BIO: Born in Wichita, Kansas (USA) in 1975, Calvin Thomas “C.J.” Bruton, Jr. moved to Australia at the age of three when his father Calvin Bruton, Sr. moved to Australia to play for the Brisbane Bullets in 1979. CJ grew up primarily in Perth and played his junior basketball at the Perry Lakes Stadium while his father was playing for the Wildcats.

FAMILY: CJ Bruton is the son of Cal Bruton who played 250 games in the NBL. He and his wife, Jessica, have three sons: Rio, Roc and Diggy.

NBL EXPERIENCE

CJ Bruton made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 18 years of age. He scored six points in his first game.

1994 saw Perth return with almost its entire roster after falling short against Melbourne in the previous year’s Grand Final, with only Steve Davis retiring. In a effort to build towards the future, up and coming talent in the form of AIS graduate Aaron Trahair and Bruton (4.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists), son of Wildcats’ legend Cal, were added to the roster.

Perth started the season by winning their first three games, with Bruton adding useful minutes behind Ricky Grace. In a 105-87 road win over Canberra on April 9, Bruton finished with 4 assists as Perth continued its unbeaten start and sat atop the NBL ladder with a record of 7-2 after the first five rounds.

Around the halfway mark of the season, Perth suffered losses to Brisbane (127–126), Hobart (93–92) and South East Melbourne (112–94), which saw them drop down to the middle of the ladder with a record of 10-5. On May 28, South East Melbourne again exposed Perth’s inconsistency, winning 113-106 at the Perth Entertainment Centre, with Bruton adding 2 points and 1 rebound in limited minutes.

Perth showed signs of brilliance, as they did in their beat down of Melbourne in Round 18 (131–108), but they also lost to multiple team’s that weren’t even in the playoff picture. On June 11, the Wildcats bounced back with a 101-75 win over Canberra, with Bruton knocking down a three-pointer and adding a steal, while the season’s struggles continued when Newcastle later blew Perth out 111-80, despite Bruton contributing 3 assists.

Scott Fisher (20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals) led the team in scoring for the second year in a row, with the Wildcats’ other key players Ricky Grace (18.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.5 steals), James Crawford (18.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks) and Andrew Vlahov (17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.1 steals) putting up great numbers all season but Perth was unable to recapture the success of the previous season.

Perth finished the season with a record equal to Sydney (16-10) but was given the higher playoff seed (sixth) thanks to a 2-0 head to head record against the Kings. In the quarterfinals, Perth would face South East Melbourne, who outclassed them in game one, winning by 31 points (113-82). With the series then returning to Melbourne, the Magic defeated them by 14 points (100-86) to end the Wildcats season prematurely.

Rookies Trahair (5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) and Bruton showed enough to get fans excited about the future. Playing as a backup to Perth Wildcats legend Grace, Bruton decided college was a better place to develop his game and chose to play college basketball in the United States the following season.

BRISBANE BULLETS
1998
After four consecutive first-round playoff exits, Brisbane released head coach David Ingham and replaced him with Brian Kerle, who returned after leading the Bullets to championships in 1985 and 1987, while Mike McKay (to Canberra), Dwayne McClain, Mark Dalton (to Wollongong), Robert Sibley and Leonard White also departed and captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Rodger Smith and John Szigeti remained from the previous season.

Kerle rebuilt the roster by signing import Chuck Kornegay, Mark Nash and CJ Bruton (via Indian Hills CC), who returned to the NBL after leading Indian Hills to the 1997 NJCAA championship and being selected by Vancouver with the 52nd pick in the NBA draft, while Ben Thompson, Ryan Stolberg and Ben Castle were also added.

The high cost of playing home games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, combined with falling attendances, also forced the Bullets to move into the smaller 4,000-seat Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from the beginning of the season.

Brisbane opened the season at its new home on January 30, defeating Melbourne 104-95 as CJ (14 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) made an immediate impact alongside the 40-year-old captain (27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block).

Bruton (15.4 points, 4 assists, and 1.8 steals) appeared in all 34 games and immediately became a major part of Brisbane’s backcourt, combining with the team’s two veteran scorers to form one of the league’s most effective perimeter attacks.

On February 21, Bruton (24 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals) made six three-pointers and delivered his best all-around performance of the season as Brisbane defeated Sydney 109-100 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

One week later, Bruton (15 points and 2 steals) made four of five three-pointers as Brisbane defeated South East Melbourne 81-76, handing the Magic one of only four regular-season losses for the year.

Bruton (26 points and 2 steals) matched his season-high and made four three-pointers on April 3, leading Brisbane to a dominant 112-82 home win over Sydney.

His other 26-point performance came against Canberra on May 30, when Bruton (26 points) shot 11-of-18 from the field and made four three-pointers, but the Cannons defeated Brisbane 114-102.

Brisbane closed the regular season with a 101-89 win over Adelaide on June 7, with Bruton (15 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) helping the Bullets finish fourth with a 16-14 record and secure home-court advantage over Melbourne through the head-to-head tie-breaker.

Woodberry (26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals) led Brisbane in scoring, topped the NBL in free-throw percentage at 92.2% and earned All-NBL First Team selection, while Loggins (17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) remained the team’s starting small forward and Kornegay (16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks) and Nash (9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds) anchored the frontcourt.

The elimination finals opened at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, where Bruton (11 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Loggins (14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) helped Brisbane defeat Melbourne 93-80 and take control of the series.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Bruton (14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) supported Loggins (27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), who made four three-pointers as Brisbane demolished the defending champions 114-81 and advanced beyond the opening round for the first time since 1993.

Brisbane returned home for game one of the semifinals, where Bruton (17 points and 4 assists) and Loggins (8 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Bullets, but South East Melbourne won 106-98 and moved within one victory of the Grand Final.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Loggins (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers, but South East Melbourne defeated Brisbane 90-84 to complete the sweep. Bruton (15 points and 5 assists) played 39:09 minutes in the loss.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
1998/99
Elliot Hatcher and Matt Zauner were not retained after Wollongong’s 14-win playoff season, while Clayton Ritter, Mat Campbell, Glen Saville, Eric Cooks, Cameron Dickinson and Mark Dalton returned under head coach Brendan Joyce.

As the NBL moved to a summer schedule, the club shifted from Beaton Park to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre and replaced the Illawarra prefix with Wollongong.

Joyce added CJ Bruton (via Brisbane), import Theron Wilson and David Andersen (via AIS), with the new guard immediately installed as Wollongong’s starting point guard and given greater responsibility as the team’s primary offensive weapon.

Wollongong opened its new home on October 9 against Newcastle, where CJ (12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) played all 48 minutes in his Hawks debut, but the Falcons won 100-76.

Bruton (20.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) appeared in all 30 games and was given the green light to attack, lifting his scoring by more than five points per game while averaging almost 46 minutes and earning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award and All-NBL Second Team honours.

Ritter (17.6 points and 6.3 rebounds) and Campbell (15.0 points and 3.6 rebounds), who finished third in voting for the NBL’s Best Defensive Player award, provided Wollongong’s other main scoring threats, while Saville (12.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.0 steals) led the team in rebounding, assists and steals.

Wilson (7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds), Andersen (6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds) and Cooks (4.2 points and 3.3 rebounds) added depth to the frontcourt, while Joyce shared the NBL Coach of the Year award with Melbourne’s Lindsay Gaze.

Wollongong collected its first win of the season in Townsville on October 17, with Bruton (37 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals), Campbell (21 points), Ritter (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Saville (2 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) leading the Hawks to a 99-86 victory, while Robert Rose (20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), David Pennisi (17 points) and Sam Mackinnon (11 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) were best for Townsville.

One week later, Bruton (38 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals) made five three-pointers and played all 53 minutes as Wollongong defeated Perth 83-80 in overtime at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre.

On January 15, Bruton (26 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals), Saville (24 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals) and Campbell (23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) powered Wollongong to a 110-94 win over Newcastle, while Pat Reidy (26 points and 8 rebounds) led the Falcons.

Wollongong produced one of its most dominant performances against Sydney on February 21, with Bruton (24 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal), Campbell (20 points and 4 assists), Saville (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Wilson (13 points and 10 rebounds) leading a 95-68 victory, while Acie Earl (24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 blocks) was Sydney’s best.

His best game of the season came against his former club on February 27, when Bruton (43 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) shot 17-of-24 from the field and made four three-pointers as Wollongong defeated Brisbane 100-92 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Wollongong closed the regular season with a 96-79 win over Canberra on March 12, with Bruton (22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal), Campbell (18 points and 4 assists), Saville (16 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) and Ritter (13 points) leading the Hawks, while Melvin Thomas (19 points and 7 rebounds) was best for the Cannons.

The victory left Wollongong third with a 16-10 record, finishing level with Victoria but claiming the higher position through the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Victoria opened the qualifying finals at Melbourne Park with a 96-65 win over Wollongong, with Ben Pepper (16 points) leading the Titans, while Bruton (11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 steals), Saville (10 points) and Andersen (7 points) were best for the Hawks.

Game two moved to the Wollongong Entertainment Centre, where Bruton (20 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) led Wollongong, but Victoria won 91-82 to complete the sweep.

Despite losing the series, Wollongong advanced as the highest-placed losing team under the NBL’s lucky-loser rule, setting up a semifinal series against Adelaide.

Adelaide opened the semifinals in Wollongong with a 93-81 win, with Ritter (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals), Campbell (15 points and 4 assists), Bruton (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Saville (10 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) leading the Hawks, while Brett Maher (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Kevin Brooks (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Martin Cattalini (14 points and 5 rebounds) starred for Adelaide.

Game two moved to Adelaide Arena, where Campbell (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Cooks (9 points and 10 rebounds) and Saville (8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists) kept Wollongong close, while David Stiff (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks), Maher (19 points), Brooks (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Darnell Mee (9 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) led Adelaide.

With Adelaide trailing by three in the final seconds, Stiff collected Paul Sapwell’s missed three-pointer and returned the ball to Sapwell (11 points and 4 rebounds), who made his second attempt to force overtime before the 36ers won 99-98 and completed the sweep. Bruton (27 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) played 48:41 minutes in the loss.

1999/00
After a disappointing playoff campaign that ended in four consecutive losses, Wollongong entered the 1999/00 season eager to re-establish themselves as a contender. Coach Brendan Joyce made significant changes to the roster, opting not to re-sign Clayton Ritter (to Canberra) and bringing back former Hawks MVP Melvin Thomas after a four-year absence. The return of Thomas, along with the continued development of rising star CJ Bruton, gave the team renewed optimism heading into the season.

Mat Campbell, Glen Saville, Eric Cooks and Mark Dalton also returned, with Campbell appointed captain for the first time, while Joyce added Mike McKay (via Canberra), former NBA lottery pick Todd Mundt (via Newcastle) and Darren Perry, who returned to the NBL after five years playing in the state league.

Wollongong opened the season in Townsville on October 9, where CJ (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped keep the Hawks within reach, but the Crocodiles won 99-88.

The Hawks responded in their first home game against Sydney, with CJ (26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) leading a 99-77 victory at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Bruton (22.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals) appeared in all 28 games and remained Wollongong’s primary offensive weapon, using his speed and outside shooting to carry an increased share of the scoring while running the offence.

Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) provided the Hawks with another major scorer and rebounder, while Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.9 steals) continued to produce across every area of the game.

Campbell (14.2 points) supplied further perimeter scoring in his first season as captain, with McKay (5.5 points) providing experience in the backcourt.

Bruton’s best game of the season came against West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on November 20, where he made eight three-pointers and finished with 34 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals as Wollongong won 111-99.

Saville (22 points and 13 rebounds) and Campbell (20 points) provided the support, while Derek Rucker (34 points) and John Rillie (21 points) were best for the Razorbacks.

On December 10, Bruton (26 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal), Saville (25 points and 6 assists) and Thomas (21 points) kept Wollongong competitive against Adelaide, but Martin Cattalini (35 points) led the 36ers to a 111-103 win.

Bruton delivered another major scoring performance against Melbourne on January 7, making eight three-pointers and finishing with 32 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block.

Gaze (36 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Bennett Davison (29 points and 12 rebounds) led the Tigers to a 112-94 win despite Bruton’s outside shooting.

One week later, Bruton (34 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) made five three-pointers against his former club, with Thomas (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) providing support for Wollongong.

Simon Kerle (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Kelvin Price (16 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Brisbane to a 99-90 win as the Hawks again fell short against one of the league’s stronger teams.

Mundt (8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds) struggled to play extended minutes and failed to provide the frontcourt production Wollongong expected, leading the Hawks to release him with nine games remaining and sign Matt Garrison as his replacement.

Garrison (17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) immediately strengthened the interior across the final nine games and played well enough to earn another contract for the following season, but his arrival came too late to move Wollongong back into playoff contention.

The Hawks continued to rely heavily on Bruton’s scoring throughout the campaign, while Thomas and Saville were named Wollongong’s co-MVPs.

Wollongong completed the season at the WIN Entertainment Centre on March 11, defeating Canberra 86-78 to finish eighth with an 11-17 record and miss the playoffs.

Bruton (20 points and 2 steals) played 31:50 minutes in the win.

Simon Kerle thought he had sent it to OT. but CJ single handedly dismantled the D and hit the game winner!! @NBL @nblhistory pic.twitter.com/bavjukBB4s— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 18, 2023

2001/02
After a season playing in Europe, CJ Bruton signed a deal with Canberra, aiming to help his father and head coach Calvin turn the team around after a woeful season where the Cannons managed only three wins for the season.

Jayson Wells (to Cairns), Nate Green, Troy Pilon, Demetris Montgomery, Tonny Jensen, Andrew Clarke, Willie Simmons, Dave Simmons and Paul Vandenbergh departed, while Brad Williams and Geordie Cullen remained from the previous team.

Coach Bruton added George Banks (via Perth), Brendan Mann (via Brisbane), Dave Thomas, Mickey Dennis Jnr and rookies Cameron Rigby and Michael Hill to the rebuilt roster.

Canberra opened the season in Wollongong on October 12, where CJ (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) played 43:54 minutes in a 108-97 loss to the Hawks.

Bruton (19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals) appeared in 29 games and immediately took control of Canberra’s backcourt, leading the Cannons in assists while providing another major scoring option.

Banks (23.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks) led Canberra in scoring, rebounding and blocks and was selected to the All-NBL Third Team, while Thomas (13.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.3 steals) provided rebounding and defence alongside the team’s two leading scorers.

Williams (10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds), Dennis (8.9 points), Cullen (7.6 points and 4.3 rebounds), Rigby (7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds) and Mann (6.1 points) added further depth to the rotation.

Charles Gosa joined the Cannons during the season and appeared in their final 15 games.

Gosa (19.1 points and 6.7 rebounds) provided another high-scoring option and became an important part of Canberra’s improved finish to the year.

The Cannons responded to their opening loss by defeating Brisbane 87-75 at the AIS Arena on October 13, with Bruton (21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals), Cullen (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals), Dennis (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Rigby (15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Thomas (10 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks) combining to secure Canberra’s first win.

Randy Rutherford (19 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals), Simon Kerle (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Wade Helliwell (17 points and 9 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Canberra then defeated Perth 81-80 on October 19, with Cullen (23 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block), Bruton (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists), Dennis (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Thomas (11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks) giving the Cannons consecutive wins and already two-thirds of their victory total from the previous season.

Ricky Grace (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists), Paul Rogers (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks) and Ben Thompson (13 points and 5 rebounds) were best for Perth.

The early turnaround continued at the AIS Arena on October 26, where Bruton (33 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) shot 12-of-14 from the field and made six of seven three-pointers as Canberra defeated Sydney 108-98 and improved to 3-1.

Thomas (14 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks), Williams (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) and Banks (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) provided support, while Shane Heal (30 points and 4 assists), Frank Drmic (21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Matthew Nielsen (12 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) led Sydney.

The Cannons were unable to sustain their strong start against the league’s leading teams, with their 128-99 loss to Adelaide on New Year’s Eve showing the distance that remained between Canberra and the eventual champions.

Bruton (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the backcourt, but Adelaide broke the game open by scoring 48 points in the final quarter.

Bruton produced one of his strongest shooting performances on February 2, making eight three-pointers and finishing with 32 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals as Canberra pushed Adelaide before losing 95-91.

Gosa (14 points and 7 rebounds), Thomas (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals) and Banks (10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks) helped keep the Cannons within four points, while David Stiff (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Paul Rees (12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) contributed for Adelaide.

Canberra recorded its first road win of the season in Brisbane on March 9, with Gosa (39 points and 4 rebounds), Bruton (32 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists), Thomas (16 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Mann (11 points and 6 assists) leading a 112-92 victory.

Bobby Brannen (21 points and 10 rebounds), Helliwell (21 points and 6 rebounds) and Rutherford (17 points and 4 rebounds) led the Bullets.

Bruton’s best game of the season came in Canberra’s final home game on March 15, when he shot 12-of-17 from the field, made six of eight three-pointers and finished with 36 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists as the Cannons defeated Adelaide 121-94.

Gosa (28 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Banks (23 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals) helped Canberra deliver one of its strongest performances of the season, while Willie Farley (22 points and 5 rebounds), Brett Maher (20 points and 2 steals) and Jason Williams (14 points and 3 rebounds) were best for Adelaide.

Canberra closed the season at the Whitlam Centre on March 23, defeating West Sydney 102-95 to finish 10th with a 12-18 record and miss the playoffs despite improving their victory total by nine games. Bruton (12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) played 26:11 minutes in the win.

2002/03
George Banks, Charles Gosa, Mickey Dennis Jnr and Geordie Cullen (to Wollongong) departed Canberra after the Cannons improved by nine wins the previous season, while CJ Bruton returned for a second year under his father Calvin, who continued as head coach and chief executive despite the financial concerns surrounding the club.

Dave Thomas, Brad Williams, Cameron Rigby, Brendan Mann and Michael Hill also remained, while Mike Chappell (via Wollongong), Reginald Poole (via Europe), Blake Truslove (via Adelaide) and Pero Vasiljevic (via Victoria) were added to what appeared to be one of Canberra’s strongest rosters in years.

Canberra opened the season at the AIS Arena on October 2, where CJ (23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led the Cannons to a 94-88 win over Townsville.

Bruton (15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 steals) appeared in 15 games, running the offence and leading Canberra in assists while again ranking among the league’s leading guards in steals.

Chappell (21.3 points and 6.0 rebounds) led Canberra in scoring, while Thomas (18.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) controlled the glass and provided another major offensive option inside.

Poole (14.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 2.2 blocks) led the NBL in blocked shots, while Williams (12.7 points and 6.9 rebounds) and Hill (11.1 points and 4.0 rebounds) also averaged double figures.

Rigby (9.5 points and 4.4 rebounds), Mann (9.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists), Vasiljevic (5.1 points) and Truslove (5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds) completed the main rotation.

The Cannons won four of their first five games before travelling to the United States for an exhibition tour organised through Calvin’s relationship with NBA legend Magic Johnson.

The opportunity emerged when a European team withdrew from an exhibition game against Johnson’s former college, Michigan State, leaving Calvin approximately three weeks to raise the required money through jersey auctions and other fundraisers.

The recently inducted Basketball Hall of Famer joined Canberra’s starting lineup under the name Magic Johnson All-Stars at the Breslin Center on November 1, helping the Cannons defeat Michigan State 104-85.

Johnson (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) recorded a triple-double, while Chappell (27 points and 5 rebounds), Thomas (18 points and 3 steals), Bruton (12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Mann (12 points and 4 assists) helped Canberra shoot 66 per cent from the field and nine-of-13 from three-point range.

Williams later described playing alongside one of his childhood heroes as an amazing experience, with the exhibition giving the Cannons a rare connection to one of the most successful players in NBA history.

Canberra returned to NBL action on November 9, with Bruton (24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block), Thomas (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals), Chappell (18 points and 7 rebounds), Williams (13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Poole (11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 6 blocks) leading a 118-99 win over Victoria.

Bruton’s best game of the season came at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on November 17, where he made six three-pointers and finished with 33 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals as Canberra defeated Sydney 100-98.

Chappell (18 points), Rigby (16 points), Thomas (16 points and 15 rebounds) and Mann (11 points and 8 assists) provided support, while Matthew Nielsen (27 points and 11 rebounds), Jason Franklin (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists), Chris Williams (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Shane Heal (11 points and 9 assists) led Sydney.

Six days later, Chappell (34 points), Williams (28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks), Bruton (21 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Thomas (21 points and 16 rebounds) powered Canberra to a 123-107 win over Brisbane.

Randy Rutherford (26 points) and Kevin Freeman (22 points and 10 rebounds) led the Bullets as Canberra improved to 7-2 and remained firmly inside the playoff positions.

The part of the plan that involved building a competitive team had worked, but the 5,000-seat AIS Arena had fallen behind the league’s newer venues and restricted the revenue Canberra could generate as the club’s debts continued to rise.

Only weeks after returning from the historic tour with Johnson, players and staff were called into an emergency meeting and told the Cannons had ceased operations and entered voluntary administration.

The shutdown left the playing group and staff without jobs or salaries only weeks before Christmas, while Canberra was suspended from the NBL and its scheduled games were postponed.

The Cannons eventually returned to complete the season while administrators searched for new ownership, but the original roster had already started to break apart and the missed games created a gruelling compressed schedule.

Thomas departed despite having recently signed a two-year contract, while Vasiljevic (to Victoria) also left in search of secure employment before Bruton and Chappell requested and received releases.

Canberra added Matthew Shanahan (via Wollongong) and 40-year-old Willie Simmons to provide enough players to complete the remaining schedule.

Shanahan (14.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) became one of Canberra’s main scorers across eight games, while Simmons (6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds) also made eight appearances.

The depleted roster included 41-year-old veteran guard Butch Hays, who returned to the NBL for four games, while three-time champion and Perth Wildcats great James Crawford came out of retirement for a one-game cameo.

Cal Bruton would hand the coaching role to assistant Lloyd Klaman in February so he could concentrate on raising funds and finding a way to keep the franchise operating.

Canberra went 4-17 after its 7-2 start, finishing ninth with an 11-19 record and missing the playoffs.

The Cannons were sold to a Newcastle-based ownership group before the end of the season, with the licence relocated and relaunched as the Hunter Pirates for 2003/04.

Bruton (to Sydney) did not relocate with the franchise, instead joining the Kings and beginning the most successful chapter of his career.

His final appearance for Canberra came at Adelaide Arena on January 11, where Adelaide defeated the Cannons 100-82. Bruton (11 points and 6 rebounds) played 38:52 minutes in the loss.

SYDNEY KINGS
2003/04
Fresh from winning the club’s first NBL championship, Sydney entered its title defence without captain Shane Heal (to San Antonio), Chris Williams (to Europe) and Kavossy Franklin (to Europe), leaving head coach Brian Goorjian to replace his starting point guard and both imports.

Goorjian retained Matthew Nielsen, David Stiff, Brad Sheridan and Luke Martin, signing CJ Bruton (via Canberra) to take control of the backcourt while adding import Ebi Ere, Jason Smith (via Europe) and Brett Wheeler (via Perth), with Smith and Wheeler both having previously played for him with the Victoria Titans.

Sydney opened the season at Challenge Stadium on October 4, where CJ (11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped the Kings defeat Perth 114-95 and begin their title defence with a road win.

Bruton (16.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.4 steals) appeared in all 40 games and immediately settled into the starting point guard role, giving Sydney another scorer, outside shooter and defensive presence alongside its championship core.

With Ere beginning the year as Sydney’s only import, Nielsen (22.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks) was given a larger role and delivered a breakout season, while Ere (19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) became the team’s second-leading scorer.

Stiff (8.5 points and 6.6 rebounds) and Wheeler (8.3 points and 7.9 rebounds) provided size inside, while Sheridan (7.9 points) and Martin (5.3 points) added further scoring from the backcourt.

Sydney remained unbeaten on October 26, with Bruton (29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) making seven three-pointers as the Kings defeated Wollongong 95-80 at the WIN Entertainment Centre. Nielsen (20 points) and Wheeler (14 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, while Glen Saville (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists) was best for Wollongong.

The Kings then defeated Townsville 118-106 on November 9, with Bruton (30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals), Ere (21 points and 6 rebounds), Nielsen (21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Wheeler (15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Smith (15 points) delivering a balanced offensive performance. Jeremy Veal (25 points and 7 rebounds) and Robert Rose (15 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) led Townsville.

Six days later, Bruton (33 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers and converted 16 free throws as Sydney again defeated Townsville 106-94, giving the defending champions 10 consecutive wins to begin the season.

The strong start was disrupted when Smith (11.5 points and 4.7 rebounds) suffered a season-ending injury after 13 appearances, forcing Sydney to change its rotation and use its vacant import position.

Goorjian signed Chris Carrawell as his replacement, with Carrawell (13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) appearing in the final 11 regular-season games and providing another scorer, rebounder and defender heading into the playoffs.

Bruton produced another strong shooting performance against Perth on December 17, finishing with 29 points, 3 assists, and 5 steals while making eight three-pointers as Sydney defeated the Wildcats 115-82.

Ere (24 points and 2 steals) and Nielsen (23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 blocks) also starred, while Matthew Burston (18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Ricky Grace (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Perth.

Nielsen was named NBL Most Valuable Player, won the league scoring title and earned All-NBL First Team selection, while Bruton was selected to the All-NBL Third Team, Ere was named NBL All-Star Game MVP and Goorjian received Coach of the Month honours for October.

Sydney completed the regular season in Brisbane on February 28, where Bruton (17 points and 1 steal), Ere (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals), Carrawell (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Nielsen (11 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Kings, but the Bullets held on for a 94-93 win. Stephen Black (21 points and 4 steals) leading the way for Brisbane as Sydney finished first with a 26-7 record.

Sydney opened the semifinals at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, recovering from a 23-point halftime deficit to defeat Brisbane 104-100 behind Bruton (21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals), Nielsen (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists), Stiff (13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 4 blocks) and Carrawell (9 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists). Castle (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Derek Rucker (20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) led Brisbane.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Bruton (26 points, 4 assists, and 5 steals), Carrawell (25 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Ere (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Nielsen (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Sydney to a 101-96 win and completed the sweep. Brannen (22 points and 12 rebounds) and Black (22 points and 4 assists) were best for Brisbane.

The Grand Final series opened at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where Bruton delivered his best game of the season, making nine three-pointers and finishing with 35 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals as the Kings defeated West Sydney 96-76. His nine three-pointers set a new NBL Grand Final record, while Carrawell (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Nielsen (8 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) helped Sydney take game one. Simon Dwight (23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks) led the Razorbacks in scoring.

Game two moved to the State Sports Centre, where Rillie (18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals), Aaron Trahair (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Sam Mackinnon (15 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks) led West Sydney to an 87-72 win. Ere (17 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists), Bruton (13 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Stiff (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and Nielsen (12 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Sydney as the Razorbacks levelled the series.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Nielsen (28 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks), Ere (22 points and 6 rebounds) and Bruton (7 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) led the Kings, but West Sydney won 82-80 in overtime to take a 2-1 series lead. Rillie (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Dwight (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks), Trahair (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Mackinnon (14 points, 17 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Razorbacks.

Facing elimination at the State Sports Centre, Ere (24 points and 3 rebounds), Nielsen (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists), Wheeler (7 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 5 blocks) and Bruton (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped Sydney defeat West Sydney 82-77 and force a deciding fifth game. Rillie (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) top scored for the Razorbacks.

The deciding game returned to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where West Sydney led by 11 points with four minutes remaining before Ere scored eight points in less than a minute and the Kings held the Razorbacks scoreless for the remainder of the game to win 90-79. Ere (25 points and 6 rebounds), Wheeler (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Nielsen (14 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Carrawell (8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Sydney, while Trahair (20 points), Dwight (18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists), Rillie (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Mackinnon (9 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) were best for West Sydney.

Nielsen was named Grand Final MVP as Sydney completed the first successful championship defence in club history. Bruton (15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) played 46:19 minutes in the championship-clinching win.

SYDNEY KINGS
2004/05
With back-to-back championships secured, Sydney entered the 2004/05 season without Matthew Nielsen (to PAOK), Ebi Ere, Chris Carrawell, David Stiff, Adrian Bauk and Joe Brown as the Kings attempted to become the first team in NBL history to win three consecutive titles.

Captain Jason Smith, CJ Bruton, Brad Sheridan, Luke Martin, Brett Wheeler, BJ Carter and David Barlow returned, while head coach Brian Goorjian added Mark Sanford, Ben Knight (via Wollongong), rookie guards Luke Kendall and Luke Brennan and import Thalo Green.

Sydney opened the season in New Zealand on October 10, where CJ (5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped force overtime before the Breakers held on for a 96-94 win.

Bruton (16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 steals across 30 games) again became Sydney’s main guard, providing scoring, outside shooting, playmaking and defensive pressure as the Kings adjusted to life without Nielsen and Ere.

Kendall (12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.7 steals across 12 games) began his rookie season alongside Bruton in the backcourt, allowing the veteran to move between point guard and shooting guard while Kendall handled stretches of the playmaking load.

The Kings rebounded from their opening loss with consecutive victories over Melbourne, first winning 90-89 at home behind Bruton (8 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) before he added 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a 112-109 road win over the Tigers.

Sydney then defeated Brisbane 120-99 behind Bruton (14 points, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block), before he finished with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 107-94 win over Hunter and 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists as the Kings defeated Cairns 98-82.

Bruton delivered one of his best performances against Adelaide on November 3, shooting 12-of-18 from the field and finishing with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists as Sydney defeated the ladder-leading 36ers 122-106 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, with Knight (18 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists), Sanford (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Smith (16 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists) providing support, while Brett Maher (28 points) and Willie Farley (26 points) led Adelaide.

Three days later, Bruton (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) helped Sydney defeat New Zealand 108-94 at the Trusts Arena, with Martin (20 points) and Knight (20 points) providing support, while Ben Pepper (22 points), Shawn Redhage (21 points) and Pero Cameron (13 points) led the Breakers.

Bruton’s best regular-season scoring game came in Cairns on November 8, where he made seven three-pointers and finished with 32 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals as Sydney defeated the Taipans 107-91 and collected its fifth consecutive win, with Smith (20 points) and Knight (19 points) helping the Kings improve to 8-2 and consolidate first place, while Chris Burgess (22 points) was Cairns’ leading scorer.

Sydney’s strong start was disrupted on November 17 when Bruton (3 points and 1 steal) suffered an elbow injury during a 109-91 home loss to Townsville, ruling him out for the remainder of the year.

The Kings then lost Kendall to a season-ending ACL injury after only 12 appearances, removing both members of their starting backcourt and ending his push for Rookie of the Year.

Kendall’s injury forced Bruton back into his primary role as Sydney’s floor general once he returned, with the Kings again leaning heavily on his ability to organise the offence, create for teammates and defend opposing guards.

Eight games into the season, Sydney also released Green (5.3 points across 8 games) after a lingering virus limited his impact, replacing him with import big man Rolan Roberts.

Roberts (16.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 23 games) provided the energy and interior presence the Kings had been missing, moving into the centre position and allowing Sanford to spend more time at forward.

Behind the title chase, players sometimes received their salaries late and Sydney averaged fewer than 4,700 supporters at home, while Goorjian tried to shield the roster from the club’s financial problems and keep the focus on winning another championship.

Bruton returned against Townsville on January 2, finishing with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals as Sydney edged the Crocodiles 109-108 and began rebuilding its rhythm with its starting guard back in the lineup.

On January 14, Bruton (19 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, and 2 steals) recorded his season-high in assists, but Adelaide defeated Sydney 116-105 at Adelaide Arena.

The Kings entered the final weekend of the regular season after Bruton (12 points and 2 rebounds) played in a loss to Wollongong, before responding at the State Sports Centre on February 19.

Bruton (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) made four three-pointers as Sydney defeated West Sydney 112-85 and secured first place with a 21-11 record, giving the Kings home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Smith (19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals across 37 games) led Sydney in scoring, while Sanford (16.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 steals across 36 games) provided another major offensive option across the forward positions.

Roberts gave Sydney a major mid-season lift after replacing Green, while Knight (13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 37 games) replaced much of the size and production lost with Nielsen’s departure.

Martin (9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 37 games), Sheridan (8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals across 37 games), Wheeler (3.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across 30 games) and Barlow (2.7 points across 26 games) completed the main rotation.

Smith earned All-NBL First Team honours and was named Player of the Month for October, while Goorjian received Coach of the Month honours for December and Bruton won the 2005 Gaze Medal as Australian International Player of the Year.

Bruton entered the semifinals carrying a knee concern but remained determined to pursue another championship, saying, “You don’t get these chances very often… to be a part of this and achieve what we’re chasing here is something special.”

Sydney opened the semifinals at the Sydney Entertainment Centre with a 113-79 win over Brisbane, with Smith (16 points), Roberts (16 points), Sheridan (16 points), Knight (15 points), Bruton (14 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal), Barlow (12 points) and Sanford (12 points) all reaching double figures, while Derek Rucker (13 points) led the Bullets.

Game two moved to Brisbane, where Sydney completed the sweep with a 111-105 win behind Smith (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Knight (22 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists), Roberts (19 points and 9 rebounds), Sanford (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Bruton (15 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), while Rucker (26 points) and Bobby Brannen (25 points) led Brisbane.

The Grand Final series opened at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where Smith (28 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Roberts (16 points and 8 rebounds), Bruton (13 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 blocks) and Knight (12 points and 4 rebounds) led the Kings to a 96-73 win over Wollongong, while Glen Saville (15 points), Cameron Rigby (13 points) and Mat Campbell (12 points) were best for the Hawks as Sydney took control of the series.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Bruton produced his strongest postseason performance with 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 6 steals, while Sanford (23 points), Roberts (21 points and 13 rebounds) and Smith (12 points and 7 rebounds) helped Sydney defeat Wollongong 105-80 and take a 2-0 series lead, with Saville (15 points), Troy Pilon (13 points) and Darnell Mee (13 points) leading Wollongong in the loss.

Game three returned to Sydney in front of 8,878 fans at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where the Kings outscored the Hawks 38-21 during the second quarter and led 60-39 at half-time before completing the sweep with a 112-85 win, with Smith (38 points and 12 rebounds) delivering a career-high scoring performance, Sanford (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Sheridan (14 points) providing support and Mee (18 points) leading Wollongong. The victory gave Goorjian his fifth NBL championship, made Sydney the first team in league history to win three consecutive titles and saw Smith named Grand Final MVP, while Bruton (11 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) played 32:06 minutes in the win.

2005/06
After becoming the first team in NBL history to win three straight championships, Sydney lost Mark Sanford, Thalo Green, Brett Wheeler, Luke Brennan and Graeme Dann, while Jason Smith, CJ Bruton, Rolan Roberts, Ben Knight, Luke Kendall, David Barlow, Brad Sheridan, BJ Carter and Luke Martin returned from the previous season’s group.

Head coach Brian Goorjian added Mark Worthington, Ian Crosswhite, Anthony Susnjara and Damon Thornton, giving the Kings another young Australian core around its championship backcourt and frontcourt rotation.

Bruton (18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 33 games) became Sydney’s leading scorer and main playmaker, moving into a bigger role after the departure of Sanford and the ongoing changes around the Kings’ frontcourt.

Early in the season, Bruton (27 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) led Sydney past Melbourne 116-104 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, a result that mattered for the Kings because Melbourne would become their closest ladder rival and eventual Grand Final opponent.

Bruton’s scoring peaked with a season-high 34 points during the regular season, while his ability to shoot the three at high volume and still create for others helped Sydney win a franchise-record 15 straight games and build the league’s best record.

The season was disrupted when Roberts (12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 22 games) suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the NBL All-Star Dunk Contest, forcing Sydney to sign Sedric Webber as a late-season replacement.

Webber (13.8 points and 6.4 rebounds across 12 games) gave Sydney another athletic frontcourt option, helping the Kings maintain first place despite losing their starting import big man before the playoffs.

Sydney finished the regular season first with a 26-6 record, earning a bye through the elimination and quarterfinal rounds and moving directly into the semifinals.

Bruton and Smith were Sydney’s two leading offensive players, with Smith (16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 36 games) again giving the Kings wing scoring and defence.

Other key contributors included Kendall (12.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists across 37 games), Worthington (11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds across 37 games), Barlow (10.6 points and 4.3 rebounds across 36 games), Knight (10.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 37 games), Crosswhite (6.8 points and 4.7 rebounds across 30 games) and Sheridan (6.5 points and 3.6 rebounds across 35 games).

Bruton was named to the All-NBL First Team, while Worthington won NBL Rookie of the Year as Sydney again finished with the league’s strongest regular-season record.

Sydney opened the semifinals at home with a 112-87 win over Cairns, taking immediate control of the series after earning the direct path into the final four.

Game two moved to Cairns, where Sydney won 84-82 to complete the sweep and advance to its fourth straight Grand Final series.

The Grand Final series opened in Sydney, where Melbourne defeated the Kings 100-93 behind Chris Anstey (24 points and 12 rebounds) and Dave Thomas (23 points), while Smith (20 points) led Sydney.

Game two moved to Melbourne and proved even tighter, with Anstey (30 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Thomas (23 points and 13 rebounds) leading the Tigers, while David Barlow (22 points) and Smith (16 points) kept Sydney close before Melbourne won 103-99 in overtime.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Melbourne completed the sweep 88-83 behind Anstey (16 points and 10 rebounds), Thomas (13 points) and Darryl McDonald (13 points), while Smith (20 points) and Bruton (15 points) were best for Sydney.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2006/07
After being eliminated by Perth in the 2005/06 elimination finals, Brisbane moved on from Derek Rucker, Bobby Brannen, Lanard Copeland (to Adelaide) and Daniel Egan (to Townsville), while Sam MacKinnon, Mark Bradtke, Stephen Black, Michael Hill, Adam Gibson, Brad Williamson and Callum Baynes returned from the previous season’s group.

Head coach Joey Wright added CJ Bruton (via Sydney), Ebi Ere, Dusty Rychart (via Adelaide), Dillon Boucher (via Perth), Cameron Tragardh and Chris Goulding, giving Brisbane a deeper roster built around MacKinnon, Bradtke and a new championship backcourt.

The Bullets began the season by winning the NBL Preseason Blitz in Coffs Harbour, with Bruton named MVP of the tournament and selected in the All-Star Five before joining the regular season rotation as Brisbane’s starting point guard.

Bruton (14 points and 4.5 assists across 39 games) gave Brisbane another proven winner after three championships with Sydney, reuniting with Ere from the Kings’ 2004 title team and allowing Black to share more of the backcourt scoring and playmaking load.

Brisbane started the regular season at 3-3, and by the midway point sat at 10-5, but the Bullets then moved into one of the strongest runs in NBL history, winning their final 18 regular-season games.

One of Bruton’s key regular-season moments came in Brisbane’s 100-99 road win over Perth at Challenge Stadium, where Bruton (15 points) got the Bullets back in front in the final seconds before Shawn Redhage’s buzzer shot bounced off the rim, ending Brisbane’s seven-game losing streak against the Wildcats.

The winning streak included seven victories by 30 points or more, with Brisbane also producing a three-game stretch where it defeated Adelaide, New Zealand and Singapore by 32, 34 and 32 points, respectively.

Brisbane finished first with a 28-5 record, winning the minor premiership and entering the playoffs on a 18-game winning streak.

MacKinnon (18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks across 39 games) delivered one of the league’s great all-round seasons, while Ere (17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 39 games) gave Brisbane another explosive scoring option.

Other key contributors included Rychart (15.1 points and 8.1 rebounds across 39 games), Black (13.9 points and 3.8 assists across 37 games), Bradtke (10.2 points and 6.5 rebounds across 28 games), Hill (9.6 points across 39 games), Gibson (6.8 points across 39 games), Boucher (4.5 points and 1.6 steals across 39 games) and Williamson (4.5 points across 38 games).

MacKinnon became the first player in NBL history to win the regular season MVP and Best Defensive Player awards in the same season, while Wright was named Coach of the Year and Bruton’s arrival helped Brisbane add championship experience to a roster that already had size, defence and scoring depth.

Brisbane opened the semifinals at home with a 91-84 win over Sydney, with Ere (22 points) leading the Bullets in game one as the Bullets extended their winning streak to 19 games.

Game two moved to Sydney, where Brisbane defeated the Kings 93-86 behind Ere (23 points) and Bruton (21 points), with Bruton scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter to eliminate his former club and move Brisbane into its first Grand Final series since 1990.

The Grand Final series opened in Brisbane, where the Bullets defeated Melbourne 98-95 behind Black (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and MacKinnon (18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks), while Chris Anstey (21 points and 9 rebounds) led the Tigers.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where the Tigers ended Brisbane’s 21-game winning streak with a 105-91 win behind Anstey (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks), with Melbourne controlling the glass 59-44 to level the series.

Game three returned to Brisbane, where the Bullets answered with a 113-93 win as Black (22 points) led the scoring and MacKinnon (19 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals) filled the box score, while Bruton (7 points and 10 assists) controlled the point guard spot without a turnover.

Game four moved back to Melbourne, where Brisbane defeated the Tigers 103-94 to win the championship, with Bruton (22 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Rychart (21 points and 2 steals) leading the Bullets, while Rashad Tucker (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Anstey (16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) led Melbourne, with MacKinnon named Grand Final MVP after adding the Larry Sengstock Medal to his regular season MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBL First Team selection and Brisbane’s third NBL championship.

2007/08
In 2007/08, Bruton averaged 19.1 points and 3.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists as the Bullets finished in third place with a 20-10 record.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2006/07 – THE GREATEST NBL TEAM OF ALL-TIME?
Brisbane continued to develop its roster in 2007, adding the country’s best backcourt player in CJ Bruton (via Sydney) to the existing combo of two of Australia’s greatest frontcourt talents, Sam MacKinnon and Mark Bradtke. Signing Bruton also led to the Bullets moving on from long-term import duo Derek Rucker and Bobby Brannen. Ebi Ere, Bruton’s backcourt partner for the Kings championship in 2004, and do-it-all forward Dusty Rychart (via Adelaide) were signed as import replacements and, with the roster having a number of scoring options, chose not to re-sign Lanard Copeland (to Adelaide) and Daniel Egan (to Townsville) and brought in defensive stopper Dillon Boucher (via Perth) who Bullets front office felt was responsible for the Wildcats eliminating the team from the playoffs the previous season, after shutting down leading scorer Stephen Black.

The Bullets began the season by winning the NBL Preseason Blitz (Coffs Harbour), with Bruton being named MVP of the tournament. In contrast, Brisbane began the regular season with a largely indifferent record (3-3), which by the season’s mid-way point was a respectable, but not at all earth-shattering 10 wins and 5 losses. Reigning champions Melbourne (11-4) sat on top of the ladder, although Brisbane had managed to defeat them in their first matchup of the season (98-85). From here, the Bullets reached a level that has many considering this team to be the greatest of all time. Brisbane wouldn’t lose for the remainder of the regular season, heading into the playoffs on a 18 game winning streak. During this time, seven of the team’s victories come in wins by 30 points or more, including a run of three games against Adelaide, New Zealand and Singapore, where they won by 32, 34, and 32, respectively.

Mackinnon (18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks) would deliver perhaps the greatest season of all time, becoming the first player in NBL history to win both the Best Defensive Player and Most Valuable Player award in the same season. Making Brisbane even tougher to stop is the fact that besides MacKinnon, they had five guys who could take over a game at any time in Ere (17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists), Rychart (15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals), Bruton (14 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists), Black (13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) and Bradtke (10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists).

Joey Wright would be named coach of the year before leading Brisbane to a seven-point win over Sydney (91-84) in the first game of the semi-finals. Ere (22 points) led the Bullets in scoring. Game two moved to Sydney, where Ere (23 points) would again finish as the game-high scorer, but it was Bruton (21 points) that sealed the series, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter to eliminate his former club from the playoffs (93-86).

Melbourne (25-8) had finished second on the ladder and defeated Cairns (2-0) to meet Brisbane in the Grand Final. Playing at home, Brisbane extended their winning streak to 21, narrowly defeating Melbourne by three points (98-95). Stephen Black (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) top scoring, alongside Sam Mackinnon (18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks), who came close to racking up a triple-double. Chris Anstey (21 points and 9 rebounds) would lead the Tigers in the loss.

Melbourne would end the streak in game two, defeating Brisbane (105-91) thanks to a huge game from Anstey (31 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and the Tigers dominating the Bullets on the glass (59 to 44 rebounds).

Brisbane returned home for game three where they had only lost one game for the entire season and made sure Anstey (9 points and 13 rebounds) wouldn’t have a repeat performance. MacKinnon, Bradtke and Rychart were instrumental in keeping him off the scoreboard, limiting him to 4 of 15 shooting. Black (22 points) again finished as the game’s high scorer, with MacKinnon (19 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals) filling every other column of the stat sheet to give the Bullets a 20 point victory (113-93).

In game four, Brisbane defied the odds and defeated Melbourne by nine points (103-94), despite the Tigers shooting a better percentage from the field, beyond the arc and winning the rebound battle. However, Melbourne finishing with 26 turnovers, compared to Brisbane’s 14 was the true indicator of the championship. Rashad Tucker (17 points and 12 rebounds) would lead the Tigers in scoring, while the Bullets held Anstey (16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) well below his usual scoring averages again, making him shoot 6 from 15 from the field. Bruton (22 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Dusty Rychart (21 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals) were instrumental at both ends of the floor, while MacKinnon (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals), who may have had his quietest game of the series, was awarded the Finals MVP.

MacKinnon would become the first player to ever be selected to the All-NBL First team, win the regular season and finals MVP awards, be the defensive player of the year and win a championship in the same season (Until Chris Anstey would repeat the effort in the following season).

During the 2007 NBL offseason, Bruton coached the South West Metro Pirates in Queensland’s state league.

2007/08
After winning the 2006/07 NBL championship, Brisbane entered its title defence without Mark Bradtke (retired), Stephen Black (to Cairns) and Cameron Tragardh (to Wollongong), with Bradtke’s retirement leaving the Bullets without the veteran centre who had played an important role in their championship run.

Head coach Joey Wright retained Sam Mackinnon, Ebi Ere, Dusty Rychart, CJ Bruton, Adam Gibson, Michael Hill, Brad Williamson, Dillon Boucher, Chris Goulding, Steven Broom and David Gurney from the championship group, while adding New Zealand-born forward Craig Bradshaw, Justin Brown and rookie guard Rhys Martin.

Brisbane opened its title defence at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on September 19, where CJ (14 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal) directed the offence as the Bullets defeated the new Gold Coast Blaze 115-105.

Bruton (19.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 33 games) took on a larger offensive role, remaining Brisbane’s primary playmaker while providing outside shooting and another major scoring option alongside Ere.

Bruton’s best regular-season scoring game came against Sydney at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 17, where he made six three-pointers and finished with 33 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, but the Kings defeated Brisbane 127-117.

On November 10, Bruton (25 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) made five of seven three-pointers and converted all 10 of his free throws as Brisbane defeated Perth 102-95 at Challenge Stadium, giving the Bullets an important road win over another playoff contender.

Bruton delivered another major performance against Townsville on November 29, finishing with 32 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block while making four three-pointers and converting 12 of 14 free throws as Brisbane defeated the Crocodiles 120-113.

One of Brisbane’s strongest wins came against Melbourne on December 22, when Bruton (30 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made four three-pointers and Ere (39 points) led the scoring as the Bullets defeated the Tigers 112-108, with Rychart (17 points and 12 rebounds) controlling the glass while Sean Lampley (24 points) and Chris Anstey (21 points) led Melbourne.

Brisbane completed the regular season at the Brisbane Convention Centre on February 16, where Bruton (7 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) helped the Bullets defeat Wollongong 129-98 and finish third with a 20-10 record, including a 13-2 record at home and 7-8 record on the road.

Ere (26.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 32 games) lifted his scoring from 17.3 points the previous season to a league-leading 26.0 points per game, earning All-NBL First Team honours as Brisbane’s leading offensive player.

Rychart (16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds across 32 games) remained the Bullets’ main interior scorer and rebounder, while injuries restricted reigning NBL MVP Mackinnon (14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals across 15 games) to less than half the regular season.

Bradshaw (13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds across 30 games) helped replace the size lost through Bradtke’s retirement, while Gibson (11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 33 games) took a significant step forward with increased responsibility running the offence and defending opposing guards.

Williamson (8.1 points across 33 games) delivered the highest-scoring season of his NBL career, while Hill (7.5 points and 3.7 rebounds across 33 games) and Boucher (3.4 points and 5.1 rebounds across 31 games) provided further depth.

Bruton was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and started at point guard for the Australian All-Stars, joining Ere among Brisbane’s major individual award winners.

The campaign also became the final season of Brisbane’s original NBL run as owner Eddy Groves encountered financial trouble through his ABC Learning Centres business and announced in March that he needed to sell the club. Bruton initially rejected an offer to play in Turkey in an attempt to help the Bullets remain in the league.

A consortium led by Logan businessman David Kemp was announced as Brisbane’s new ownership group on April 16, but the proposed sale later collapsed. Bruton subsequently rejected a new Bullets contract while considering lucrative overseas offers, Mackinnon requested his release and the unsuccessful search for another financially secure buyer resulted in Groves returning the club’s licence to the NBL on June 30, leaving Brisbane out of the 2008/09 season.

Brisbane opened the playoffs at the Brisbane Convention Centre with a 106-89 elimination-final win over New Zealand in front of 2,787 fans, with Bradshaw (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block), Rychart (22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Ere (22 points and 8 rebounds), Bruton (18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Gibson (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) leading the Bullets, while Kirk Penney (24 points and 4 rebounds), Derrick Alston (22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and Tony Ronaldson (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) were best for the Breakers.

The semifinals opened at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, where Melbourne defeated Brisbane 116-98 behind Lampley (17 points), David Barlow (17 points) and Daryl Corletto (16 points), while Bruton (29 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made seven three-pointers and Rychart (20 points and 11 rebounds) and Hill (13 points) provided support for the Bullets.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Convention Centre, where Anstey (26 points and 13 rebounds), Dave Thomas (26 points) and Lampley (23 points and 7 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Ere (19 points), Bradshaw (19 points) and Bruton kept Brisbane within reach before the Tigers won 115-112, completed the sweep and ended the Bullets’ championship defence. Bruton (19 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) played 41:08 minutes in the loss.

Instead of regrouping for another title push in 2008/09, financial struggles caught up with the franchise. Owner Eddy Groves, who had built his fortune through ABC Learning Centres, faced financial ruin, forcing him to put the team up for sale. In April 2008, Logan businessman David Kemp was announced as the new owner, but the sale later fell through. With no viable ownership stepping in, the Bullets’ license was officially returned to the NBL on June 30, 2008, marking the end of the franchise.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
2008/09
After the Brisbane Bullets fell into financial hardship and withdrew from the league, head coach Andrej Lemanis recruited free agent pair CJ Bruton (two-year deal) and former Breaker Dillon Boucher (three-year deal) to play for the Breakers with the explicit intentions to win a championship that season.

“The Breakers have proved they’re a playoff team and I’d like to help take them up to that next level,” Bruton said upon signing with New Zealand.

“I’ve seen the Breakers change their team and their culture to become more competitive. They’re serious about becoming number one and I want to be a part of New Zealand’s first championship. You don’t play this sport just to be in it.”

The duo joined the existing roster of Paul Henare, Kirk Penney, Phill Jones, Oscar Forman, Tony Ronaldson and Tim Behrendorff. The Breakers later signed import Rick Rickert and elevated development player Thomas Abercrombie into the full squad to finalise their roster.

Bruton’s signing gave the Breakers’ stability and direction at the point guard position, something that had previously been missing. Behind Bruton (16.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 steals) and sharp-shooting Kirk Penney (24.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), the Breakers started the season off firing with 15 wins and 4 losses. But, the loss of Bruton to a high-ankle sprain in late December saw the Breakers stumbled through January to lose eight of their next nine games.

Heading into the playoffs with a win in their last game regular season game, the Breakers finished with a 18–12 record, setting the team up with their first-ever home playoff game. New Zealand went on to win their elimination playoff, routing Adelaide (131–101) to set up a best-of-three semi final series with the defending champions Melbourne. In their first-ever semi finals appearance, the Breakers suffered the same fate as Bruton’s Bullets a year ago, being swept 2-0 in the semifinals.

2009/10
Having achieved their first-ever playoff appearance the season prior, coach Andrej Lemanis returned with the majority of Breakers roster intact, losing only Phill Jones (to Cairns) and Tim Behrendorff (to Wollongong). Having played with one import last season, Rick Rickert, the Breakers added Dave Thomas (via Cairns) to add veteran leadership to the club but prior to the season starting, he was forced to retire from playing in the NBL due to injury. Former NBA talent Awvee Storey was then signed as his replacement and development player Thomas Abercrombie was elevated to the full squad.

New Zealand struggled through the first half of the season, mainly due to missing their leading scorer Kirk Penney (23.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists) due to a back injury that saw him sidelined for nine games. In addition to this, Storey (7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists) fell well short of expectations and was released after nine games with the club stating ‘things weren’t working out’. John Rillie (4.3 points and 1.6 rebounds), who had been released by Townsville the season prior, signed with the club as a interim replacement and appeared in 12 games.

New Zealand was then boosted by the midseason addition of import Kevin Braswell (9.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals), who played in the Breakers final seven games, winning the last six in a row.

New Zealand’s late-season surge proved to be in vain, as the Breakers missed the playoffs during one of the closest NBL seasons of all-time. Despite New Zealand being only two games behind league leaders Perth, they would miss the playoffs and finish in fifth place (15-13).

Bruton appeared in all 28 games for the Breakers and averaged 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

2010/11
A key to the Breakers’ success this season were the return of both Kevin Braswell and Mika Vukona. Braswell initially decided to play the 2010/11 season with Turkish team Aliağa Belediyesi SK but before the season could start, left the team to play a second season with the New Zealand Breakers. Vukona, who had won a championship with the South Dragons in 2009, returned to the team and replaced Paul Henare as team captain. Another key move saw declining import Rick Rickert replaced with former Utah State University standout Gary Wilkinson.

The season began with Kirk Penney missing the start of the season while he attempted to earn a NBA contract. Failing to do that, he re-joined the Breakers after the season’s first month. Despite missing Penney, the Breakers won their first five games of the season before losing to the Wildcat’s in Perth (114–74).

Kirk Penney (20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists) would finish as the team’s leading scorer, with the Breakers finishing the regular season on top of the ladder (22–6). Wilkinson (15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), CJ Bruton (11.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), Thomas Abercrombie (10.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) and Vukona (8.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists) rounded out New Zealand’s starting lineup, while Braswell (10.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) add a spark from the bench, a role that would see him selected the NBL’s Best Sixth Man at the end of the year.

This season was also notable for the impact of 22-year-old Corey Webster (4.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists), who was elevated into the Breakers’ full-time roster this season and started to steal time away from Bruton this season. CJ played seven minutes less than the season prior, a testament to New Zealand much improved, much deeper roster.

New Zealand met fourth seed Perth in the semifinals and lost the opening game to the Wildcat’s at home. The Breakers returned to New Zealand for games two and three and recovered by winning both games, qualifying for their first-ever NBL Grand Final.

There, the Breakers met Cairns in the championship series and coasting to a easy win in game one (85–67) after leading by as much as 31 in the third quarter. The team’s then fought out a gripping game two in Cairns, which saw the game tied at the end of regulation (60-60) and at the end of the first overtime (73–73), before Cairns prevailed (85–81), sending the series to a third and deciding game.

With the final game played back on New Zealand soil, the Breakers recorded a comfortable win (71–53) and became the first team non-Australian team to win a NBL championship.

Thomas Abercrombie collected Grand Final MVP honours and while Bruton etched his name into Breakers folklore after he nailed two three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the game against the Cairns Taipans, winning his fourth NBL title.

2011/12
After becoming the first New Zealand-based team to win an Australian national sporting competition, the Breakers entered their championship defence without leading scorer Kirk Penney (to Spain) and retiring foundation guard Paul Henare, while Kevin Braswell remained unavailable after suffering an Achilles injury during the off-season and Corey Webster was suspended for the season.

Gary Wilkinson, Thomas Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, CJ Bruton, Alex Pledger, Dillon Boucher, BJ Anthony, Leon Henry and Josh Bloxham returned from the championship group, while head coach Andrej Lemanis signed import guard Cedric Jackson and added Daryl Corletto (via Melbourne) after the Tigers released him to make room for NBA guard Patty Mills.

New Zealand opened its title defence at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on October 7, where CJ (11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped the Breakers defeat the Blaze 102-87.

Bruton (10.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 28 games) remained an important part of New Zealand’s guard rotation, providing outside shooting, experience and leadership alongside Jackson and Corletto while playing through a chronic knee problem during the first half of the season.

Bruton’s best regular-season scoring game came in the Breakers’ first appearance at Vector Arena on October 28, where he made five three-pointers and finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, including 14 points in the fourth quarter, as New Zealand defeated Sydney 76-59 in front of the largest crowd to attend a basketball game in New Zealand at the time, with Wilkinson (20 points) providing support while Julian Khazzouh (16 points and 12 rebounds) led the Kings.

The knee injury restricted Bruton to less than seven minutes against Townsville on November 24, but New Zealand recovered from a 23-point deficit to defeat the Crocodiles 88-74 behind Abercrombie (19 points), Wilkinson (18 points) and Corletto (16 points).

Bruton delivered one of his most efficient performances against Perth on February 2, making four of five three-pointers and scoring 14 points in only nine minutes as New Zealand defeated the Wildcats 83-77, with Wilkinson (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Jackson (15 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals) and Vukona (10 rebounds) helping the Breakers overcome Redhage (15 points) and Damian Martin (9 rebounds and 7 assists).

On March 3, Bruton (9 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) helped New Zealand claim a 101-99 overtime victory at Challenge Stadium, giving the Breakers another important road win over second-placed Perth as they moved closer to securing the minor premiership.

Bruton re-signed with New Zealand for another two seasons on March 16, ensuring he would finish his NBL career with the Breakers.

His final regular-season appearance came in Townsville on March 22, where Bruton (9 points and 1 rebound) made three three-pointers as New Zealand defeated the Crocodiles 76-69 and collected its 21st victory, with Abercrombie (20 points) and Wilkinson (16 points and 6 rebounds) leading the Breakers to first place with a 21-7 record for the second consecutive season.

Wilkinson (16.6 points and 5.8 rebounds across 33 games) led New Zealand in scoring, while Abercrombie (15.2 points and 4.6 rebounds across 33 games) increased his offensive production and remained one of the league’s strongest two-way forwards.

Jackson (12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 steals across 33 games) immediately took control of the offence, leading the NBL in assists and steals, finishing fourth in league MVP voting and earning the Breakers’ club MVP award.

Corletto (9.8 points across 33 games) added another reliable outside shooter, while Pledger (8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds across 34 games) and Vukona (8.5 points and 6.1 rebounds across 34 games) provided interior depth and rebounding.

Lemanis was named NBL Coach of the Year, Jackson and Abercrombie earned All-NBL First Team selection and Wilkinson was named to the All-NBL Second Team.

New Zealand opened the semifinals at Vector Arena with a 99-82 loss to Townsville, with Abercrombie (20 points), Wilkinson (19 points), Jackson (15 points) and Bruton (7 points and 1 assist) leading the Breakers, while Peter Crawford (26 points), Eddie Gill (21 points and 4 steals), Elvin Mims (13 points and 3 steals) and Jacob Holmes (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped the Crocodiles take control by winning the third quarter 30-18.

Game two moved to the Townsville Entertainment Centre, where Bruton (18 points and 1 assist) made four three-pointers and hit two important shots from long range during the third quarter, while Wilkinson (14 points and 6 rebounds), Jackson (14 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal), Pledger (12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Abercrombie (12 points) helped New Zealand defeat Townsville 94-83 and force a deciding game, despite Gill (24 points and 5 rebounds) and Michael Cedar (15 points) leading the Crocodiles.

Game three returned to Vector Arena, where Bruton (20 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists), Abercrombie (19 points) and Corletto (19 points) led New Zealand to a 97-80 win, while Crawford (24 points) and Luke Schenscher (19 points and 8 rebounds) were best for Townsville as the Breakers completed the comeback and advanced to their second consecutive Grand Final series.

The Grand Final series opened at Vector Arena without Abercrombie, who was sidelined by the ankle injury suffered late against Townsville, but Bruton (20 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) made five three-pointers and scored two crucial baskets during overtime, while Jackson (25 points, 8 assists, and 1 steal), Corletto (16 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals), Vukona (14 points and 5 rebounds) and Wilkinson (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led New Zealand to a 104-98 win over Perth, despite Kevin Lisch (27 points and 7 assists) and Matthew Knight (15 points) leading the Wildcats.

Game two moved to Challenge Stadium, where Wilkinson (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists), Bruton (20 points and 2 rebounds) and Pledger (14 points) led New Zealand, while Lisch (15 points), Jesse Wagstaff (15 points), Knight (13 points), Greg Hire (12 points) and Redhage (12 points) provided Perth with a balanced attack before Redhage blocked Bruton’s attempted game-winning lay-up in the final seconds to secure an 87-86 victory and level the series.

Game three returned to Vector Arena in front of more than 9,000 fans, where Wilkinson (23 points), Pledger (13 points) and Abercrombie (12 points and 4 rebounds) led New Zealand, while Redhage (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Knight (17 points and 6 rebounds) kept Perth within reach. After the Wildcats tied the game with seven minutes remaining, Abercrombie collected an offensive rebound and found the veteran guard for a three-pointer that extended the lead to seven with less than two minutes left, before another three-pointer and two late free throws helped New Zealand win 79-73 and become the first team since Sydney’s championship run from 2003 to 2005 to win consecutive titles. The performance earned the veteran guard the Larry Sengstock Medal as Grand Final MVP and delivered the fifth championship of his career. Bruton (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) played 23 minutes in the win.

2012/13
After winning consecutive championships, New Zealand parted ways with leading scorer Gary Wilkinson (to Europe) and BJ Anthony (to Otago) as the Breakers looked to become the second team in NBL history to complete a three-peat.

Head coach Andrej Lemanis retained Cedric Jackson, Thomas Abercrombie, Alex Pledger, Mika Vukona, CJ Bruton, Daryl Corletto, Dillon Boucher, Leon Henry and Josh Bloxham, elevating Pledger into the starting centre position while adding Will Hudson (via Gold Coast) and welcoming Corey Webster back after his 12-month suspension. Reuben Te Rangi, Morgan Natanahira and Tai Webster were also added as development players.

New Zealand opened the season at the North Shore Events Centre on October 5, where CJ (6 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made two three-pointers, but Perth defeated the defending champions 93-72.

Bruton (7.8 points across 32 games) settled into a reduced role behind Jackson, providing outside shooting, experience and leadership from the Breakers’ bench as they chased a third consecutive championship.

Bruton’s best regular-season scoring game came in Sydney on December 8, where he made four three-pointers and finished with 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists, but Corin Henry (29 points), Ben Madgen (13 points) and Ian Crosswhite (12 points) led the Kings to a 75-62 win.

New Zealand recovered from that defeat and began a club-record winning streak, with Bruton (12 points and 1 rebound) making three of five three-pointers in only 16 minutes as the Breakers defeated Sydney 95-76 on January 24 and collected their eighth consecutive victory.

Bruton delivered another efficient performance against Adelaide on February 28, making all three of his three-point attempts and finishing with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 17 minutes as New Zealand defeated the 36ers 104-79 and extended its winning streak to 13 games.

The streak eventually reached 15 games before New Zealand completed the regular season at Perth Arena on March 22, where Bruton (8 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) played 18 minutes in a 73-58 loss to the Wildcats. Despite the defeat, the Breakers finished first with a 24-4 record and topped the regular-season standings for the third consecutive year.

Jackson (14.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals across 32 games) led New Zealand in scoring, assists and steals, taking control of the offence while delivering one of the season’s historic performances against Melbourne on November 30. Jackson recorded 28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals for his first career triple-double as the Breakers defeated the Tigers 94-64, with Bruton (6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) contributing from the bench. It was only the second triple-double recorded since the NBL moved to 40-minute games in 2009/10.

Abercrombie (11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds across 32 games) remained one of New Zealand’s leading two-way players, while Pledger (10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 31 games) successfully moved into the starting centre position.

Corletto (9.6 points across 32 games) supplied perimeter shooting, Vukona (8.5 points and 6.0 rebounds across 32 games) anchored the frontcourt, Hudson (8.3 points and 4.8 rebounds across 25 games) provided depth behind Pledger and Webster (7.6 points across 28 games) added further scoring from the bench.

Jackson led the league in assists and steals for the second consecutive season, winning NBL Most Valuable Player and All-NBL First Team honours, while Vukona was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and Abercrombie earned All-NBL Third Team selection. Lemanis was named NBL Coach of the Year.

New Zealand opened the semifinals at Vector Arena with an 81-64 win over Sydney, taking control of the series behind Abercrombie (15 points), Corletto (12 points), Jackson (11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Pledger (8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks), while Madgen (15 points), James Harvey (10 points) and Tom Garlepp (9 points) led the Kings. Bruton (4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) played 19 minutes in the win.

Game two moved to the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where Bruton’s best game of the season saw him make three of four three-pointers and finish with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Pledger (18 points and 12 rebounds) and Abercrombie (17 points) helped New Zealand defeat Sydney 99-88 and complete the sweep. Madgen (29 points), Harvey (25 points) and Crosswhite (11 points) were best for the Kings.

The Grand Final produced a rematch of the previous season’s championship series against Perth, although the Wildcats entered without starting guard Damian Martin after he suffered an Achilles injury during the semifinals, leading the club to bring Brad Robbins out of retirement as his replacement.

New Zealand opened the Grand Final at Vector Arena with a 79-67 win over Perth, with Corletto (19 points) shooting 7-of-10 from the field and Bruton (2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) contributing in 18 minutes, while Kevin Lisch (19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Shawn Redhage (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Matthew Knight (13 points and 12 rebounds) led the Wildcats.

Game two moved to a sold-out Perth Arena in front of 13,527 fans, where Jackson (14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Corletto (11 points) provided support for New Zealand, while Lisch (14 points), Redhage (14 points) and Jesse Wagstaff (10 points) led Perth. The Wildcats moved within one point with 28 seconds remaining, but Corletto made a free throw, Redhage missed a desperation attempt and the veteran guard converted two late free throws as New Zealand won 70-66, completed a clean sweep of the postseason and became the second team in NBL history to win three consecutive championships. Jackson was named Grand Final MVP, while the victory delivered Bruton his sixth NBL championship. Bruton (16 points and 1 steal) made four of five three-pointers and played 19 minutes in the win.

2013/14
After winning three consecutive championships, head coach Andrej Lemanis left New Zealand to lead the Australian Boomers, while Cedric Jackson (to Europe), Dillon Boucher (retirement), Leon Henry (to Southland) and Will Hudson also departed. Assistant Dean Vickerman was elevated to head coach and retained C.J. Bruton, Thomas Abercrombie, Mika Vukona, Alex Pledger, Daryl Corletto and Corey Webster, adding Kerron Johnson (via Belmont University), Darnell Lazare (via Sydney), Reuben Te Rangi (via Southland) and Jeremiah Trueman (via Perth).

New Zealand opened the season at Vector Arena on October 10 with a 92-73 win over Wollongong, where C.J. (3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) came off the bench in the first game of his final season.

Bruton (6.1 points across 27 games) delivered one of his three best scoring games in Cairns on October 19, where C.J. (15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made four three-pointers, while Johnson (18 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Vukona (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) also led New Zealand. Cameron Gliddon (24 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Demetri McCamey (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Cameron Tragardh (13 points and 6 rebounds) were best for Cairns as the Taipans held on 86-85.

The 1-3 start led Vickerman to release Lazare after four games and bring back Gary Wilkinson (via Europe) in late October. In December, C.J. announced he would retire at the end of the season just before his 500th NBL appearance, while persistent injuries restricted Pledger to 13 games and Casey Frank joined the team in January as his replacement.

On December 8, C.J. (4 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) played his 500th NBL game in Melbourne, but New Zealand fell 84-82 to the Tigers.

Bruton’s best scoring game of the season came in Cairns on March 1, where C.J. (16 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) made three three-pointers and seven free throws, with Abercrombie (17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks), Wilkinson (15 points and 8 rebounds) and Webster (14 points) also contributing. Jamar Wilson (33 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) controlled the game for Cairns, while Gliddon (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks) helped the Taipans win 92-87 and leave New Zealand’s playoff hopes in serious danger.

Bruton’s third-highest scoring game came on March 13, when C.J. (14 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Wilkinson (30 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals), Abercrombie (14 points and 8 rebounds) and Johnson (10 points and 10 assists) led New Zealand to a 106-78 win over Sydney that kept its slim playoff hopes alive, while A.J. Ogilvy (25 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Sam Young (24 points and 13 rebounds) were best for the Kings.

Abercrombie (15.5 points and 3.9 rebounds) finished as New Zealand’s leading scorer, narrowly ahead of Wilkinson (15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds), while Johnson (12.6 points and 4.3 assists) led the team in assists but struggled to replace Jackson’s impact at point guard. Vukona (11.3 points and 7.8 rebounds) led the team in rebounding and was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, while Pledger (10.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks across 13 games), Webster (8.5 points), Corletto (7.8 points), Frank (5.8 points across 13 games) and Te Rangi (5.4 points) rounded out the main rotation. Webster and Te Rangi produced career-high scoring averages, while Bruton was named in the Sydney Kings 25th Anniversary Team on October 10.

Unable to put more than two consecutive wins together, New Zealand finished seventh with an 11-17 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

On March 21, Bruton played his 516th and final NBL game before 7,947 fans at Vector Arena, with family and friends in attendance. New Zealand led 55-46 at half-time behind Vukona (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Wilkinson (16 points and 8 rebounds) and Webster (13 points and 4 rebounds), but Cairns recovered behind Alex Loughton (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Cameron Gliddon (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists), Demetri McCamey (18 points and 3 assists) and Matt Burston (12 points and 12 rebounds) to win 95-83. C.J. (11 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) played 29:10 minutes in the loss.

Also this season, Bruton was also named in the Sydney Kings 25th Anniversary Team (10 October 2013) in recognition of his efforts during his time in with the club.

CJ Bruton played seventeen seasons across six NBL teams. This included the Perth Wildcats, Canberra Cannons, Wollongong Hawks, Sydney Kings, Brisbane Bullets and New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 14.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 516 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 11th in total games played.
– 18th in total points
– 11th in total assists
– 13rd in total steals

HIGHLIGHTS: