Cut to the Jase – Casey Prather interview (29 October 2025), with Jason Cadee, discussing Brisbane, his recovery and his NBL career.

NBL Now – Casey Prather talks Bullets, Breakers and possible NBL return (30 September 2026), discussing his recovery, training in Japan and future NBL opportunities.

BIO: Prather was born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, under the stern watch of his mother Enova and sister Brittany, with his parents having split before he was born. Growing up, family and basketball kept him away from the growing criminal element in his community. At the age of 12, his stepfather, Jeffery, noticed Prather’s athleticism and began teaching him the skills required to pursue playing professionally.

He attended Jackson’s North Side High School, where he averaged 28 points per game as a sophomore, and 24.4 points and 14 rebounds as a junior. During his junior season, he had a 53-point, 24-rebound performance in a district game against Fayette Ware High School. Following his junior year, he was ranked the 25th best prospect by Scout.com, and the 10th best small forward. On November 17, 2009, he signed a National Letter of Intent to play college basketball for the University of Florida.

As a senior in 2009/10, Prather was a finalist for Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball after averaging 29 points, 13 rebounds, five blocks, five steals and three assists per game. He finished his four-year career at North Side with over 2,000 points. He was selected to the All-District team and was named team MVP all four seasons at North Side, and was selected to the district’s All-Tournament team his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He was also named All-West Player of the Year in 2008/09 and 2009/10.

During his time at North Side, Prather was member of the Nashville Celtics AAU team that captured the 2010 River City Showdown Championship.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Casey Prather made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 24 years of age. He scored nine points in his first game.

After finishing fourth with a 16-12 record and being swept by Cairns in the semifinals the previous season, Perth entered 2015/16 looking to rebound from an injury-riddled campaign where coach Trevor Gleeson felt the Wildcats had also struggled with chemistry. DeAndre Daniels (not re-signed), Drake U’U (opted out) and Earnest Ross (released after an Achilles injury) departed, while Gleeson added Casey Prather (via Bakersfield), Nathan Jawai (via Andorra) and Hugh Greenwood (via New Mexico). Greenwood requested a release before the season (to Adelaide Crows) to pursue an AFL career, with Jarrod Kenny (via Hawke’s Bay) signed on September 1 as his replacement. Jawai’s arrival allowed Matthew Knight to move to his natural position of power forward, while Shawn Redhage moved into a bench role.

Prather signed a one-year deal with Perth on July 25 after former Florida teammate Scottie Wilbekin encouraged him to make the move to Australia.

Perth opened the season in Adelaide on October 10, where Prather (9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) made his NBL debut as the Wildcats defeated the 36ers 79-66. Beal (18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Perth, Jawai (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support, while Daniel Johnson (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s best.

Prather (16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 27 games) immediately became Perth’s leading scorer, appearing in 21 regular-season games and all six playoff games while starting 25 of his 27 appearances. His first injury came after an awkward landing at training on October 19 left him with significant swelling around his left knee, forcing him to miss Perth’s next three games against Townsville, Illawarra and Melbourne. He returned against Illawarra on October 31 and continued managing soreness in the knee, saying, “Once the adrenaline goes you really don’t feel any injuries or anything that’s going on.”

One of Prather’s first dominant performances came against Cairns at Perth Arena on November 22, where Prather (26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) produced a then season-high scoring performance and made the game-winning free throw with 1.5 seconds remaining as Perth escaped with a 91-90 victory. Jawai (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and Beal (13 points and 6 assists) provided support, while Markel Starks (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Cairns.

Prather continued to manage knee and ankle soreness through December before missing Perth’s December 19 meeting with Townsville because of ankle soreness, accounting for his fourth absence of the season.

Prather (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) produced another of his best performances against Melbourne on December 27, with Knight (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Jawai (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) providing support, but Chris Goulding (27 points) led United to a 92-87 victory. The loss pushed Perth into third place for the only time during the season.

Prather’s best game of the season came against Sydney at Perth Arena on January 15, where he made nine of 14 field goals, two of four three-pointers and committed no turnovers to finish with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal as Perth defeated the Kings 95-68 and snapped a three-game losing streak. Beal (19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Redhage (12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) provided support, while Tom Garlepp (30 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Right hamstring tightness then forced Prather to miss Perth’s January 25 game against Cairns. He returned against Melbourne four days later but pulled up sore and sat out both Sydney games on February 5 and February 10, meaning he missed three of Perth’s four games during that stretch before returning for the regular-season finale. Perth made no contracted mid-season addition or release after the regular season began.

Beal (15.6 points and 3.6 assists across 33 games) finished as Perth’s second-leading scorer and his season included a club-record ten three-pointers in a single game, while Knight (11.6 points and 7.9 rebounds across 33 games) earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Jawai (10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 32 games) gave Perth an imposing interior presence, with Wagstaff (9.3 points and 4 rebounds across 34 games), Jervis (6.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 34 games) and Redhage (6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds across 34 games) providing experienced depth. Redhage averaged under 10 points for the first time in his NBL career but played his 350th NBL game in January. Captain Martin (5.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals across 24 games) missed the opening four games with a calf injury before an accidental clash with Townsville’s Brian Conklin broke his jaw and dislodged several teeth, but returned only 23 days after surgery. Prather was named the Wildcats’ Most Valuable Player.

Perth completed the regular season against Adelaide at Perth Arena on February 14, where Prather (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) returned from his hamstring problems as the Wildcats defeated the 36ers 100-84. Beal (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Jervis (14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Mitch Creek (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide. The victory left Perth second with an 18-10 record and extended the club’s run of consecutive postseason appearances to 30.

Perth opened its semifinal series against the Rob Beveridge-led Illawarra Hawks at Perth Arena, where Prather (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Wildcats in scoring as Perth won 80-68. Beal (18 points) and Jervis (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Martin (9 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals) controlled the defensive end. Tim Coenraad (23 points), Kirk Penney (17 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and AJ Ogilvy (14 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Illawarra.

Game two moved to Wollongong, where Prather (21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals), Beal (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Knight (15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Perth, but Oscar Forman (21 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Ogilvy (20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) and Penney (18 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) powered Illawarra to a 104-87 victory and forced a deciding game.

Game three returned to Perth Arena, where Prather (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) produced one of the highlights of the season with a thunderous one-handed slam over Ogilvy early in the fourth quarter. Beal (17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Wagstaff (17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Perth in scoring, while Penney (18 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Ogilvy (9 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) were Illawarra’s best. Perth won 89-74 to take the series 2-1 and advance to the Grand Final.

Reigning champion New Zealand had finished the regular season with a 16-12 record before sweeping top-seeded Melbourne to set up another championship series against Perth.

The Grand Final opened at Perth Arena, where Prather (11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) contributed at both ends before suffering a late leg injury and continuing through the final minutes. Jawai (15 points, 1 steal, and 1 block), Knight (14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Martin (9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led the Wildcats, while Corey Webster (19 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Cedric Jackson (14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led New Zealand. Perth won 82-76 to take a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Auckland, where Prather (7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) was held in check as Beal (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Wagstaff (13 points) led Perth. Cedric Jackson (13 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) produced a near triple-double and Thomas Abercrombie (12 points and 5 rebounds) provided support before Beal committed a costly late turnover as New Zealand won 72-68 and levelled the series.

The deciding game returned to Perth Arena in front of 13,090 fans, where Prather (19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the Wildcats in scoring, with Beal (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Martin (10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) providing support. Abercrombie (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals) was New Zealand’s leading scorer, while Martin held Cedric Jackson (0 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) scoreless and was named Grand Final MVP as Perth won 75-52 to claim its seventh NBL championship.

Following the championship, Prather pursued his NBA dreams, participating with the Dallas Mavericks at the 2016 Orlando Summer League before re-signing with the Wildcats.

2016/17
After defeating New Zealand 2-1 in the 2016 Grand Final to claim its seventh championship, Perth entered the season attempting to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 1991. Nathan Jawai (to Cairns), Tom Jervis (to Brisbane) and Jermaine Beal (to Brisbane) departed, while Trevor Gleeson added Angus Brandt (via Sydney), Jameel McKay (via Iowa State) and Jaron Johnson (via Rio Grande Valley), with Dexter Kernich-Drew elevated from the training squad. The Wildcats also retained their reigning club MVP after he spent the off-season with Dallas at the NBA Summer League. Matthew Knight re-signed on a two-year deal after undergoing left shoulder stabilisation surgery, but a right shoulder subluxation during the preseason ruled him out for the opening weeks and led Perth to add Lucas Walker (via Adelaide) as an injury replacement.

Perth opened the season in Brisbane on October 6, where Prather (9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) struggled from the field as the Wildcats lost 72-65. McKay (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Perth and Wagstaff (7 points and 6 rebounds) provided support, while Torrey Craig (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Brisbane.

Prather (19.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.6 steals across 32 games) started every game he played, appearing in 27 of Perth’s 28 regular-season games and all five playoff games. He missed only one of the Wildcats’ 33 games and was not sidelined by a long-term injury, with his lone absence coming in Cairns on January 16 when he was withdrawn after “pulling up sore” following warm-ups just minutes before tip-off.

Perth responded to its opening loss by improving to 4-1, but injuries and a constantly changing import combination soon disrupted the defending champions. Captain Damian Martin fractured his jaw before suffering a grade three MCL tear in November, while Jarrod Kenny also missed time with a groin injury. Johnson (13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds across 14 games) was deactivated after only three games as Perth looked for a better fit and more perimeter shooting, with three-point specialist Andre Ingram (8.5 points across 2 games) (via Los Angeles D-Fenders) brought in as his replacement. Ingram left after only two games and returned to the United States due to mental health issues, and with Perth’s guard stocks depleted, Johnson was brought back onto the roster only ten days after initially being released.

Prather’s best game came against Melbourne at Perth Arena on December 9, where Prather (39 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists) made 12-of-20 shots, three three-pointers and all 12 free throws to record a career-high scoring performance. Johnson (11 points and 4 rebounds) and Knight (9 points and 7 rebounds) provided support, while Casper Ware (38 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne as Perth won 92-89 and snapped a four-game losing streak.

The win did not immediately turn Perth’s season around and the Wildcats fell to last place with a 7-9 record. Johnson was released for a second time on December 23 as Perth attempted to improve its team balance, leaving Prather carrying much of the offensive load. Former NBA guard Bryce Cotton (23.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across 16 games) (via Anadolu Efes) was signed as Johnson’s replacement and joined the Wildcats in early January, giving Perth another elite scorer and ball-handler alongside Prather. Veteran Shawn Redhage (2.7 points across 33 games) also announced he would retire at the end of the season. Following Johnson’s second release Perth won eight of its final 12 regular-season games, with Cotton appearing in the final 11 and the Wildcats going 7-4 with him before winning all five playoff games for a 12-4 record across his 16 appearances.

With its finals streak on the line, Perth hosted Sydney on February 10, where Prather (29 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) returned to his early-season form and Cotton (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) gave Perth another major scoring option. Redhage (11 points) also reached double figures, while Brad Newley (19 points) led Sydney as the Wildcats won 101-74 and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Perth then travelled to Melbourne for its final regular-season game two days later needing another victory to guarantee a 31st consecutive playoff appearance. Prather (26 points and a career-high 11 assists) produced another huge performance, with Cotton (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Knight (15 points and 10 rebounds) providing support. Josh Boone (27 points and 11 rebounds) and Ware (27 points and 6 assists) led Melbourne, but Perth won 96-94 to complete a 15-13 season and finish third.

Prather finished second in NBL MVP voting with 107 votes behind Adelaide’s Jerome Randle with 147 and was selected to the All-NBL First Team. He also won Perth’s Gordon Ellis Medal as club MVP for the second consecutive season, becoming the only Wildcat to win the award in more than one championship season. Knight (11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across 22 games), Wagstaff (9 points across 33 games), McKay (7.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 33 games) and Brandt (6 points across 33 games) provided Perth’s other major contributions, while Martin (4.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals across 22 games) remained the team’s defensive leader.

Perth opened its semifinal series in Cairns, where Prather (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Cotton (34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) controlled the game as the Wildcats defeated the Taipans 91-69. Knight (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support, while Travis Trice (15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns.

Game two moved to Perth Arena, where Prather (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Wildcats and Wagstaff (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) delivered a major performance from the bench. Knight (12 points) also reached double figures, while Trice (22 points and 5 assists) and Tony Mitchell (17 points and 5 rebounds) led Cairns as Perth won 74-66 and completed the semifinal sweep.

The Grand Final opened at Perth Arena against Illawarra, where Prather (22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led a balanced Wildcats attack. Cotton (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Knight (18 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) provided support, while Cody Ellis (12 points and 4 rebounds) was Illawarra’s leading scorer as Perth won 89-77 and took a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Wollongong, where Prather (18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Cotton (20 points and 3 steals) again led the Wildcats, while Brandt (15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) produced a double-double. Damian Martin (12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) made four three-pointers as Perth recovered from a five-point halftime deficit to win 89-77, while AJ Ogilvy (21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) and Rotnei Clarke (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Illawarra. Knight (4 points and 3 rebounds) suffered a concussion during the third quarter and was ruled out of game three.

With Knight sidelined, Redhage (3 points) started in his final NBL game as Perth attempted to complete the sweep at Perth Arena. Prather (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support as Cotton (45 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) made seven three-pointers and produced the highest-scoring Grand Final game in NBL history, while Wagstaff (10 points and 3 assists) also reached double figures. Clarke (30 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Illawarra, but Perth won 95-86 to complete a 5-0 postseason. Cotton was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 27.7 points across the series, while Prather collected his second championship in his first two NBL seasons and Perth claimed its eighth title and first back-to-back championships since 1991.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2017/18
After finishing sixth with a 13–15 record and missing the playoffs, Melbourne replaced Dean Demopoulos with former Sydney assistant Dean Vickerman on a two-year deal. Todd Blanchfield (to Sydney), Ramone Moore (to Adelaide) and Nate Tomlinson (retired) departed, while David Barlow, Josh Boone and Casper Ware re-signed. Vickerman also added Craig Moller (via Sydney) and Daniel Dillon (via Hiroshima), although Dillon ruptured his Achilles while playing for Kilsyth and was ruled out for six-to-eight months, leading Melbourne to add Peter Hooley (via Ballarat) in his place.

Following back-to-back championships with Perth, the two-time Wildcats MVP played for Cleveland during NBA Summer League and declined a return offer from Perth believing an NBA opportunity was close. When an NBA contract did not materialise and Perth had filled its roster with JP Tokoto, he briefly looked to Europe before signing with Melbourne (via Perth) on August 16.

“I’m very excited. It’s a new chapter in my career,” he said after signing.

Melbourne opened the season in Adelaide on October 5, where Prather (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) led United to a 99–97 win with captain Chris Goulding unavailable with suspected appendicitis. Ware (23 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Boone (10 points and 10 rebounds) provided support, while Nathan Sobey (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Adelaide.

Prather (15.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 23 games) immediately became one of Melbourne’s primary offensive options and started each of his first 14 appearances before injuries interrupted his season.

Three days after the season opener, Melbourne nearly produced an NBLxNBA upset against Oklahoma City, where Prather (11 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) helped United push the Thunder to an 86–85 loss, with Ware (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) leading Melbourne while Paul George (22 points and 7 rebounds) led Oklahoma City.

Prather had his first injury scare against Adelaide on October 14, leaving during the second quarter with a knee injury after producing 2 points, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks as Melbourne won 99–79. Kyle Adnam (23 points) produced a career-best performance for United, while Mitch Creek (20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) led Adelaide. Prather was cleared of significant damage and returned for Melbourne’s next game.

Prather’s best regular-season scoring performance came against Brisbane on October 28, where he finished with 30 points and 6 rebounds as United erased most of a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit before losing 87–85 on the Gold Coast. Goulding (13 points) narrowly missed a desperation shot from beyond half-court at the buzzer, while Stephen Holt (17 points) led Brisbane. The defeat was Melbourne’s third consecutive loss, and United would win only five of its first ten games.

On December 16, Prather (4 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) fell on his outstretched left arm during the second quarter against Illawarra and dislocated his elbow. Melbourne still won 84–78 behind Wesley (19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Boone (18 points and 10 rebounds), while Demitrius Conger (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Hawks. Prather was ruled out for at least eight weeks and missed Melbourne’s next 12 games.

Development player Felix Von Hofe was initially elevated before Melbourne signed Carrick Felix (via Long Island Nets) as Prather’s injury replacement. Felix (8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds across 10 games) helped United go 9–1 during his ten appearances as Melbourne climbed to the top of the ladder.

After two months out, Prather returned against Perth on February 16 and came off the bench for 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block as Melbourne defeated the Wildcats 97–85. Goulding (19 points) and Ware (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) also contributed, while Angus Brandt (24 points and 6 rebounds) and Bryce Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth. Prather’s return forced Felix from Melbourne’s active roster.

Ware (16.6 points and 4.3 assists across 35 games), Goulding (14.7 points across 33 games), Boone (12.9 points and 8.9 rebounds across 35 games) and Wesley (11.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 35 games) formed Melbourne’s other major contributors as United recovered from its 5–5 start to finish first with a 20–8 record. Ware and Boone were named to the All-NBL First Team, Wesley earned All-NBL Second Team honours and Vickerman was named Coach of the Year.

Melbourne opened the semifinals against New Zealand with an 88–77 win at Hisense Arena, where Prather (15 points and 5 rebounds) provided scoring off the bench while Ware (33 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Wesley (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led United. DJ Newbill (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Shea Ili (16 points and 5 assists) led the Breakers.

Game two moved to Auckland, where Melbourne completed the sweep with an 88–86 overtime win behind Boone (33 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), whose putback at the buzzer ended the series. Prather (12 points and 11 rebounds), Ware (15 points and 6 assists) and Goulding (14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) also contributed, while Newbill (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Kirk Penney (17 points and 3 rebounds) led New Zealand.

Adelaide swept reigning champion Perth in the other semifinal to set up the Grand Final.

Melbourne opened the Grand Final with a 107–96 win at Hisense Arena, where Prather (13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) contributed alongside Goulding (26 points and 4 rebounds) and Ware (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists). Ware was forced from the floor with a hip injury during the first quarter but returned after halftime, while Daniel Johnson (18 points and 5 rebounds) and Shannon Shorter (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals) led Adelaide. Following game one, 36ers coach Joey Wright was fined $5,000 for comments questioning the officiating.

Adelaide levelled the series with a 110–95 win in game two, despite Prather (20 points and 7 rebounds) leading Melbourne alongside Goulding (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals). Majok Deng (18 points and 6 rebounds), Creek (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Moore (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Adelaide, while Josh Childress (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block) suffered a broken scapula during the fourth quarter and missed the remainder of the series.

The series returned to Melbourne for game three, where tensions exploded at halftime after Prather hit a three-pointer and became involved in a clash with Sobey (9 points and 4 assists), who was ejected from the game. United held on for a 101–98 win behind Ware (25 points and 3 assists), Prather (23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Goulding (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals), while Johnson (20 points and 3 assists), Moore (18 points and 2 steals) and Deng (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Adelaide, with Deng missing a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds. Prather later accepted a $1,000 fine after being charged with headbutting Sobey during the halftime melee.

Adelaide forced a deciding game five after building a 55–31 halftime lead and winning game four 90–81. Prather (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) again led Melbourne, with Goulding (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) providing support, while Johnson (21 points and 9 rebounds), Sobey (16 points and 4 rebounds) and Shorter (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Adelaide.

Prather’s best game for the season came in the deciding game five at Hisense Arena, where Prather (19 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block), Ware (23 points), Goulding (23 points and 4 rebounds), Wesley (14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Boone (10 points and 12 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 100–82 win in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,300. Shorter (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Johnson (17 points and 8 rebounds) and Creek (15 points and 10 rebounds) led Adelaide as United won the series 3–2 and secured its first championship since rebranding from the Melbourne Tigers. Goulding was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 19.6 points and 3.6 rebounds across the series, while Prather collected his third consecutive NBL championship, becoming the first player in league history to win championships in each of his first three seasons.

2019/20
After finishing second with an 18-10 record and losing the 2019 Grand Final series to Perth 3-1, Melbourne United reshaped its roster. Casper Ware (to Sydney), Josh Boone (to Illawarra), Daniel Trist (to South East Melbourne) and Craig Moller (to Sydney) departed, while coach Dean Vickerman added Shea Ili (via New Zealand), Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via Hapoel Galil Elyon), development player Jack Purchase (via Melbourne Tigers) and import duo Melo Trimble (via Cairns) and Shawn Long (via New Zealand). Chris Goulding, Mitch McCarron, David Barlow, Alex Pledger and Tohi Smith-Milner returned. On July 17, Casey Prather (via Patras) returned to United on a two-year deal for his second stint with the club.

“A Championship is the main goal,” he said. The second season of the agreement would later be mutually terminated on August 20, 2020.

A small setback with his knee shortly before round one required minor surgery and initially ruled him out for two-to-three weeks. He missed Melbourne’s first seven NBL games and did not travel for the NBLxNBA games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings, with Dillon Stith (via McKinnon Cougars) signed as an injury replacement. Prather (9.3 points and 3.2 rebounds across 6 games) eventually returned but remained limited throughout the season, with his scoring well below his previous NBL output. After playing his first two games back, another knee clean-out interrupted his return and he missed Melbourne’s next two games before returning at the end of November.

Prather (7 points and 3 rebounds) made his season debut off the bench against New Zealand on November 7, playing 15 minutes as Melbourne defeated the Breakers 104-101. Goulding (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Long (22 points and 8 rebounds) led United, while Glen Rice Jr (26 points) was New Zealand’s leading scorer.

Melbourne recovered from losing four of its opening five games to win six consecutive games and sit third at 7-4 by late November, while leading the NBL in scoring at 99.7 points per game.

Prather’s best game came against Adelaide on December 7, where he made 7-of-8 from the field and both of his three-point attempts to finish with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals as Melbourne defeated the 36ers 112-90. Long (34 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Trimble (20 points and 6 rebounds) led United, while Eric Griffin (34 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) was Adelaide’s best as Melbourne improved to 8-6.

One week later against Sydney, Prather (10 points and 3 rebounds) suffered a right hamstring tear during the fourth quarter of a 104-81 loss at Melbourne Arena. Trimble (19 points and 5 assists) and Long (18 points and 3 rebounds) led United, while Casper Ware (28 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Sydney. Scans revealed a medium-grade hamstring tear and Prather did not play again, with Stanton Kidd (via Utah Jazz) signed as his injury replacement.

Despite losing Prather, Melbourne recovered to finish fourth with a 15-13 record. Trimble (19.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) led United in scoring, alongside Long (18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds) and captain Goulding (17 points). McCarron (8.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists), Kidd (8.9 points and 3.7 rebounds), Barlow (7.2 points and 3.9 rebounds), Ili (6.4 points) and Lual-Acuil Jr (5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds) formed the remainder of Melbourne’s main rotation.

With Prather sidelined, Melbourne opened its semifinal series against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena, where Trimble (34 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Long (23 points and 10 rebounds) helped United build a 16-point fourth-quarter lead. Sydney finished the game on a 24-2 run behind Jae’Sean Tate (23 points and 5 rebounds), Brad Newley (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Xavier Cooks (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) to win 86-80.

Game two moved to Melbourne Arena, where Long (26 points and 11 rebounds), Trimble (21 points and 2 steals), Kidd (18 points and 4 rebounds) and Lual-Acuil Jr (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Melbourne to a 125-80 victory. Tate (18 points and 6 rebounds) and Didi Louzada (10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Sydney as United outscored the Kings 32-7 in the second quarter and produced a 38-0 run, with the 45-point victory the largest winning margin in an NBL game since the league moved to 40-minute games.

The series returned to Qudos Bank Arena for game three, where Goulding (19 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals), McCarron (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Trimble (17 points and 2 steals) and Long (17 points and 9 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Tate (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists), Ware (15 points and 4 rebounds) and Cooks (14 points and 9 rebounds) led Sydney to an 89-87 win.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2023/24
Brisbane began Justin Schueller’s first season as head coach attempting to recover from an 8–20 campaign in which three coaches had taken charge. Jason Cadee (to Adelaide) and Tyler Johnson departed, while Isaac White and Sam McDaniel (both via Tasmania), Mitch Norton (via Perth), Josh Bannan (via Montana), Shannon Scott (via Cairns), Chris Smith (via Chiba Jets) and Next Star Rocco Zikarsky (via the Centre of Excellence) joined the returning group led by Nathan Sobey, Aron Baynes and Tyrell Harrison.

Brisbane was seventh with a 7–9 record when DJ Mitchell was ruled out for the remainder of the season in December due to a hip injury requiring surgery. Matt Johns was initially elevated to replace Mitchell before the Bullets signed Prather (via Hapoel Eilat) on December 21 as an import injury replacement for the remainder of NBL24, with a mutual option for the following season. Prather was the only prospective import Brisbane pursued after learning the severity of Mitchell’s injury and reunited with Schueller, who had been an assistant coach during Melbourne’s 2017/18 championship season.

The three-time NBL champion had not played professionally since June 2021 after consecutive season-ending knee injuries prevented him from playing during the previous two seasons. He returned to Australia after being named Israeli league MVP during his last completed campaign with Hapoel Eilat.

“Casey is a winner, a competitor and great culture fit, everything we want our program to be about,” Schueller said.

Prather (8 points and 2 rebounds) made his Brisbane debut against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on January 7, hitting a three-pointer soon after entering and playing 10:40 off the bench in his first professional appearance for two-and-a-half years. Sobey (27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Bannan (13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Bullets, while Adams (21 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) was Sydney’s best as Brisbane won 101–93, collected its first victory in Sydney since December 2017 and moved into sixth place with a 9–11 record.

Prather (6.7 points and 3 rebounds across 7 games) made six appearances from the bench and one start as Brisbane gradually rebuilt his conditioning following the extended layoff. He made seven of 17 three-pointers during his limited return and scored a season-high nine points on three occasions.

His best all-round game came in his only start against Melbourne at Nissan Arena on January 26, where Prather (9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) played a season-high 23:20. Sobey (19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and McDaniel (12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Brisbane, but Lual-Acuil Jr. (33 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 steals) dominated inside as United won 93–77.

Sobey (20.1 points and 4.4 rebounds across 27 games) led Brisbane in scoring, assists and steals for the second consecutive season, receiving All-NBL Second Team honours and the Leroy Loggins Trophy as club MVP. Bannan (11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds across 19 games) was named Youth Player of the Year, while Smith (11 points across 27 games), Harrison (9.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 27 games) and McDaniel (9 points and 4 rebounds across 28 games) remained important contributors. McDaniel received the Defensive Player of the Year award and Norton (7.1 points across 28 games) was voted Players’ Player.

Brisbane entered its last game needing a win to guarantee a play-in position, but New Zealand defeated the Bullets 103–87 at Spark Arena on February 16. Bannan (29 points and 4 rebounds) and Sobey (16 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) led Brisbane, while Jackson-Cartwright (27 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) controlled the game for the Breakers as the Bullets finished seventh with a 13–15 record and missed the postseason on percentage. Prather (2 points and 5 rebounds) played 11:11 off the bench in the loss.

2024/25
After finishing seventh with a 13–15 record and missing the NBL24 play-in tournament on percentage, Brisbane reshaped its roster for Justin Schueller’s second season as head coach. Long-time captain Nathan Sobey (to South East Melbourne), Chris Smith (to Japan), Shannon Scott (to Taiwan) and DJ Mitchell (to England) departed, while Aron Baynes (retired) also exited. Mitch Norton was elevated to captain as Isaac White, Tyrell Harrison, Josh Bannan, Sam McDaniel, Rocco Zikarsky and Casey Prather returned, with James Batemon, Keandre Cook, Deng Adel and Tohi Smith-Milner (via Adelaide) joining the group. Kye Savage, Tristan Devers and Josh Kunen filled the development positions.

The three-time NBL champion had joined Brisbane as an injury replacement late in NBL24 after knee problems kept him out for two seasons, and the Bullets exercised the option on his contract on April 10 to retain him for NBL25. The decision gave him a full season to rebuild his game after appearing seven times during his initial return.

Brisbane opened its season against New Zealand at HoopsFest in Perth on September 21, where Prather (11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played 18:44 minutes off the bench. The Breakers led by 26 points late in the third quarter before Brisbane charged back, with Cook (25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Smith-Milner (10 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) helping reduce the margin, but Parker Jackson-Cartwright (20 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal) controlled New Zealand’s offence in a 91–87 Bullets loss at HBF Stadium.

Prather (21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 blocks across 27 games) returned to the form which had made him one of the NBL’s best imports, finishing third in league scoring while shooting 47.3 per cent from the field and 39.9 per cent from three-point range. His scoring, rebounding, three-point percentage and 31.3 minutes per game were all NBL career highs. After failing to score more than 17 points in his first seven appearances, he scored at least 27 points in seven of his next eight games.

Prather’s best scoring game came in Adelaide on December 24, where he made seven three-pointers and finished with 36 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks as Brisbane defeated the 36ers 111–90. Cook (24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and White (22 points and 4 rebounds) helped the Bullets move into fourth place, while Kendric Davis (32 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide. It was Prather’s highest NBL total since his 39-point performance in December 2016 and lifted his scoring average across the previous seven games to 29.4 points.

Prather (31 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) produced his best all-round performance against New Zealand on January 8, committing no turnovers as Brisbane defeated the Breakers 83–74. Harrison (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and White (13 points) provided support, while Matt Mooney (21 points and 3 rebounds) was New Zealand’s only double-digit scorer as the Bullets snapped a three-game losing streak, improved to 10–11 and kept their postseason hopes alive.

One week later, Prather (32 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) again carried Brisbane’s offence against Perth, with Bannan (20 points and 11 rebounds) and Adams (11 points and 3 assists) providing support. Bryce Cotton (36 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led the Wildcats as an injury-ravaged Bullets side was outscored 38–15 in the second quarter and lost 112–85.

Prather’s consistency became increasingly important as Brisbane’s rotation was stripped down by injuries. Batemon (15.5 points across 16 games) suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in December, while Harrison (14.3 points and 9.7 rebounds across 20 games), Bannan (13.2 points and 8.6 rebounds across 19 games), McDaniel (6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals across 1 game) and Adel (4.7 points across 10 games) were all limited. Brisbane later added Josh Adams (10.7 points across 9 games, via Tasmania), Emmett Naar (via Illawarra) and Callum Dalton (via Melbourne) to stabilise the depleted rotation.

Cook (16.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 28 games) finished as Brisbane’s second-leading scorer and led the NBL in steals. Norton (7.4 points across 29 games) was the only Bullet to appear in every game, while White (6.6 points across 28 games) and Smith-Milner (5.1 points across 27 games) provided further rotation depth. Harrison led the league in rebounding and received the NBL Most Improved Player award, Bannan won Brisbane’s Youth Player of the Year, and Norton collected the club’s Defensive Player of the Year and H.A.B.I.T.S Player of the Year awards.

Prather was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and received the Leroy Loggins MVP Award as Brisbane’s best player. At the club’s MVP Awards Gala, he also confirmed that he had re-signed for the 2025/26 season on a one-year deal, declaring, “To be honest, y’all haven’t really seen nothing yet. I’m excited about showcasing that—there’s more to come.”

Brisbane entered its final game against Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 6 with a slim chance of reaching the play-in tournament, but Taran Armstrong (28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) recorded the season’s first triple-double as the Taipans won 100–88. Cook (28 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Dalton (10 points and 5 rebounds) provided Brisbane’s other scoring as the Bullets finished eighth with a 12–17 record. Prather (19 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) played 33:24 minutes in the loss.

2025/26
Brisbane entered NBL26 after an injury-riddled 12-17 season left the Bullets eighth and outside the postseason. Justin Schueller was released as head coach, while Isaac White (to Adelaide), James Batemon (to Lleida), Josh Bannan (to Tasmania), Keandre Cook (to Lugo) and Rocco Zikarsky (to Minnesota) departed. Stu Lash took over and added Jaylen Adams (via Sydney), Javon Freeman-Liberty (via Chicago), Alex Ducas (via Oklahoma City), Taine Murray (via Virginia) and Jacob Holt (via Sacramento), with nominated replacement player Lamar Patterson (via Ipswich) also joining the group.

After winning Brisbane’s Leroy Loggins Medal as club MVP and earning All-NBL Second Team honours, three-time NBL champion Casey Prather re-signed on a one-year deal on February 7, returning as the Bullets’ main offensive option.

Brisbane opened at Spark Arena on September 19, where Prather (27 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) made four three-pointers and played 33:08 as the Bullets defeated New Zealand 104-95. Harrison (24 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) dominated inside and Freeman-Liberty (17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) provided support, while Jackson-Cartwright (16 points, 5 rebounds, 12 assists, and 3 steals) was the Breakers’ best.

Prather (24.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2 steals across 12 games) started every appearance and produced the highest scoring average of his NBL career, reaching 20 points in 10 games and recording three double-doubles before injury ended his season.

His best game came at RAC Arena on October 15, where Prather (34 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 11-of-18 field goals, three three-pointers and all nine free throws as Brisbane defeated Perth 110-93 to end a four-game losing streak. Harrison (27 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Devers (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) supported him, while Jones (19 points and 3 assists) was Perth’s leading scorer.

Eight days later at Eventfinda Stadium, Prather (23 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) helped Brisbane recover from a 24-point deficit and defeat New Zealand 84-83, with Patterson (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Harrison (16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) providing support, while Mennenga (27 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Breakers.

Prather (26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) remained Brisbane’s best player against New Zealand on November 12, but the Breakers defeated the Bullets 113-84 at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. Mathias (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Harrison (11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) were Brisbane’s next-best contributors, while Mennenga (25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led New Zealand. Prather injured his knee early in the fourth quarter and underwent surgery the following day to correct a hardware-related fixation issue, ruling him out for the remainder of NBL26.

Patterson (9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.2 steals across 9 games) was elevated into Prather’s active roster spot, while Terry Taylor (via Stockton) was signed as the long-term import replacement. Taylor (11.9 points and 6.4 rebounds across 17 games) became one of Brisbane’s main frontcourt scorers, Freeman-Liberty (13.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals across 9 games) returned after previously receiving a mutual release and Adams (12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 13 games) was released. Lash stepped down following a 5-13 start and assistant Darryl McDonald took over on December 18.

Prather remained Brisbane’s leading scorer despite appearing in only 12 games, while Harrison (14.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 25 games) carried the frontcourt after his injury. Holt (9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds across 22 games), Ducas (8.5 points across 30 games) and captain Norton (7.5 points and 3.2 assists across 23 games) were the other main contributors. Harrison won the Leroy Loggins Medal as club MVP, Norton received the Players’ Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and Holt was named Youth Player of the Year.

Prather remained sidelined as Brisbane lost its final 13 games, finished 10th with a 6-27 record and missed the postseason. The Bullets closed at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on February 20, where Davis (31 points and 8 assists) led Sydney to a 117-77 win, while Maldonado (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Murray (13 points and 3 assists) were Brisbane’s leading scorers.

After his injury-shortened NBL26 season, Prather was not retained by Brisbane for NBL27. The Bullets farewelled the three-time NBL champion in late July 2026 after completing their import roster with the signing of Jaylin Williams.

Prather travelled to Japan to train with Nagasaki Velca, reuniting with Dean Vickerman, who had coached him during Melbourne United’s 2017/18 championship season. Speaking on NBL Now on September 30, Prather confirmed he was training with the team while rebuilding his fitness following knee surgery and that he and his agent had been in discussions with several NBL and Japanese clubs. He remained open to another NBL opportunity, but had not signed a playing contract with Nagasaki, whose official 2026/27 roster did not include him.

Casey Prather played seven seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Perth Wildcats, Melbourne United and Brisbane Bullets. He averaged 18 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 134 NBL games.

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