Kings as a full-time training player and was later elevated when another injury opened a roster position.

The Kings also replaced Markovic (3 points across 7 games), who had struggled with illness before undergoing surgery to remove his tonsils in December, with Indiana Faithfull (2.6 points across 7 games) in January after Sydney believed Markovic would struggle to regain full fitness before the end of the season. Earlier in the year Al Harrington (via Fujian) (17.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5 assists across 6 games) had joined as a short-term replacement after Childress broke his right hand, with Harrington’s six-game stint ending as Childress prepared to return. Childress then fractured his left hand shortly after returning, leading Damion James (via Le Mans) (7 points and 7.8 rebounds across 5 games) to join as another injury replacement before being removed from the roster when Childress was reactivated on December 29.

Knight was called upon again in Perth on February 5 after Sydney’s frontcourt was hit by another sudden series of absences. Garlepp was a late withdrawal with food poisoning, while Hill had torn the lateral meniscus in his right knee during practice before the game. Knight (0 points and 1 rebound) played 2 minutes and 48 seconds in what became the final game of his NBL career as Childress (30 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Brandt (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Cadee (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Sydney, while Jermaine Beal (25 points) and Jesse Wagstaff (18 points and 8 rebounds) helped Perth win 95-81. Sydney elected not to activate Knight again for its following game against Perth, instead using development players to fill the depleted roster.

Cadee (14 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 28 games) and Garlepp (13.9 points and 4.2 rebounds across 27 games) carried increased responsibility throughout Sydney’s injury-hit season, while Thornton (12.8 points across 28 games), Brandt (8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 28 games) and Carter (5.6 points across 28 games) provided the other major contributions. Garlepp was named the Kings’ Most Valuable Player.

Knight returned permanently to his assistant-coaching role as Sydney finished its season in Townsville on February 13, where Cadee (32 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Childress (31 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks) led the Kings, while Omar Samhan (25 points and 13 rebounds) and Clint Steindl (25 points) helped Townsville win 126-123 in overtime, leaving Sydney last with a 6-22 record.

Ben Knight played sixteen seasons across nine NBL teams. This included the Sydney Kings and the South East Melbourne Magic, Singapore Slingers, Melbourne Tigers, Wollongong Hawks, Townsville Crocodiles, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans, Perth Wildcats. He averaged 11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 403 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 30th in total rebounds