BIO: Kevin Brooks was born in Beaufort, South Carolina (USA).

FAMILY: Brooks has two sons – Kyan, 8, and Kobe to his wife Melissa.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Kevin Brooks made his NBL debut with the Adelaide 36ers at 28 years of age. He scored 20 points in his first game.

After finishing seventh with a 14-16 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1992, Adelaide replaced Dave Claxton, who had coached the team for one season following Mike Dunlap’s unexpected departure, with former 36ers guard Phil Smyth. Imports Leon Trimmingham and Jeff Brown departed, while Brett Wheeler (to South East Melbourne), Brad McKinnon, Willie Simmons and Nathan Hawkes were also no longer with the club.

Captain Brett Maher rejected serious interest from Sydney and returned alongside Mark Davis, Martin Cattalini, John Rillie, Rupert Sapwell and Scott Ninnis. Smyth added Paul Rees (via North Melbourne), Darnell Mee (via Canberra), Dean Brogan (via AIS), Paul Bauer and Jason Williams.

After signing with Adelaide following a season in France, Mee recommended former Denver Nuggets teammate Kevin Brooks to Smyth. The 36ers signed Brooks to a two-year deal, although his unusual shooting action, which saw him release the ball almost from behind his head, initially left teammates wondering whether he would survive his first week in the NBL.

Brooks made his NBL debut against Townsville at the Clipsal Powerhouse on January 31, finishing with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal as Adelaide defeated the Crocodiles 125-86. Cattalini (26 points and 9 rebounds) and Davis (18 points and 11 rebounds) also impressed, while Smyth received an ovation which continued for almost two minutes before coaching his first NBL game.

Brooks (19.4 points and 6.7 rebounds across 31 games) quickly proved he could perform at NBL level, leading Adelaide in scoring as the 36ers won seven of their first eight games. Adelaide was less consistent after its strong start, going 12-10 across its remaining 22 regular-season games.

Brooks produced his first dominant double-double against Sydney on February 20, finishing with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Adelaide defeated the Kings 119-100. Maher (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Mee (14 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals) provided support as the 36ers collected their fourth consecutive victory.

Another major performance came against Canberra at the AIS Arena on April 11, where Brooks made five three-pointers and finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists as Adelaide defeated the Cannons 96-90. Maher (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) provided another perimeter threat, while Mee (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 blocks) controlled the defensive end.

Brooks’ best scoring game came in Wollongong on April 26, where he made eight three-pointers and finished with 34 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 114-100. Maher (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Mee (19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) provided support, while Clayton Ritter (33 points and 10 rebounds) was Wollongong’s best.

Brooks played only 14:35 against Wollongong on May 29, finishing with 6 points and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 112-89 behind Mee (20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals) and Rillie (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists). Smyth then rested Brooks for the final three regular-season games with a broken finger, with Adelaide losing to Newcastle, South East Melbourne and Brisbane before the playoffs.

Maher (17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals), Cattalini (15.8 points and 6.7 rebounds) and Mee (14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks) provided Adelaide’s other major scoring options. Rillie (9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds), Davis (9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds), Rees (7.4 points and 5.1 rebounds), Sapwell (6.1 points) and Ninnis (5.4 points) completed Smyth’s main rotation.

Despite losing its final three games, Adelaide finished second with a 19-11 record and recorded its highest number of regular-season victories since 1988.

The 36ers entered the semifinals against a Perth team which had lost only four games during the regular season. Adelaide had won two of the three meetings between the teams, defeating the Wildcats 103-87 and 106-97 at the Clipsal Powerhouse before losing 106-103 in Perth.

Before game one, Perth coach Alan Black suggested the Wildcats’ inside game would be Adelaide’s undoing, but Smyth responded, “Their concern should be how they’re going to guard us. Who’s going to guard Kevin, for example? Or Mahersy?”

The series opened at Challenge Stadium on June 19, where Brooks (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped Adelaide defeat Perth 114-97. After the Wildcats reduced a 17-point deficit to six during the third quarter, Brooks made two three-pointers in 18 seconds to restore Adelaide’s control, while Maher (36 points and 6 assists), Cattalini (20 points and 5 rebounds) and Mee (16 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the 36ers. James Crawford (22 points and 6 rebounds), Ricky Grace (20 points) and Scott Fisher (19 points and 10 rebounds) were Perth’s best as the Wildcats suffered only their fifth loss of the season.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Brooks (22 points and 4 rebounds) made four three-pointers as Adelaide defeated Perth 117-110 to complete the sweep. Maher (26 points), Cattalini (20 points and 5 rebounds), Rillie (19 points) and Mee (12 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) gave Adelaide a balanced attack, while Andrew Vlahov (32 points and 11 rebounds), Grace (26 points and 5 assists) and Fisher (18 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth.

The Grand Final matched Adelaide against defending champion South East Melbourne, which had finished first with a 26-4 record and swept Brisbane in the semifinals. The Magic had also defeated Adelaide in all three regular-season meetings, winning by two points at the Clipsal Powerhouse, three points at Melbourne Park and one point at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Brooks and Mee suggested the entire Adelaide team shave their heads before the Grand Final series.

“It was KB and Darnell who came up with the idea, but they already had nice tight cuts,” Sapwell later said.

The Grand Final opened at the Clipsal Powerhouse on June 28, where Brooks (24 points and 8 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 100-93 victory. Davis (16 points and 4 rebounds) and Cattalini (16 points and 8 rebounds) provided support, while Brett Wheeler (29 points and 9 rebounds), Clinton McDaniel (20 points) and Tony Ronaldson (18 points and 8 rebounds) led South East Melbourne.

Adelaide led by 19 points at halftime before the Magic reduced the margin to three with 43 seconds remaining. Brooks responded with a three-pointer and, after McDaniel answered from long range, drove the baseline for a reverse lay-up in traffic before collecting the defensive rebound which allowed Davis to complete the win from the free-throw line. The victory was only Adelaide’s second against South East Melbourne since the Magic was formed in 1992.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where the Magic had lost only once during the regular season. Brooks (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Cattalini (20 points and 6 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Maher (11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Mee (11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) helped the 36ers overwhelm South East Melbourne defensively. Wheeler (12 points and 5 rebounds) and Ronaldson (11 points and 6 rebounds) were the Magic’s only double-figure scorers.

Adelaide forced 26 turnovers while committing 14, converted 25-of-33 free throws compared to South East Melbourne’s 6-of-8 and held the Magic below 15 points in three quarters. The 36ers won 90-62 in front of more than 8,000 spectators, completed the Grand Final sweep, collected their first championship since 1986 and Brooks was named Grand Final MVP in the NBL’s final winter season.

1998
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 1992, Adelaide entered 1998 looking to recover from a disappointing 14-16 season. Dave Claxton, who had taken over following Mike Dunlap’s unexpected departure, was replaced after one year by former 36ers guard Phil Smyth. Despite having no previous head coaching experience beyond working as a specialist coach at the Australian Institute of Sport, Smyth was given the responsibility of rebuilding Adelaide’s championship hopes. Imports Leon Trimmingham and Jeff Brown departed, along with Brett Wheeler (to South East Melbourne), Brad McKinnon, Willie Simmons and Nathan Hawkes. Captain Brett Maher rejected serious interest from Sydney and returned alongside Mark Davis, Martin Cattalini, John Rillie, Rupert Sapwell and Scott Ninnis. Smyth added Paul Rees (via North Melbourne), Darnell Mee (via Canberra), Dean Brogan (via AIS), Paul Bauer and Jason Williams to complete the roster.

After spending the previous season in France while rehabilitating a knee injury, Mee joined Adelaide and recommended former Denver Nuggets teammate Kevin Brooks to Smyth. The 36ers signed Brooks to a two-year contract, securing an experienced former NBA forward who could provide scoring from both the perimeter and inside. His arrival initially caused some concern among his new teammates, largely because of an unconventional shooting action which saw him release the ball almost from behind his head. Several players wondered whether he would survive his first week in the NBL, but his ability to consistently make difficult shots quickly changed their opinions.

Brooks made his NBL debut against Townsville at the Clipsal Powerhouse on January 31, recording 20 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal while making four three-pointers as Adelaide defeated the Suns 125-86. Cattalini (26 points and 9 rebounds) led the 36ers in scoring, while Davis (18 points and 11 rebounds) controlled the interior. Smyth also received an ovation lasting almost two minutes before coaching his first NBL game, with Adelaide beginning its new era with a convincing 39-point victory.

Brooks (19.4 points and 6.7 rebounds across 31 games) immediately established himself as Adelaide’s most productive scorer, using his unorthodox shooting release to stretch opposing defences and create additional opportunities for the team’s other offensive weapons. The 36ers opened the season with seven victories from their first eight games, including wins against North Melbourne, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Although Adelaide’s form became less consistent after its strong start, winning 12 of its remaining 22 regular-season games, Brooks remained a central part of Smyth’s offence.

One of Brooks’ first dominant performances came against Sydney at the Clipsal Powerhouse on February 20, where he finished with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Adelaide defeated the Kings 119-100. Brooks made four three-pointers and collected 13 defensive rebounds, while Maher (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) recorded another double-double and Mee (14 points, 8 assists, and 2 steals) helped direct Adelaide’s offence. Aaron Trahair (19 points and 9 rebounds) led Sydney, but the Kings were unable to match the 36ers, who collected their second consecutive victory during a six-game winning streak.

Brooks produced one of his most complete performances against Canberra at the AIS Arena on April 11, finishing with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists as Adelaide defeated the Cannons 96-90. He made five three-pointers, converted eight of his nine free throws and collected five offensive rebounds during an outstanding all-round game. Maher (21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) provided support, while Mee (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 blocks) delivered an extraordinary defensive performance. Robert Rose (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Mike McKay (23 points) led Canberra, but the Cannons could not contain Brooks’ combination of outside shooting and rebounding.

His highest-scoring performance came against Wollongong at Beaton Park on April 26, where Brooks made eight three-pointers and finished with 34 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 114-100. Brooks connected on 13-of-20 field goals, including eight of his 13 attempts from long range, while Maher (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Mee (19 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) added further scoring and playmaking. Clayton Ritter (33 points and 10 rebounds) was Wollongong’s best, but the Hawks were unable to overcome Adelaide’s perimeter shooting, with Brooks producing one of the strongest individual scoring performances of his debut NBL season.

Another significant victory came against Perth at the Clipsal Powerhouse on May 3, where Brooks (24 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) converted nine of his ten free throws as the 36ers defeated the Wildcats 106-97. Cattalini (24 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists) dominated the glass, while Mee (20 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided another double-double. The result gave Adelaide its second victory over Perth for the season and would prove important when the teams met again during the playoffs.

Adelaide produced its highest-scoring performance of the season against Sydney at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on May 10, where Brooks (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) made three three-pointers as the 36ers overwhelmed the Kings 147-121. Maher (32 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Mee (31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) combined for 63 points, with Adelaide scoring an extraordinary 55 points during the final quarter. The victory established a new mark for the most points Sydney had conceded in a home game and demonstrated the offensive firepower Adelaide had developed under Smyth.

Brooks suffered a broken finger late in the regular season, limiting his involvement against Wollongong at the Clipsal Powerhouse on May 29. He played only 14 minutes and 35 seconds, finishing with 6 points, 1 rebound, and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Hawks 112-89. Mee (20 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals) and Rillie (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the 36ers, while Elliot Hatcher (27 points) was Wollongong’s leading scorer. Smyth subsequently rested Brooks for Adelaide’s final three regular-season games to allow his finger to recover before the playoffs. Without their leading scorer, the 36ers lost to Newcastle (91-85), South East Melbourne (99-98) and Brisbane (101-89), entering the postseason on a three-game losing streak.

Maher (17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals across 34 games) remained Adelaide’s captain and leading Australian scorer, while Cattalini (15.8 points and 6.7 rebounds across 33 games) emerged as another reliable offensive option. Mee (14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 34 games) provided the 36ers with elite defensive pressure and playmaking, allowing Smyth to rely on four major scoring threats. Rillie (9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 33 games) and Davis (9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds across 32 games) remained important contributors, while Rees (7.4 points and 5.1 rebounds across 34 games), Sapwell (6.1 points across 34 games) and Ninnis (5.4 points across 30 games) completed Adelaide’s main rotation. Brogan (2.4 points across 17 games) provided additional frontcourt depth, with Bauer and Williams making brief appearances during their first NBL seasons. Brooks and Maher earned All-NBL Second Team honours as the 36ers finished second with a 19-11 record, recording their highest number of regular-season victories since 1988.

Adelaide entered the semifinals against a Perth team which had finished third with a 17-13 record and eliminated Wollongong in the opening round of the playoffs. The 36ers had won two of their three regular-season meetings with the Wildcats, recording victories of 103-87 and 106-97 at the Clipsal Powerhouse before narrowly losing 106-103 in Perth. Before the series, Wildcats coach Alan Black suggested Perth’s inside game would be Adelaide’s undoing, but Smyth was more concerned with how his opponent would defend the 36ers’ multiple scoring threats.

“Their concern should be how they’re going to guard us. Who’s going to guard Kevin, for example? Or Mahersy?” he responded.

The semifinal series opened at Challenge Stadium on June 19, where Brooks (10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) returned from his finger injury and helped Adelaide defeat Perth 114-97. After the Wildcats reduced a 17-point deficit to six during the third quarter, Brooks made two three-pointers in just 18 seconds to restore Adelaide’s control. Maher (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) made seven three-pointers during a career-high scoring performance, while Mee (16 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists) dominated the backcourt defensively and controlled the glass. James Crawford (22 points and 6 rebounds), Ricky Grace (20 points) and Scott Fisher (19 points and 10 rebounds) led Perth, but the Wildcats could not match Adelaide’s outside shooting as the 36ers took a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse on June 21, where Brooks (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) made four three-pointers as Adelaide defeated Perth 117-110 and completed the semifinal sweep. Maher (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) again controlled the scoring, while Cattalini (20 points and 5 rebounds) provided another strong contribution. Mee also collected 12 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block as Adelaide finished with six players scoring in double figures. Andrew Vlahov (32 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Grace (26 points and 5 assists) and Fisher (18 points and 11 rebounds) led Perth, but the 36ers’ balanced offence proved too difficult to contain as Adelaide advanced to its first Grand Final since 1994.

The Grand Final matched Adelaide against defending champion South East Melbourne, which had finished first with a 26-4 record and swept Brisbane during the semifinals. The Brian Goorjian-coached Magic had also defeated Adelaide in all three regular-season meetings, winning 96-94 at the Clipsal Powerhouse, 77-74 at Melbourne Park and 99-98 at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre. Despite the three defeats, the games had been decided by a combined six points, leaving Adelaide confident it could challenge the reigning champions. Before the series, Brooks and Mee suggested that every player on the Adelaide roster shave his head as a show of unity.

“It was KB and Darnell who came up with the idea, but they already had nice tight cuts,” Sapwell later recalled.

The Grand Final opened at the Clipsal Powerhouse on June 28, where Brooks (24 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) led Adelaide to a 100-93 victory over South East Melbourne. Davis (16 points and 4 rebounds) and Cattalini (16 points and 8 rebounds) provided further scoring, while former Adelaide centre Brett Wheeler (29 points and 9 rebounds), Clinton McDaniel (20 points) and Tony Ronaldson (18 points and 8 rebounds) led the Magic. The 36ers built a 19-point halftime advantage before South East Melbourne fought back and reduced the margin to three with 43 seconds remaining. Brooks responded with a crucial three-pointer and, after McDaniel answered from long range, drove the baseline for a reverse lay-up in traffic before collecting the defensive rebound which allowed Davis to complete the win from the free-throw line. The victory was only Adelaide’s second against South East Melbourne since the Magic was formed in 1992 and gave the 36ers a 1-0 Grand Final lead.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on July 1, where South East Melbourne had lost only once during the regular season. Brooks (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) again led Adelaide’s scoring, with Cattalini (20 points and 6 rebounds) providing another outstanding offensive contribution. Mee (11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) helped the 36ers overwhelm the Magic defensively, while Wheeler (12 points and 5 rebounds) and Ronaldson (11 points and 6 rebounds) were South East Melbourne’s only double-figure scorers. Adelaide forced 26 turnovers while committing just 14, converted 25-of-33 free throws compared to the Magic’s 6-of-8 and held South East Melbourne below 15 points in three quarters. In front of more than 8,000 spectators, the 36ers completed a dominant 90-62 victory, swept the Grand Final series 2-0 and collected their first NBL championship since 1986, with Brooks awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal as Grand Final MVP in the league’s final winter season.

1998/99
After winning the 1998 NBL championship, Adelaide entered the league’s first summer season without John Rillie (to West Sydney), Dean Brogan (to Newcastle) and Scott Ninnis, who retired from playing and joined Phil Smyth’s coaching staff. Captain Brett Maher, Darnell Mee, Martin Cattalini, Mark Davis, Paul Rees, Rupert Sapwell, Paul Bauer and Jason Williams returned, while Smyth added David Stiff (via North Melbourne) to pair with Davis as the team’s two-headed centre combination.

Kevin Brooks appeared lost to Adelaide after the 36ers were unable to offer him anywhere near the money available in Europe and South America because of the salary cap. Adelaide considered replacing him with Adelaide-born centre Paul Rogers, who eventually joined Perth, before Smyth’s continued efforts convinced Brooks to return on a one-year deal.

“There was never any doubt I wanted to come back and help defend the title but as professionals us players have to market ourselves at the highest possible price and my agent was adamant I could earn a lot more money elsewhere. I started to look at other possibilities in Spain, Italy and Turkey where I was being offered 30-40 per cent more money than I’m getting here but in the end Adelaide was the place I wanted to be,” Brooks said.

Adelaide opened its championship defence against Perth at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 10, where Brooks finished with 22 points and made four three-pointers, but the Wildcats defeated the 36ers 106-96. Cattalini (20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks) and Mee (18 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals) provided support, while Scott Fisher (26 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Perth.

Brooks (17.3 points and 6.1 rebounds) remained one of Adelaide’s leading offensive players during his second NBL season, but the defending champions won only two of their opening six games and fell to 2-4 after consecutive home losses against West Sydney and Brisbane. The 36ers recovered by winning five of their next six games before ending the regular season with nine wins from their final 10 games.

One of Brooks’ strongest performances came against Perth on December 5, where he finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but the Wildcats defeated Adelaide 93-90 at the Perth Entertainment Centre. Davis (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Maher (15 points and 4 steals) provided support, while Rogers (25 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Perth.

Brooks delivered another double-double against Townsville at the Clipsal Powerhouse on February 6, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block as Adelaide defeated the Crocodiles 96-84. Maher (20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Stiff (14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block) helped the 36ers collect their fifth consecutive victory, while Robert Rose (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Townsville’s best.

Maher (19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) led Adelaide in scoring, while Cattalini (14.9 points and 7 rebounds) and Mee (14.8 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1.2 blocks) gave the 36ers four major contributors. Stiff (9.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks), Davis (8.9 points and 4.2 rebounds), Sapwell (7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds) and Rees (6.2 points and 4.2 rebounds) completed Smyth’s main rotation.

Brooks and Maher earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Mee was named the NBL Best Defensive Player.

Adelaide entered its final regular-season game in Townsville needing a victory and Melbourne to lose against Perth to claim the minor premiership. Brooks produced his best scoring performance of the season, finishing with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals as the 36ers defeated the Crocodiles 107-92, with Maher (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Mee (15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) providing support, while Rose (25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Townsville. Perth defeated Melbourne, allowing Adelaide to complete a 9-1 finish and claim its first minor premiership since 1988 with an 18-8 record.

Adelaide opened the qualifying finals against a Perth team which had won two of the three regular-season meetings between the clubs, including both games at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

Game one was played at Challenge Stadium, where Brooks (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) made six three-pointers and led Adelaide to a 99-87 victory. Davis (18 points and 5 rebounds), Maher (14 points) and Mee (13 points, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) helped the 36ers take control of the series, while Andrew Vlahov (26 points and 8 rebounds), Fisher (20 points and 14 rebounds) and Anthony Stewart (18 points and 5 assists) led Perth.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Brooks (5 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block) contributed as Adelaide defeated Perth 97-80 to complete the sweep. Mee (25 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Maher (22 points) and Cattalini (16 points and 8 rebounds) led the 36ers, while Fisher (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists), Ricky Grace (16 points and 5 assists) and Vlahov (12 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks) were Perth’s best.

The semifinals matched Adelaide against a Wollongong team which the 36ers had defeated in two of their three regular-season meetings.

The series opened at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Brooks (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), Maher (25 points and 7 rebounds) and Cattalini (14 points and 5 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 93-81 victory. Clayton Ritter (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals), Mat Campbell (15 points) and CJ Bruton (13 points and 5 assists) led Wollongong.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Wollongong led by 16 points late in the third quarter and remained ahead 88-85 with 9.9 seconds remaining. Sapwell missed a three-pointer, but Stiff saved the rebound from going out of bounds and returned the ball to Sapwell, who made a three-pointer to force overtime. Brooks (16 points and 7 rebounds), Stiff (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 blocks), Maher (19 points) and Sapwell (11 points) helped Adelaide complete a 99-98 victory and sweep its second consecutive series, while Bruton (27 points), Campbell (20 points) and Ritter (9 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Hawks.

Adelaide entered the Grand Final undefeated during the postseason against the Victoria Titans, a new club formed through the merger of the South East Melbourne Magic and North Melbourne Giants. The 36ers had defeated Victoria in both regular-season meetings, including a 93-91 Boxing Day victory at Melbourne Park.

The Grand Final opened at Melbourne Park, where Brooks (12 points and 4 rebounds) contributed as Adelaide defeated Victoria 104-94. Maher (31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) made six three-pointers, while Mee (25 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) controlled his match-up with Darryl McDonald and forced the Titans guard into eight turnovers. McDonald (23 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Tony Ronaldson (19 points) and Ben Pepper (18 points) led Victoria.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Brooks (12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) struggled from the field as Victoria defeated Adelaide 88-82 and levelled the series. Maher (25 points), Cattalini (12 points) and Rees (11 points) provided Adelaide’s other double-figure scorers, while Ronaldson (22 points), Brett Wheeler (18 points and 9 rebounds), Jason Smith (15 points) and McDonald (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Titans.

The deciding game remained at the Clipsal Powerhouse because Adelaide had finished first during the regular season, with the 36ers holding Victoria to 32 first-half points before completing an 80-69 victory in front of more than 7,000 supporters. Cattalini (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Maher (15 points and 7 rebounds), Brooks (13 points and 6 rebounds) and Sapwell (13 points) led Adelaide, while Pepper (15 points) and Ronaldson (15 points) were Victoria’s leading scorers as the 36ers became the first team to win consecutive NBL championships since Perth in 1990 and 1991 and Maher was named Grand Final MVP.

SYDNEY KINGS
1999/00
After helping Adelaide win consecutive NBL championships in 1998 and 1998/99, Kevin Brooks was expected to remain with the 36ers as they pursued a third straight title. However, Adelaide’s attempt to retain its championship roster was complicated by the addition of Paul Maley, with the NBL refusing to register Brooks’ new contract amid concerns that the club would exceed the salary cap. Meanwhile, Sydney was attempting to rebuild after finishing ninth with a 9-17 record the previous season. The Kings replaced Bill Tomlinson with Brett Brown, their fourth head coach in six seasons, and added Ben Melmeth (via Newcastle), Derek Moore (via South Carolina-Aiken University) and reigning NBL Most Valuable Player Steve Woodberry (via Brisbane) to a young Australian core featuring Matthew Nielsen, Aaron Trahair and Scott McGregor. Acie Earl also returned, giving Sydney what appeared to be one of the league’s strongest rosters on paper.

The Kings opened their campaign at the Sydney SuperDome on October 2, defeating Canberra 98-76 behind Melmeth (22 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Trahair (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists). Earl (8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks) contributed defensively but struggled to reproduce the form that had made him one of the league’s most dominant imports the previous season. Randy Rutherford (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Canberra, but Sydney controlled the contest to give Brown a winning start. Despite the result, concerns surrounding Earl’s conditioning led to his release before the Kings’ next game, creating an unexpected opportunity for Brooks.

Brooks (16.8 points and 6.2 rebounds across 27 games) joined Sydney after the NBL declined to approve his proposed contract with Adelaide. The decision was controversial, with the league raising salary-cap concerns despite no breach being established. Having won the 1998 Grand Final MVP award and earned All-NBL First Team honours in 1998/99, Brooks arrived as a proven championship performer who had averaged 17.3 points and 6.1 rebounds across 33 games the previous season. Sydney signed him as Earl’s replacement, immediately giving Brown another experienced scoring forward alongside Nielsen and Melmeth. Brooks would appear in every remaining regular-season game, averaging 41.2 minutes as he became one of the Kings’ most dependable offensive contributors.

Brooks made his Sydney debut against expansion club Cairns at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 12, recording 16 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 7-of-10 from the field as the Kings defeated the Taipans 104-78. Nielsen (21 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney in scoring, while Melmeth (15 points and 10 rebounds) delivered another double-double. Ricky Robinson (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) was Cairns’ leading performer, but the Kings’ frontcourt proved too strong. The result gave Sydney consecutive victories to begin the season, although the promising start was followed by three straight defeats as Brown struggled to establish a settled rotation.

Woodberry (7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals across 4 games) was another high-profile addition whose time in Sydney ended prematurely. The reigning MVP suffered a leg injury and failed to reproduce the form he had shown with Brisbane, with his final appearance coming against Wollongong at the WIN Entertainment Centre on October 17. Brooks (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) struggled to find his shooting touch, converting just four of 11 field goals, while Nielsen (20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Kings. Woodberry (4 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) also struggled offensively, with CJ Bruton (26 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) leading Wollongong to a convincing 99-77 victory. Woodberry was subsequently released after just four appearances, leaving the Kings searching for another import guard.

Sydney responded by signing Drew Barry (7.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 8 games), the son of NBA legend Rick Barry, who arrived with previous NBA experience. Barry provided additional playmaking and ball-handling alongside Trahair, allowing Brooks and Nielsen to concentrate on their scoring roles in the frontcourt. However, his offensive production failed to meet expectations, and the Kings continued struggling with consistency despite having several established scorers. Barry was eventually released in December after eight appearances, becoming the third import from Sydney’s original plans to depart during the opening months of the season.

Brooks produced his most impressive offensive performance of the season against Wollongong at the WIN Entertainment Centre on December 17, exploding for a season-high 32 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Sydney recorded an impressive 120-97 victory. He connected on 12-of-17 field goals, including six of seven three-pointers, and converted both free throws in one of the most efficient scoring displays of his NBL career. Nielsen (33 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks) also delivered his highest-scoring performance of the season, while Trahair (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) helped organise an offence that overwhelmed the Hawks. Bruton (31 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Wollongong, with Melvin Thomas (24 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) providing further support, but the Hawks were unable to contain Sydney’s inside-outside combination as Brooks and Nielsen combined for 65 points.

The following evening Sydney suffered a major setback against Perth at the Sydney SuperDome, with Brooks (12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) unable to reproduce his outstanding shooting performance from the previous game. Moore (18 points and 9 rebounds) and Darren Smith (17 points) provided the Kings’ leading scoring contributions, while Paul Rogers (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 1 block) dominated the paint for Perth. Andrew Vlahov (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) also provided a strong presence inside as the Wildcats handed Sydney a 115-84 defeat. The 31-point loss exposed the Kings’ defensive problems and their inability to consistently compete with the league’s leading teams.

Following Barry’s departure, Sydney signed Kendrick Johnson (21.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across 12 games), hoping another aggressive perimeter scorer could help stabilise the team. Johnson immediately became the Kings’ primary offensive weapon, giving Brooks and Nielsen another threat on the perimeter and relieving some of the scoring responsibility that had fallen on the frontcourt. The repeated import changes had disrupted Brown’s plans, but Johnson’s arrival gave Sydney an opportunity to establish a more balanced offence during the second half of the season.

Johnson made an immediate impact in his debut against cross-town rivals West Sydney at the Whitlam Centre on December 30, producing 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists as the Kings recorded their largest victory of the season, defeating the Razorbacks 123-87. Brooks (26 points and 9 rebounds) delivered another outstanding shooting performance, making 10-of-15 field goals, including four three-pointers, while Trahair (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) also connected on four shots from beyond the arc. Cheikh Ya Ya Dia (25 points, 17 rebounds, and 4 blocks) dominated the glass for West Sydney, but Sydney’s new-look offence proved too strong. The victory demonstrated the scoring potential of the Kings’ revised import combination, with Johnson and Brooks combining for 57 points.

Sydney’s inconsistency remained evident against Canberra at the AIS Arena on January 8, where Brooks (11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) struggled offensively, converting just three of 10 field goals. Trahair (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) produced his highest-scoring game of the season, while Johnson (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists) provided additional support. Troy Pilon (18 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Clayton Ritter (18 points and 8 rebounds) led Canberra, helping the Cannons withstand Sydney’s challenge and secure a 108-105 victory. The loss began a four-game losing streak that further damaged the Kings’ hopes of returning to the playoffs.

One of Sydney’s heaviest defeats came against Victoria at the Sydney SuperDome on January 22, where Brooks (20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) led the Kings in scoring while connecting on four three-pointers. Nielsen (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) recorded a double-double, with McGregor (12 points and 6 rebounds) providing further support. Brett Wheeler (20 points and 8 rebounds) and Jason Smith (19 points and 7 rebounds) led Victoria, which overwhelmed Sydney 106-75. The 31-point defeat equalled the Kings’ loss to Perth as their heaviest of the season and highlighted the defensive shortcomings that continued to undermine their talented roster.

Despite the disappointing results, Brooks remained one of Sydney’s most consistent offensive contributors, scoring in double figures in 25 of his 27 appearances and reaching 20 points on nine occasions. His ability to stretch the floor from the forward position gave the Kings a valuable scoring option, particularly alongside Nielsen (16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds across 28 games), who continued developing into one of the league’s most promising young Australian players and was named Sydney’s team MVP. Trahair (15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 28 games) remained a dependable presence in the backcourt, while McGregor (10.3 points and 5 rebounds across 27 games) provided further scoring and rebounding. Melmeth (11.5 points and 8.7 rebounds across 13 games) had delivered strong interior production during the opening months, although he appeared in fewer than half the team’s games. Moore (9.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across 28 games) emerged as an important defensive contributor and was named NBL Rookie of the Year, one of the few individual league honours to come from Sydney’s campaign.

Brooks continued battling through the closing weeks, producing another strong all-around performance against Wollongong at the Sydney SuperDome on March 4. He finished with 21 points, a season-high 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, making six of 11 field goals, including three three-pointers, and all six free throws. Nielsen (23 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists) also recorded a double-double, while Johnson (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) provided additional scoring. Matt Garrison (27 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Wollongong, with Melvin Thomas (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributing further support, as the Hawks escaped with a narrow 98-97 victory. The one-point defeat extended Sydney’s losing streak to three games and effectively ended any remaining hopes of returning to the playoffs.

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Sydney completed its season against Victoria at the Sydney SuperDome on March 11, where Brooks (8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) endured his most difficult shooting performance of the year, converting just one of nine field goals. Moore (20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) produced one of his strongest games of the season, while Johnson (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided additional scoring. Frank Drmic (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Victoria, which defeated Sydney 87-80 to hand the Kings their fourth consecutive loss. The defeat completed an 11-17 regular season, leaving Sydney ninth and outside the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, with Brooks returning to Adelaide for the 2000/01 season.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2000/01
After falling short of a third straight championship, Adelaide lost Martin Cattalini (to Spain), while Brett Maher, Darnell Mee, David Stiff, Paul Maley, Paul Rees, Mark Davis, Rupert Sapwell and Jason Williams returned for coach Phil Smyth.

Smyth added Kevin Brooks (via Sydney), bringing the former Grand Final MVP back after his one-and-done season with the Kings, and Mark Nash (via Brisbane) to help cover the wing minutes opened by Cattalini’s departure.

Adelaide opened the season with a 92-84 road win over reigning champion Perth and quickly raced to a league-best 5-0 start, but the 36ers were soon battling injuries and inconsistency. Brooks (19.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 34 games) returned to his Adelaide production after a quieter year in Sydney, while Stiff (7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) aggravated a groin injury that was later diagnosed as osteitis pubis.

Maher (20.9 points, 5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Mee (18.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks) kept Adelaide dangerous, while Nash (9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), Maley (9 points and 3 rebounds), Rees (6.9 points and 5 rebounds), Davis (6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds), Sapwell (6 points) and Jason Williams (4.7 points) rounded out the rotation.

Brooks endured some rough patches during the year, including Adelaide’s 104-98 overtime win over Wollongong on 3 February, where Brooks (5 points on 2-of-15 shooting) struggled before Rees (15 points in the final quarter and 13 rebounds) dragged the 36ers over the line.

The 36ers won only one of their final seven regular-season games and entered the playoffs on a four-game losing streak, finishing sixth with a 16-12 record. Mee was named to the All-NBL First Team and won his third straight NBL Best Defensive Player award, while the season would also become the final Adelaide run for Brooks before he left for Södertälje BBK in Sweden.

Adelaide opened the playoffs against first-placed Victoria at home and dropped game one 96-101, with Chris Anstey (27 points and 16 rebounds) leading the Titans before Jason Smith suffered a serious knee injury late in the game.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Adelaide responded with a 96-83 win to force a deciding game, with the 36ers taking advantage of Smith’s absence and regaining control of the series.

Game three stayed in Melbourne, where Tony Ronaldson was unable to play and Adelaide completed the upset with a 115-103 win. Brooks (25 points and 7 rebounds across the three-game series) and Mee (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists across the series) led the 36ers into the semifinals.

The semifinals opened in Adelaide, where Wollongong edged the 36ers 84-83 despite Brooks (21 points), Maher (18 points and 6 assists) and Stiff (10 points and 10 rebounds) keeping Adelaide in control for long stretches. Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Melvin Thomas (18 points and 13 rebounds) led the Hawks, with Adelaide left frustrated after Thomas’ foul on Mee in the final moments was ignored, followed by Melvin Thomas’ clear foul on Stiff as he grabbed a rebound also going uncalled.

Game two moved to Wollongong, where Adelaide responded with a 111-100 win behind Brooks (30 points), Mee (24 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals), Maher (20 points and 6 assists) and Stiff (9 points and 8 rebounds), while Axel Dench (26 points) and Glen Saville (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Hawks. The 36ers hit 8-of-12 threes in the final quarter and outscored Wollongong 36-18 to force a deciding game at The Sandpit.

The series finale became an instant NBL classic, with Brooks (26 points), Maley (21 points) and Nash (20 points) leading Adelaide, while Melvin Thomas (28 points and 11 rebounds) and Mat Campbell (19 points) kept Wollongong close. Brooks hit several huge shots in the fourth quarter, including a three that tied the game at 94-94, another that put Adelaide ahead 104-103, and a late free throw that gave the 36ers a 108-106 lead before a controversial final-second foul call on Mee sent Damon Lowery to the free-throw line after the buzzer. Lowery hit all three free throws, handing Wollongong a 109-108 win.

HUNTER PIRATES
2003/04
As a result of Canberra’s NBL licence moving to Newcastle, former Cannons players Brendan Mann, Matthew Shanahan and Cameron Rigby all came across to the Pirates to form the beginnings of the Pirates roster. Hunter chose not to retain Cannons coach Cal Bruton and signed Bruce Palmer as their first head coach.

Hunter signed rookie point guard Chris Harriman (via Augusta State) straight out of college and filled the remainder of the roster with low-cost imports Kevin Brooks and Chris Brown, local players Josh Morgan and Adam Melmeth, and a number of players who had been discarded by their former clubs like Geordie Cullen (via Wollongong), Michael Kingma (via Sydney) and Travis Lindstrom (via Perth) who were all unable to secure deals elsewhere.

It took six games before the Pirates won their first game, a four-point victory over Adelaide at home (103–99) and then managed to win only one more, a home win against Cairns (109–103) and ended their first season on a 15-game losing streak. Their two win season was the second worst in NBL history (outside of Geelong’s zero win season in 1988).

Initial coach Bruce Palmer was controversially fired partway into the season and was replaced by assistant coach David Simmons but that made little difference to the team’s success.

Cullen (17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) would lead the team in scoring and win the league’s Most Improved Player award at the end of the season. Kevin Brooks (16.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists), Matthew Shanahan (15.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists) and Chris Brown (10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) would lead the team in scoring. Starting point guard Brendan Mann (9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) suffered a season ending injury only three games into the season, resulting in rookie Chris Harriman (7.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4 assists) stepping into the starting lineup. Harriman would narrowly miss out of winning the Rookie of the Year award, finishing second to West Sydney’s Steven Markovic.

His season in Newcastle would be his final season in the league as a player.

Kevin Brooks played five seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Adelaide 36ers, Sydney Kings and Hunter Pirates. He averaged 18 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 158 NBL games.

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