BIO: Isiah Victor was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky (USA).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Isiah Victor made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 29 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.

Isiah Victor joined the Sydney Kings ahead of the 2007–08 NBL season as part of a roster overhaul aimed at reclaiming championship glory. After three consecutive championships from 2003–2005, the Kings had suffered setbacks, including a Grand Final loss in 2006 and a semi-final exit in 2007. Key additions included Glen Saville, Dontaye Draper, and Victor, while key departures included veteran Brad Sheridan and David Barlow. With head coach Brian Goorjian at the helm, the Kings dominated the regular season, finishing with a league-best 27–3 record, including an eight-game winning streak to close out the season. Victor averaged 10.8 points per game as part of a balanced attack where six players averaged double figures.

Sydney started strong, winning their first five games before an upset loss to West Sydney. The team rebounded with seven consecutive wins, showing their ability to overcome adversity. Mark Worthington (17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) delivered his best season to date, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Draper (13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) led in assists and steals, while Victor and Saville averaged 10.8 and 10.6 points per game, respectively.

In the semi-finals, the Kings faced the Perth Wildcats. Victor played a crucial role, contributing 13 points in Game 2 and 19 points in the deciding Game 3, as Sydney secured their spot in the Grand Final series. In the best-of-five finals against Melbourne, Victor’s impact peaked in Game 4. Facing elimination, he delivered a standout performance with 23 points and 9 rebounds, helping the Kings erase an 18-point deficit to force a decisive Game 5.

Although Sydney ultimately fell to Melbourne (85–73) in the final game, Victor proved instrumental in the Kings’ playoff run. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, particularly in Game 4, cemented his value to the team. The season ended on a somber note as the Kings faced financial turmoil, leading to the termination of their license.

2008/09: Perth Wildcats

After the collapse of the Sydney Kings, Isiah Victor joined the Perth Wildcats for the 2008–09 season. The Wildcats were in transition, with head coach Scott Fisher stepping down and Conner Henry taking over. Key roster changes included the addition of Victor and Darnell Hinson, who joined established stars Shawn Redhage, Alex Loughton, and Paul Rogers. Despite their promising lineup, the Wildcats struggled with injuries, particularly to Rogers and guards Adam Caporn and Brad Robbins.

Victor established himself as a key rotation player, averaging 12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 31 games. Redhage led the team in scoring and rebounding (19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists), earning All-NBL Second Team honours. Hinson (13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists) and Loughton (13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) also played significant roles.

Perth replicated their 2007–08 regular season performance, finishing fourth with a 17–13 record. They were dominant at home (11–4) but struggled on the road (6–9). Victor’s consistency added depth to the Wildcats, but the team lacked cohesion, particularly in crucial moments. Injuries further disrupted their rhythm, with Rogers returning mid-season only to suffer a season-ending back injury.

In the playoffs, Perth faced fifth-seeded Townsville in the Elimination Finals. Despite a strong effort, the Wildcats fell to the Crocodiles (103–96), ending their season abruptly. Victor’s playoff impact was limited as the team struggled to match Townsville’s intensity. The early exit marked the end of Conner Henry’s tenure as head coach, as the Wildcats sought to regroup for the following season.

Isiah Victor played two seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Sydney Kings and the Perth Wildcats. He averaged 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1 assists in 63 NBL games.

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.