BIO: Casey Calvary was born in Wurzburg, Germany but raised in the Washington, USA. There, he attended Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, Washington, before going on to play collegiate basketball at Gonzaga University.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Casey Calvary made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 25 years of age. He scored 22 points in his first game.

After struggling through a turbulent 2003/04 season that saw frequent import changes and roster instability, the Townsville Crocodiles significantly reshaped their lineup heading into the 2004/05 NBL campaign. Head coach Ian Stacker moved decisively, parting ways with veterans Andrew Goodwin (retired), Peter Crawford (to Perth), and Mike Kelly (to Wollongong). The club revitalised its core by recruiting American imports Casey Calvary and Robert Brown, alongside Boomers sharpshooter John Rillie (via West Sydney), experienced centre Derek Moore (via Adelaide), and highly-touted rookie Brad Newley.

Casey Calvary immediately justified his acquisition, providing the Crocodiles with a versatile and imposing presence in the frontcourt. Calvary averaged (17.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 blocks), emerging as a cornerstone on both ends of the floor. His standout athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and consistent scoring became integral to Townsville’s improved competitiveness. Among his top performances was a dominant game against Sydney on 7 January, where he poured in (29 points on 13-of-21 shooting, along with 7 steals and 6 rebounds) in a crucial 123–116 win. He also shined against Melbourne early in the season on 15 October, leading the Crocs with (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals) despite a narrow 108–101 loss. Calvary delivered another standout performance on New Year’s Eve against New Zealand, recording a powerful double-double of (25 points and 12 rebounds) in a 114–103 victory.

With Calvary anchoring the interior alongside Brown (16.9 points and 6.5 rebounds), the Crocs established one of the league’s most balanced starting lineups, further complemented by Rillie’s perimeter threat (18.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists), rookie sensation Newley (16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds), and veteran leader Robert Rose (12.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists). The team also benefited from the consistent backcourt play of Kelvin Robertson (10.9 points, 3.1 assists). Townsville’s depth and cohesive play saw them improve dramatically, finishing third on the regular-season ladder with a 19–13 record.

In January, the Crocodiles hosted the 2004/05 NBL All-Star Game at the Townsville Entertainment Centre, where Calvary represented the World All-Stars alongside teammate Robert Brown. While Brown impressed by winning the Dunk Contest and scoring 31 points in the main event, Calvary added solid minutes, contributing to an entertaining matchup that saw teammate Brad Newley (35 points) named MVP.

Entering the postseason, Townsville hosted the Melbourne Tigers in the Elimination Final, securing a 112–100 victory. Calvary was instrumental in this win, delivering a strong inside presence with (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks). His aggressive play in the paint, combined with timely defense, helped control the Tigers’ potent frontcourt and propel Townsville into the semi-finals.

The semi-final series against Illawarra presented a tougher challenge. In Game 1, Townsville struggled offensively, losing 100–84 despite Calvary’s defensive effort (7 points, 7 rebounds, and an impressive 5 blocks). Returning home for Game 2, Calvary fought relentlessly, scoring (20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds), but the Crocs fell narrowly 109–105, ending their postseason run. Despite the disappointing conclusion, Calvary’s playoff performances underscored his immense value to the Crocodiles’ turnaround.

Calvary’s arrival in 2004/05 significantly contributed to Townsville’s resurgence from league strugglers to genuine playoff contenders. His elite defense, scoring consistency, and rebounding prowess provided a foundation upon which the Crocodiles built their successful campaign. His standout individual performances and key role in reshaping the team’s identity reinforced his importance as a premier import signing, greatly influencing Townsville’s improved status in the NBL.

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

Townsville launched their campaign with a dominant 111–97 victory over West Sydney, showcasing a powerful frontcourt performance led by Casey Calvary. The athletic big man scored 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, added 9 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots, setting the tone for what would be another strong season statistically. Brad Newley and Larry Abney each added 24 points, but it was Calvary’s efficiency and two-way presence that underpinned the Crocs’ dominance inside.

Despite a 4–1 start, with wins over Adelaide (108–100), Perth (124–108), and New Zealand (122–113), the Crocodiles’ early momentum quickly unravelled. A string of losses, including heavy defeats to Sydney (94–128) and Brisbane (107–116), derailed their season. Calvary remained consistent, registering 16 points and 8 rebounds in the Kings loss and continuing to serve as a stabilising force as the team tumbled to 4–4 by Round 5.

As the team’s slide continued, Calvary’s contributions remained one of the few constants. In Round 11, he contributed 20 points in a much-needed 115–99 win over Cairns. The Crocodiles then edged the Brisbane Bullets 119–115 in Round 13, with Calvary continuing to work in tandem with Abney and Newley to keep Townsville competitive.

The season featured several standout efforts from Calvary. Against the Sydney Kings on October 3, he finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds despite the blowout loss. His 5 blocks across the opening rounds helped anchor the interior defence, and he recorded double-figure scoring in all but a handful of games across his 30 appearances.

Statistically, Casey Calvary (17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.4 blocks) delivered another reliable campaign as the Crocs’ most consistent interior performer. His combination of strength and agility made him a tough matchup, and he was a regular feature in opposing teams’ scouting reports.

Though Townsville managed to briefly snap their losing streak with wins over the Spirit (122–100) and Adelaide (101–93), they failed to string wins together. In the final victory of the season, Calvary was again central, scoring 14 points and pulling down 9 boards as the Crocs held off the 36ers. Losses followed to Perth, Hunter, and Cairns, and the Crocodiles closed the year with a 9–23 record, missing the playoffs.

Veteran John Rillie (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 steals) remained a strong contributor, and Brad Newley (19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.9 blocks) continued his rise, earning All-NBL Second Team honours and selection to the All-Star Game. Larry Abney (20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds) led the team in scoring and rebounding, forming a potent frontcourt with Calvary.

Robert Rose (8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) played his final NBL season, while Kelvin Robertson (7.8 points, 2.0 assists), Damon Lowery (5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds), Greg Vanderjagt (6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds), and youngsters Cameron Tragardh and Michael Cedar rounded out the rotation.

Following the team’s failure to reach the postseason, head coach Ian Stacker’s contract was not renewed. The Crocodiles again missed the playoffs, with Calvary’s steady production one of the few highlights in a frustrating campaign.

Casey Calvary played two seasons the Townsville Crocodiles. He averaged 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 63 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 40th in blocks per game.

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.