NICKNAME/S: The Kite

BIO: Calvin Talford was born in Virginia (USA).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Calvin Talford made his NBL debut with the Hobart Devils at 25 years of age. He scored 50 points in his first game.

The 1994 season saw the Hobart Tassie Devils searching for a spark after years of struggle in the NBL. Having never made the finals in their 11-year history, the franchise was desperate for a turnaround. With the additions of imports Calvin Talford and Lamont Middleton, along with local players Darren Perry, Darren Smith, and Marco Van Buuren, head coach Bill Tomlinson hoped to rejuvenate the squad. However, the team also saw a major exodus of talent, with Andrew Svaldenis, David Close, Neil Turner, Justin Cass, Wayne McDaniel, Donald Whiteside, and Jim Havrilla all departing.

The season began with an opening night matchup against the Brisbane Bullets, where Hobart fell short (103-116). Despite the loss, the game remains one of the most memorable debuts in NBL history, as Talford put on an offensive clinic. The high-flying swingman played all 48 minutes and erupted for 50 points on an astonishingly efficient 15-of-19 shooting from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also made 15-of-19 free throws, grabbed 8 rebounds, dished 3 assists, and recorded 2 steals.

Talford’s dominant debut ranks as the highest-scoring first game by any player in NBL history, cementing him as an instant fan favorite. Despite his offensive explosion, the Devils were outmatched by a Bullets team that would later qualify for the finals. While Talford’s performance dazzled the Brisbane crowd, Hobart struggled to compete against the league’s elite.

Throughout the season, Talford continued to be a bright spot for the Devils, averaging 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while providing highlight-reel dunks and jaw-dropping athleticism. However, the team failed to turn his individual brilliance into wins, finishing the season with just two victories (2-24)—one of the worst records in NBL history.

Alongside Talford, Keith Nelson (21.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.5 steals, and 2.9 blocks) was another key contributor, leading the league in blocks. Middleton (20.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists) played well in limited games, while Anthony Stewart (18.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists) provided additional offensive support. Darren Perry (9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) and Marco Van Buuren (4.7 points, 3.8 rebounds) rounded out the rotation.

Despite his team’s struggles, Talford’s electrifying style of play earned him a handful of MVP votes, a rare feat for a player on a last-place team. He also showcased his incredible leaping ability in the NBL Dunk Contest during the All-Star game, finishing as runner-up to Brett Rainbow.

Unfortunately for Hobart, Talford’s time in the NBL was short-lived, as 1994 would be his only season in the league. While the Devils failed to make an impact in the standings, Talford’s 50-point debut remains an iconic moment in NBL history. His combination of scoring efficiency, explosive athleticism, and showmanship made him one of the most exciting one-and-done imports the league has ever seen.

Calvin Talford played one season in the NBL. He averaged 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 26 NBL games.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (833 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.