NICKNAME/S: The Snake

BIO: Herb McEachin was born in Bronx, New York (USA).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Herb McEachin made his NBL debut with the Canberra Cannons at 24 years of age. He scored 18 points in his first game.

During the league’s first season, the Cannons would be led in scoring by Cal Stamp (23.8 ppg), who was one of three imports on the Cannons roster, the other two being McEachin (23.8 ppg) and Jerry Lee (8.9 ppg). Canberra finished the season with a equal record to Nunawading (13 wins and 5 losses) but would finish +2 points in their head-to-head matchups (1-1), propelling them into the Grand Final.

To crown the first champions of the national league, the first and second team’s would play off in a single game Grand Final clash. This saw St Kilda (1st) defeating Canberra (2nd), 94–93, to become the league’s first champions. Cal Stamp led Canberra in scoring with 32 points while his St Kilda counterpart Larry Sengstock finished the game with a career-high 33 points.

1982
McEachin was named the Cannons Most Valuable Player in 1982. He later re-signed with Canberra on a one year deal prior to the 1983 NBL season.

1983
The 1983 season ushered in a new era for the Canberra Cannons, with Bob Turner (via Newcastle) signing a three-year deal to become the team’s head coach. Turner overhauled the roster, building around three American imports—Wade Kirchmeyer, Dave Nelson, and Herb McEachin—while also securing Australian Boomers point guard Phil Smyth, who relocated to Canberra after a season of commuting from Adelaide to play for St Kilda. Together, they formed the core of a revamped Cannons outfit that would deliver the club its first NBL championship.

Among the imports, Herb McEachin stood out as a dynamic two-way contributor. He averaged 15.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks across 27 games, establishing himself as a consistent scoring option on the wing and a tenacious defender. McEachin’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends gave Canberra a vital edge, especially against high-powered offensive teams.

The Cannons posted a 16–6 regular season record, finishing fourth overall and second in the NBL’s Western Division behind only Geelong (18–4). With Kirchmeyer (20.9 points, 9.4 rebounds) leading the team in scoring and Nelson (19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds) adding punch in the frontcourt, McEachin’s balance of scoring and defence helped round out a formidable lineup. Smyth (14.6 points, 5.1 assists, and a league-leading 2.6 steals) also earned All-NBL First Team honours, bringing leadership and toughness to the backcourt.

In the 1983 NBL Finals, Canberra navigated the unusual divisional round-robin format with poise. The Cannons swept their group with wins over Nunawading (89–81), Geelong (86–81), and St Kilda (104–85), progressing to the semifinals unbeaten.

Facing the Coburg Giants in a high-stakes semi at Kilsyth Stadium, McEachin delivered when it mattered most—scoring 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting and converting both of his free throw attempts. He was instrumental on both ends of the floor, complementing strong efforts from Nelson (18 points), Kirchmeyer (17), and Smyth (20). Canberra’s efficiency at the line (20-of-22) proved decisive in a narrow 80–75 win.

In the Grand Final against reigning champions West Adelaide, McEachin once again stepped up. He led all Cannons scorers with 18 points on 50% shooting and was a critical factor in the team’s gritty 75–73 championship victory. His ability to match the Bearcats’ physicality and contribute under pressure helped neutralise offensive weapons like Leroy Loggins (23 points) and Al Green (18).

McEachin’s 1983 season was a testament to consistency and versatility. A reliable scorer and elite defender, he played a crucial role in Canberra’s rise from contenders to champions. His finals performances, particularly back-to-back 18-point outings in both the semi and Grand Final, underscored his value as a playoff performer and earned him a lasting place in Cannons history.

Herb McEachin played fourteen seasons the Canberra Cannons. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 341 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 31st in total points
– 31st in total steals

Dan Boyce (836 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.