NICKNAME/S: Wild Kyle

BIO: Kyle Adnam was born and raised in Melbourne, Victoria and played junior basketball for the Mt. Evelyn Meteors. In 2013, Adnam played in the Victorian Youth Championship (VYC) for the Kilsyth Cobras, a season which culminated in him scoring 37 points in the VYC Grand Final, to lead the Cobras to victory. He subsequently earned VYC All-Star Five honours and was named the league MVP. In 24 games for the Cobras in 2013, he averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.1 assist and 1.4 steals per game.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Kyle Adnam made his NBL debut with the Adelaide 36ers at 20 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

In August 2013, Adnam was selected to train with the Adelaide 36ers during the NBL Preseason. The following month, he was named a 36ers’ development player for the 2013/14 NBL season. He appeared in three games for the 36ers in 2013/14, scoring a total of four points.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
2014/15
Adnam’s Youth Player of the Year effort in the SEABL earned him a development player spot on the Wollongong Hawks squad for the 2014/15 NBL season. He appeared in six games for the Hawks in 2014/15, scoring a total of eight points.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2015/16
On 18 September 2015, Adnam signed with Melbourne United as a development player for the 2015/16 NBL season. On 12 February 2016, in the team’s second last game of the season, with three starters resting in preparation for the finals, Adnam scored a team-high 16 points in 28 minutes off the bench in a 100–63 loss to the New Zealand Breakers in Auckland. United finished on top of the ladder during the regular season with a 18–10 record. However, in their semi-final series against the fourth-seeded New Zealand Breakers, United were swept 2–0 to bow out of the playoffs. Adnam appeared in eight games for United in 2015/16, averaging 2.3 points per game.

2016/17
Kyle Adnam re-joined Melbourne United as a development player for the 2016/17 NBL season. This year, with the league allowing three import players per team, Melbourne replaced import duo Stephen Holt and Hakim Warrick with Cedric Jackson, Ramone Moore, and Devin Williams. They essentially signed a fourth import by adding Tai Wesley (via New Zealand), who was able to sign as a local under the Asian player rule. Additionally, they swapped one Boomers big man for another, with David Anderson (via Europe) replacing Daniel Kickert (to Sydney).

In coach Dean Demopoulos’ second season, United got off to a slow start (3-7), with Jackson (10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals) being shown the door early due to a poor attitude and a failure to buy into the team’s defensive principles.

Casper Ware arrived as Jackson’s replacement, immediately altering the team’s fortunes.

Around this time, Chris Goulding (17.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals), who had missed six games with ankle problems, began to regain form, while David Barlow (5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) made his return from a calf injury that had sidelined him for two years.

Behind Ware (22.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals) and a healthier roster, United turned things around, winning 10 of their last 18 games.

With the playoffs still within reach, Devin Williams (3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds) lasted 16 games before being released, as both media and fans called for an import change due to his lack of production. With a third of the season remaining, Josh Boone (10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks) joined the team and made an immediate impact, cleaning up missed shots from Ware and Goulding and finishing as the league’s leading rebounder. Boone also ranked as Melbourne’s top performer in several advanced metrics, including PER, ORtg, DRtg, eFG%, TRB%, and BLK%.

While Ramone Moore (10.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) avoided Jackson’s fate, he failed to make the desired impact as an import.

Injuries and offensive struggles defined United’s season. Tai Wesley (8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) and Majok Majok (5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks) were the only two players to compete in all 28 games. Due to import turnover and injury issues, just six players suited up for at least 75% of the games. Melbourne also finished with the second-worst true shooting percentage in the league and posted a 2-5 record in games decided by five points or fewer.

On 4 November 2016, Adnam scored a team-high 19 points off the bench in an overtime loss to New Zealand (98–92). He played in 20 games, averaging 3.6 points and 1.2 assists in 9 minutes per game.

Ware earned a spot in the All-NBL First Team, despite playing just 18 games. United’s strong finish left fans optimistic about the future, as evidenced by the near-capacity crowd of 9,545 that turned out for Melbourne’s final home game, even though the team had nothing to play for.

In Demopoulos’ second year as head coach, his struggles managing player relationships became well-known, with tensions between him and the team’s veterans becoming public by season’s end. The divide between the veterans and Demopoulos, known for his competitive nature, ultimately contributed to United’s inability to replicate the previous season’s success. They finished in sixth place (13-15), and both parties parted ways at the season’s conclusion.

2017/18
On 7 April 2017, after spending time as a development player with Adelaide (2014), Illawarra (2015) and Melbourne (2016/17), Adnam was finally offered a spot on Melbourne United’s full-time NBL roster in 2018.

Adnam re-signed with Melbourne United on a two-year contract and in a statement game scored a career-high 23 points with six three-pointers in a 99–79 win over the Adelaide 36ers in United’s second game of the season, 14 October 2017.

Melbourne United dominated the NBL in 2017/18 and after finishing on top of the ladder with a 20-8 record the eliminated New Zealand in two straight games in the semifinals before claiming the NBL championship against the Adelaide 36ers in five games. Adnam averaged 3.5 points per game and played in all 30 games for the season.

SYDNEY KINGS
2018/19
After finishing seventh with an 11-17 record in 2017/18 and missing the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season, Sydney retained Andrew Gaze for a third season as coach and overhauled the roster. Perry Ellis (to Cantù), Jason Cadee (to Brisbane), Todd Blanchfield (to Illawarra), Tom Garlepp (retired) and Isaac Humphries (to FMP Beograd) departed, while Jerome Randle re-signed alongside returning captain Kevin Lisch and Brad Newley. The Kings added Andrew Bogut following 13 seasons in the NBA, Daniel Kickert (via Brisbane), David Wear (via Osaka Evessa), Deng Deng (via McKinnon), Tom Wilson (via Melbourne) and Kyle Adnam (via Melbourne). Sydney also became the first NBL team to utilise the league’s new Next Stars program, signing McDonald’s All-American Brian Bowen as he prepared for the NBA Draft.

Despite being contracted for another season with Melbourne United, Adnam parted ways with the club by mutual agreement on May 15 after seeking greater opportunities, having been a member of United’s 2018 championship team. The following day, he signed with Sydney for the 2018/19 season, with Randle, Lisch and Bogut among those who had pushed for the Kings to add him as their backup point guard. Adnam was also playing for the Nelson Giants in New Zealand at the time and attended an NBA mini-camp with the Dallas Mavericks in June. “We feel that Kyle will be a valuable addition to our roster. He brings energy and quickness,” Gaze said.

The Kings travelled to Hawaii to face the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBLxNBA series on September 30, where Adnam (6 points) came off the bench as Sydney twice closed the margin to one point before eventually losing 110-91. Randle (25 points) and Lisch (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Kings, but Sydney was unable to match the Clippers’ speed and size late in the game.

Sydney opened the regular season against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena on October 13, where Adnam (3 points and 4 rebounds) came off the bench in a 94-83 loss. Randle (28 points and 7 assists) and Kickert (14 points) led the Kings, while Daniel Johnson (22 points and 10 rebounds) was Adelaide’s best.

Adnam (6.7 points across 30 games) brought energy and quickness off the bench, providing a change of pace behind Randle and Lisch and frequently pressuring opposing defences with his aggressive style. He appeared in all 28 regular-season games and both semifinals and did not miss a game through injury, with his two starts coming when Sydney’s veteran guards were unavailable.

His best scoring game came against New Zealand at Spark Arena on October 21, where Adnam (15 points and 5 assists) made six of nine shots, including three three-pointers, as Sydney defeated the Breakers 101-78 for its first win of the season. Lisch (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Randle (15 points and 6 assists) provided support, while Tai Wesley (22 points and 4 rebounds) led New Zealand.

Adnam’s best game of the season came against New Zealand at Qudos Bank Arena on November 18. With Lisch ruled out following an accidental collision at training which left him with a jaw injury, Adnam (14 points, 3 assists, and 1 block) was promoted into the starting lineup for only the second start of his NBL career and helped Sydney defeat the Breakers 100-87. Randle (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bogut (17 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks) led the Kings, while Shawn Long (25 points and 8 rebounds) was New Zealand’s best.

Midway through the season, Sydney added Ray Turner (via Bendigo) to provide additional frontcourt depth while Bogut managed back tightness, with Turner (4.5 points across 10 games) remaining with the Kings through the playoffs.

Randle (17.9 points and 4.2 assists across 29 games) led Sydney in scoring and was named to the All-NBL Second Team, while Lisch (14.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals across 29 games) remained one of the league’s stronger two-way guards. Bogut (11.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.7 blocks across 30 games) anchored the interior, winning the Andrew Gaze Trophy as NBL Most Valuable Player, the league’s Best Defensive Player award and All-NBL First Team honours. Newley (10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds across 30 games), Kickert (9.4 points across 30 games), Wear (6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds across 30 games) and Bowen (6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds across 30 games) provided the remaining major support.

With Randle sidelined by a glute injury for Sydney’s final regular-season game against Cairns on February 16, Adnam (13 points) moved into the starting lineup and played more than 27 minutes as the Kings defeated the Taipans 89-84 at Qudos Bank Arena. Newley (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Lisch (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Sydney, while Melo Trimble (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Cairns’ best. The victory completed an 18-10 regular season, leaving Sydney third and sending the Kings to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Before the semifinals began, it was confirmed Gaze would leave Sydney at the completion of the season, with the Kings drawing defending champion Melbourne United.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at Melbourne Arena on February 28 with a 95-73 win, with Adnam (8 points) contributing off the bench while Newley (17 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Randle (13 points) led Sydney. Ware (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and DJ Kennedy (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Melbourne to a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Adnam (13 points and 1 steal) delivered his best playoff performance and shared Sydney’s scoring lead with Lisch (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), while Turner (12 points and 3 rebounds) and Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) also contributed. Ware (30 points and 5 rebounds) and Chris Goulding (23 points and 3 assists) led Melbourne to a 90-76 victory and completed the semifinal sweep.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
2019/20
On April 24, 2019, Kyle Adnam (via Sydney) signed a two-year deal with the NBL’s newest franchise, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, returning to Melbourne after one season with the Kings and reuniting with inaugural head coach Simon Mitchell, who had previously coached him as an assistant at Melbourne United. Mitch Creek was signed as the club’s marquee player, while Ben Madgen (via Europe), Adam Gibson (via Brisbane), Tai Wesley (via New Zealand), John Roberson (via Russia) and Keith Benson (via Germany) were among the other additions. “Kyle may just be the most popular player in South East Melbourne. A Kilsyth kid now coming home, there’s certainly a little romance to it,” Mitchell said.

South East Melbourne’s first-ever regular-season game came against Melbourne United on October 3 in the inaugural Throwdown. Coming off the bench, Adnam contributed 11 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal as Creek (28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) and Roberson (20 points) led the Phoenix to a 91-88 victory, while Shawn Long (26 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) was Melbourne’s best. The Phoenix made 12 of 23 three-pointers, but the victory came at a cost when Wesley (8 points) suffered a hamstring injury after playing only five minutes.

Adnam (9.1 points across 28 games) became a regular part of South East Melbourne’s second unit and was one of only a handful of Phoenix players to appear in every game, making all 28 appearances off the bench and not missing a game through injury or illness. Wesley’s hamstring injury kept him sidelined for ten weeks, with Jaye Crockett (8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds across 9 games) brought in as an injury replacement. The Phoenix followed their opening victory by defeating Brisbane 113-93 and Illawarra 106-102 to start their inaugural season 3-0 before suffering their first loss against Perth, eventually reaching the midpoint of the season at 6-6.

Adnam’s best game of the season came against his former team Sydney on December 23, where he made 8 of 14 field goals and three three-pointers to finish with a season-high 24 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal. Roberson (25 points and 5 assists) and Creek (16 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals) provided support, but Daniel Kickert (18 points) led a balanced Sydney attack as the Kings defeated South East Melbourne 110-98 at Qudos Bank Arena.

Another of Adnam’s strongest performances came against Sydney on February 9, where he scored 19 points and added 2 steals as Roberson (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Creek (14 points and 9 rebounds) helped the Phoenix force overtime. Casper Ware (24 points and 2 steals) led Sydney to a 99-96 victory, with Adnam’s long three-point attempt in the final seconds missing what would have forced a second overtime. Creek also hyperextended his knee during the game, ruling him out of South East Melbourne’s final two games.

Benson (5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds across 16 games) had been part of South East Melbourne’s opening roster before Devondrick Walker joined the Phoenix midway through the season, making his debut against Perth on January 17 and averaging 7.4 points across 8 games.

South East Melbourne were led by Creek (20.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.2 steals across 26 games) and Roberson (20.2 points and 5.6 assists across 28 games), while Madgen (12.1 points and 4.8 rebounds across 28 games), Wesley (10.7 points and 4.3 rebounds across 18 games) and Dane Pineau (8.1 points and 8.7 rebounds across 28 games) provided the other major contributions. The Phoenix finished the season leading the NBL in scoring at 95.4 points per game, but after reaching 6-6 they won only three of their final 16 games.

Adnam finished the season against Melbourne United on February 16 with 12 points and 7 assists, while Madgen (23 points and 4 rebounds) and Wesley (20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led South East Melbourne. Chris Goulding (28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led Melbourne to a 109-90 victory, extending the Phoenix’s losing streak to eight games and leaving South East Melbourne second-last with a 9-19 record.

2020/21
After finishing second last with a 9-19 record during their inaugural season, South East Melbourne looked to provide Mitch Creek with additional support. John Roberson, Tai Wesley and Ben Madgen were among those who did not return, while coach Simon Mitchell added Cam Gliddon and Reuben Te Rangi (both via Brisbane), imports Ben Moore and Keifer Sykes, Yanni Wetzell and development players Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa and Tristan Forsyth. Wetzell initially exercised his European out clause (to Riesen Ludwigsburg), before passport complications caused by COVID-19 resulted in him returning to the Phoenix. With Dane Pineau battling a back injury, Mike Karena was also signed as his injury replacement. COVID-19 delayed the start of the NBL season until January 2021, with players also asked to accept salary reductions due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Adnam entered the second season of the two-year deal he signed with South East Melbourne in April 2019 and was elevated into the team’s leadership group, joining Creek and Adam Gibson as co-captains. The appointment followed an impressive off-season where Adnam described himself as the fittest he had ever been, with Mitchell praising the work he had put into developing as a leader.

South East Melbourne opened its season against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 17, where Adnam (14 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) provided scoring off the bench as the Phoenix pushed the 36ers to double overtime before losing 116-108. Creek (30 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Wetzell (24 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led South East Melbourne, while Daniel Johnson (33 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s leading scorer.

Adnam (12 points and 3.6 assists across 39 games) delivered the best season of his career to that point, averaging a personal-best 22.2 minutes while shooting 40 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three-point range. He also proved remarkably durable, appearing in all 36 regular-season games and each of South East Melbourne’s three playoff games, meaning he did not miss any games through injury during NBL21.

Adnam’s best overall game came against Perth on February 11, where he scored 24 points and added 4 assists without a turnover, but South East Melbourne was beaten 106-75. Moore (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Creek (16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) provided support, while Todd Blanchfield (22 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led Perth.

When an ankle injury sidelined Sykes, Adnam moved into the starting lineup and took on greater responsibility as South East Melbourne’s primary point guard. Against Illawarra on February 28, Adnam (9 points, 5 rebounds, 13 assists, and 4 steals) set a career-high for assists as the Phoenix defeated the Hawks 93-76, with Creek (25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Moore (22 points and 5 rebounds) leading the scoring, while Tyler Harvey (14 points) was Illawarra’s leading scorer.

Three days later Adnam produced the highest-scoring game of his career to that point against Perth. The Phoenix trailed by as many as 20 points during the third quarter before fighting their way back, with Adnam (28 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) making five three-pointers and Creek (19 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block) and Gliddon (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) helping South East Melbourne draw level late. Bryce Cotton (28 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) put Perth back in front from the free-throw line with 11 seconds remaining, before Adnam’s attempt to win the game at the buzzer missed as the Wildcats escaped with a 93-92 victory.

Midway through the season, South East Melbourne added Australian Boomers forward Ryan Broekhoff as an injury replacement for Pineau, who was limited to one appearance by injuries. Broekhoff had spent the previous year recovering from a fractured leg while hoping to return to the NBA and played the final 19 games of the season, with his arrival pushing Karena out of the regular rotation.

South East Melbourne developed into the highest-scoring team in the NBL, led by Creek (18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists), with Sykes (14.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists), Wetzell (11.2 points and 6 rebounds), Gliddon (10.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals), Moore (10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds), Broekhoff (7 points and 3.8 rebounds), Te Rangi (6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds) and Mauriohooho-Le’Afa (6.1 points) providing support. Creek earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Adnam was nominated for the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year award and won the Kmart Gametime award for his work with young people in school communities. Despite its offensive firepower, South East Melbourne remained second last in the league for rebounding.

South East Melbourne ended the regular season against Brisbane at Nissan Arena on June 8, where Adnam (11 points, 1 rebound, and 6 assists) helped create opportunities off the bench but the Bullets won 94-84. Creek (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Broekhoff (14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix, while Lamar Patterson (19 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 1 steal) was Brisbane’s leading scorer, leaving South East Melbourne fourth with a 19-17 record and earning the franchise its first playoff appearance.

The Phoenix faced minor premiers Melbourne United (28-8) in the semifinals, with the entire series moved to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena and played without crowds because of Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown. United opened the series with a 96-78 victory, with Adnam (9 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 1 steal), Moore (17 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Creek (15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) leading South East Melbourne, while Jock Landale (26 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block) and Scotty Hopson (22 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne.

Facing elimination in game two, Adnam (4 points and 3 assists) played nine minutes as Sykes (26 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals), Creek (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Wetzell (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 steal) carried South East Melbourne to its first playoff victory, defeating Melbourne 90-79. Hopson (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Chris Goulding (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) led United as the Phoenix forced a deciding third game.

South East Melbourne jumped out to a 32-15 lead during the second quarter of game three before Melbourne turned the game around. Adnam (3 assists in 8 minutes) was held scoreless, while Te Rangi (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals), Creek (19 points and 9 rebounds) and Sykes (15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led the Phoenix. Landale (27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) made 11-of-13 shots from the field and all three of his three-point attempts as United won 84-74.

2021/22
After making their maiden Finals appearance the year prior, South East Melbourne looked to go one step further, re-signing coach Simon Mitchell to a one-year deal and retaining Ryan Broekhoff, Izayah Le’Afa and Mitch Creek. Keifer Sykes (to NBA) and Yanni Wetzell (to New Zealand) exited, with Tohi Smith-Milner (via Melbourne), Zach Hankins (via Maccabi Rishon LeZion), Xavier Munford (via Bursaspor) and Zhou Qi (via Xinjiang) added to the roster.

On June 22, Adnam re-signed with South East Melbourne on a two-year deal after a career-best NBL21 campaign where he had been nominated for the NBL’s Best Sixth Man award and won the Kmart Gametime Community Award. He was also named Phoenix captain for the second consecutive season. “It’s home, it’s definitely where my heart is, and I want to keep building this club moving forward,” Adnam said.

South East Melbourne opened the season against New Zealand at John Cain Arena on December 4, where Adnam (6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) came off the bench as the Phoenix defeated the Breakers 89-65, with Munford (27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and Creek (19 points) leading South East Melbourne, while Finn Delany (18 points and 9 rebounds) was New Zealand’s best.

Adnam (8.8 points across 25 games) continued in his role providing scoring and playmaking off the bench, starting only two games during the season as South East Melbourne won three of its first four games.

Against Melbourne on December 12, Adnam (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped South East Melbourne defeat United 94-86, with Qi (22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 7 blocks) and Creek (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) leading the Phoenix, while Matthew Dellavedova (19 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) was Melbourne’s best. Adnam was later charged with engaging in a melee/brawl following an incident during the game and accepted a $375 fine with an early guilty plea.

COVID interruptions then forced several South East Melbourne games to be postponed and left the Phoenix without a game for 28 days. They returned against Brisbane on January 15, where Adnam (13 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) provided scoring off the bench, but the Bullets defeated South East Melbourne 100-84, with Creek (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Munford (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) leading the Phoenix, while Nathan Sobey (18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) was Brisbane’s best. South East Melbourne recovered to win eight of its next 11 games and sit second on the ladder with an 11-5 record.

Adnam missed three consecutive games from February 5-10 while in COVID protocols. These were his only three missed games during NBL22, with no basketball injury keeping him out of the lineup. Adnam returned and made his first start of the season against Tasmania on February 13, finishing with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists as South East Melbourne defeated the JackJumpers 83-71, with Broekhoff (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals) and Creek (15 points and 5 rebounds) leading the Phoenix, while Josh Adams (23 points) was Tasmania’s best. “It’s frustrating watching from home, no doubt, but positive from the aspect of we had guys step up,” Adnam said.

Adnam’s best scoring game came against Perth at John Cain Arena on February 26, where he made four three-pointers and finished with 24 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists, including 13 points in the fourth quarter, as South East Melbourne defeated the Wildcats 86-80 for its first home win over Perth. Creek (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Le’Afa (12 points and 4 assists) provided support, while Vic Law (22 points and 9 rebounds) was Perth’s best. “To beat a team like Perth with how they’ve been rolling it was a big win for us definitely,” Adnam said.

The combination of a short-term injury to Qi (11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks across 24 games) and Hankins being unable to play due to a knee cartilage injury resulted in Mitchell bringing in Brandon Ashley (8.9 points and 5.2 rebounds across 23 games) (via Fortitudo Bologna) during the season. Creek (20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 28 games) led South East Melbourne in scoring, won the Phoenix MVP and earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Munford (16.6 points, 4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals across 26 games), Broekhoff (11.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 18 games) and Le’Afa (8.8 points across 26 games) were the other major contributors as South East Melbourne finished among the league’s top three scoring teams at 87.7 points per game.

South East Melbourne’s season backflipped after reaching 11-5, losing four consecutive games against Illawarra twice, Melbourne and Sydney. The downturn coincided with Broekhoff suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, and even with a favourable schedule during the final month, losses to Adelaide, Cairns and Melbourne ended the Phoenix’s playoff hopes. South East Melbourne managed only six wins from its final 14 games.

South East Melbourne closed the season at RAC Arena on April 24, where Adnam (14 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal) came off the bench as Munford (24 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and Ashley (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Phoenix to a 102-100 overtime win over Perth, while Bryce Cotton (28 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) was the Wildcats’ best. The victory ended Perth’s 35-year playoff streak and sent Tasmania into the postseason, while South East Melbourne finished sixth with a 15-13 record.

2022/23
After finishing sixth with a 15-13 record and missing the finals the previous season, South East Melbourne retained coach Simon Mitchell, with the point guard returning alongside Mitch Creek, Ryan Broekhoff, Reuben Te Rangi, Dane Pineau, Tohi Smith-Milner and Owen Foxwell. Xavier Munford (to Hapoel Tel Aviv), Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa (to New Zealand), Cameron Gliddon (to New Zealand) and Adam Gibson (retired) departed, while Gary Browne (via Piratas de Quebradillas), Trey Kell III (via Olimpia Milano), Alan Williams (via Lokomotiv Kuban), Junior Madut (via Hawaii), Grant Anticevich (via California) and Anzac Rissetto (via Franklin Bulls) were added. Williams had initially been signed to replace Zhou Qi, but Qi’s late decision to return created a twin-towers pairing in the frontcourt.

The point guard entered the final season of the two-year deal he had signed in June 2021 and remained co-captain, with Broekhoff joining him and Creek in South East Melbourne’s three-man leadership group.

“Super excited to lead the club again for NBL23, to be alongside Rowdy and Creeky is awesome. There are a lot of different aspects to leading a club and I think we have a great balance between the three of us,” he said.

South East Melbourne opened the season against Tasmania at John Cain Arena without Browne, Kell III, Broekhoff or Qi, and Adnam (30 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) produced the best game of his season, making six three-pointers and all eight of his free throws. Creek (23 points and 6 rebounds) and Williams (12 points and 7 rebounds) helped the Phoenix build an 18-point lead before holding off Tasmania 84-79, while Jack McVeigh (20 points and 5 rebounds) was the JackJumpers’ leading scorer.

? 30 PIECE NUGGETS ?

Watch SEM’s Kyle Adnam score a career-high 30 points as the Phoenix held on against a tough Tasmania JackJumpers.

? #NBL23 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/taaWGOBgJV

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) October 1, 2022

Adnam (8.4 points across 27 games) appeared in 26 regular-season games and the Play-In Qualifier, making nine starts and shifting between point guard and an off-ball role after Browne returned. He missed two regular-season games, testing positive for COVID before the November 6 Throwdown against Melbourne before a minor knee sprain ruled him out against Illawarra on November 27.

Once Browne entered the lineup, Adnam (17 points and 3 rebounds) returned to the bench against New Zealand at Trusts Arena on October 20. Williams (16 points and 9 rebounds) and Creek (15 points and 5 rebounds) helped South East Melbourne set a franchise record with 38 first-quarter points and defeat the Breakers 99-77, while Jarrell Brantley (17 points) led New Zealand.

“We did a really good job of running deep, running to corners and stretching the floor,” Adnam said.

The knee setback delayed his 200th NBL appearance until December 1 at Christchurch Arena, where Adnam (5 points and 5 assists) returned from a one-game absence. Williams (29 points and 13 rebounds) and Creek (19 points and 4 assists) led South East Melbourne, but Barry Brown Jr. (31 points) carried New Zealand to a 110-84 victory.

With three regular starters unavailable against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on December 24, Adnam (18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers in 30 minutes. Creek (24 points and 5 rebounds) and Smith-Milner (14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped the Phoenix remain within striking distance, but Robert Franks (20 points and 8 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 94-88 victory.

Adnam produced his second-highest scoring game against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on January 4, finishing with 20 points and 6 assists while making all five of his free throws. Creek (32 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Williams (14 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) provided support, but Dejan Vasiljevic (42 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) made ten three-pointers as the Kings defeated the Phoenix 118-102.

Creek (23.4 points and 7 rebounds across 29 games) produced the highest-scoring season of his career, finished third in MVP voting, earned All-NBL First Team honours and won the Phoenix MVP award. Williams (16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds across 28 games) led the NBL in rebounding, while Browne (12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals across 20 games) led the league in assists.

Kell III (12.5 points and 3.8 rebounds across 24 games) missed five regular-season games after suffering a cracked rib during the preseason and later a minor knee injury. Broekhoff (10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds across 20 games) missed nine through separate hamstring, hip and groin injuries, while Browne’s knee and calf injuries also caused him to miss nine. Williams missed one game with a lower-leg injury, leaving Creek as the only preferred starter to appear in all 28 regular-season games.

Qi (6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds across 9 games) returned to China for family reasons during December, while Te Rangi (5.1 points and 3 rebounds across 29 games) provided veteran depth across the forward positions. The repeated absences created larger roles for Madut, Foxwell, Anticevich and Rissetto as South East Melbourne’s preferred starting group appeared together infrequently.

The Phoenix climbed as high as second on the ladder, but a 3-5 finish and a 4-10 record away from home left them fifth with a 15-13 record despite going 11-3 at home.

South East Melbourne completed the regular season against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on January 29, where Adnam (1 assist in 9:45), Creek (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Kell III (18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) featured for the Phoenix. Xavier Cooks (16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists) recorded a triple-double as Sydney won 111-106 and sent South East Melbourne into a home Play-In Qualifier against Perth.

South East Melbourne led Perth by 13 points early in the fourth quarter of the Play-In Qualifier at John Cain Arena, with Adnam (2 assists in 6:25), Creek (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal), Browne (20 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Williams (16 points, 17 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block), Kell III (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) and Te Rangi (14 points and 9 rebounds) leading the Phoenix. Broekhoff (5 points) returned from his groin injury but was restricted to 14 minutes, while Bryce Cotton (26 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals), Brady Manek (24 points) and TaShawn Thomas (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) helped Perth outscore South East Melbourne 41-23 during the final quarter and eliminate the Phoenix 106-99.

Following the loss, inaugural coach Simon Mitchell stepped down and was replaced by Mike Kelly. Adnam (to CSU Sibiu) was not offered a contract to return after four seasons with the Phoenix and later signed in Romania.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
2023/24
After finishing the previous season with a club-worst 3-25 record, Illawarra had recovered from a 2-7 start under interim coach Justin Tatum when Kyle Adnam joined on January 16 as a nominated injury replacement for Daniel Grida. The move brought the veteran guard back to the Hawks after six appearances as a development player during 2014/15. He arrived after playing 11 games for CSU Sibiu across the Romanian League, Cup and FIBA Europe Cup, with Adnam saying, “Observing the team’s impressive performance from a distance has been truly remarkable. I am excited to contribute wherever possible.”

His first court time came against Perth at the WIN Entertainment Centre on February 15, where Adnam (3 points) made a three-pointer with his first touch and played 1:50 as Illawarra defeated the Wildcats 108-92 and secured its postseason place. Clark (26 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Harvey (16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) led the Hawks, while Cotton (20 points and 3 steals) was Perth’s leading scorer.

Adnam (1 point across 3 games) remained outside the regular rotation, with his other two appearances coming during the postseason. Clark (17 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) won Illawarra’s club MVP award and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Froling (15.4 points and 7.8 rebounds across 33 games) received the NBL Next Generation Award. Harvey (15.1 points across 33 games) and Robinson (12 points and 4.4 assists across 33 games) were the other leading contributors as the Hawks finished fourth with a 14-14 record.

Illawarra opened the postseason against Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on February 28, where Adnam (0 points in 3:13) appeared late as the JackJumpers won 92-76. Clark (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) and Harvey (15 points) led the Hawks, while McVeigh (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Magnay (25 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) controlled the game for Tasmania.

Adnam’s final appearance came in game one of the semifinals at John Cain Arena on March 7, where Froling (26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) helped Illawarra build a 16-point fourth-quarter lead, while Dellavedova (30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) and Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) led Melbourne’s comeback. Adnam (0 points and 1 assist) played 1:42 and turned the ball over on an inbound pass with 18 seconds remaining before Goulding scored to force overtime and United won 115-106.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2024/25
Heading into the 2024/25 campaign, the Cairns Taipans entered with a revamped roster after the departure of core imports Patrick Miller and Tahjere McCall. Other key exits included Bul Kuol (to Sydney), Lat Mayen (to Adelaide), Bobi Klintman (NBA Draft), and Josh Roberts, all of whom left sizeable gaps in the rotation.

To replenish the roster, the Taipans signed imports Rob Edwards, Pedro Bradshaw, and Tanner Groves, while elevating rising star Taran Armstrong to team captain and starting point guard. Cairns also acquired veteran playmaker Kyle Adnam (via Illawarra), athletic guard Jackson Makoi (aia Sydney), and forward Kyrin Galloway (via Adelaide). Returning centre Sam Waardenburg provided continuity, with development players Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kody Stattmann (via South East Melbourne) rounding out the depth chart.

After struggling to find a spot in the NBL the year prior, Adnam signed a one-year deal with Cairns, bringing over 200 games of NBL experience to the club. Head coach Adam Forde praised Adnam’s ability to “offer the group humble opinions that best serve the team first,” noting his steady presence as critical to supporting Cairns’ youthful backcourt.

Cairns kicked off the season with promise, opening with a 3–1 record that included wins over Tasmania and Melbourne. However, their momentum didn’t last. A narrow defeat to Perth and a heavy loss in Sydney triggered a brutal 10-game losing streak through November and December, sending the Taipans to the bottom of the standings by year’s end.

Kyle Adnam served as the team’s veteran backcourt presence, offering stability, pace control, and playmaking in a season marked by injury absences and lineup inconsistency. Although used primarily in a reserve role, Adnam’s experience and calm decision-making were valuable when Cairns leaned on their depth.

By late December, Cairns had slumped to 3–16, and injuries were a major culprit. Taran Armstrong missed key time with an ankle sprain sustained during warmups in Round 3, while import Tanner Groves was sidelined for several weeks due to a calf injury. Kyrin Galloway was the only player to suit up for all 28 games, as the projected starting lineup missed a combined 25 appearances. To compensate, Cairns signed Deshon Taylor (3 games) and Tad Dufelmeier Jr (4 games) as short-term roster fills.

January marked a resurgence, with Cairns winning four games and showing renewed competitiveness. Edwards lit up Brisbane with 35 points, while Armstrong tallied the club’s only triple-double of the season (28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) in Round 28. Adnam delivered timely contributions throughout the stretch, including a 14-point, 6-assist performance in the big win over the Bullets and another 15-point outing against Perth.

Despite the improved form, Cairns concluded the season at 8–21, finishing last in the NBL with the lowest points percentage (92.49%). On February 14, head coach Adam Forde parted ways with the club, ending his three-year tenure which included one finals appearance.

Kyle Adnam wrapped up the year averaging 5.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 24 games. His season highlights included a 15-point, 5-assist game against Perth on January 25, a 14-point, 6-assist performance against Brisbane on January 17, and a solid 7-point, 5-assist effort in the Round 2 victory over Adelaide. While not a primary option, Adnam’s leadership and consistency proved valuable in guiding a young and injury-hit squad through a turbulent season.

Sam Waardenburg (14.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists) was a steady two-way contributor all year, earning Club MVP, Defensive Player, and Members’ Choice MVP honours. Tanner Groves (13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds) and Pedro Bradshaw (10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds) provided inside-out balance, while younger players Kyrin Galloway (7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks), Akoldah Gak (6.3 points, 5.6 rebounds), and Alex Higgins-Titsha (6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds) stepped up amid persistent injury woes.

2025/26
After finishing last with an 8-21 record in NBL25, Cairns initially parted ways with Adam Forde before reappointing him as head coach. Rob Edwards (to Xinjiang), Taran Armstrong (to Golden State), Tanner Groves (to Saga), Pedro Bradshaw (to Rostock), Akoldah Gak, Jonah Antonio, Jackson Makoi, Deshon Taylor, Tad Dufelmeier Jr and Dillon Stith exited, while Sam Waardenburg, Kyrin Galloway, Kyle Adnam, Kody Stattmann and Alex Higgins-Titsha returned, with Stattmann and Higgins-Titsha elevated from development-player status. Forde added Jack McVeigh (via Houston), Admiral Schofield (via Lyon), Marcus Lee (via Melbourne), Reyne Smith (via Louisville), Mawot Mag (via BYU), Lloyd McVeigh (via South Adelaide) and Jed Richardson (via Northside), while Lachlan Barker (via Tasmania) was added as a nominated replacement player. Ashton Hagans (via Xinjiang) was initially signed before Andrew Andrews (via Vilnius) replaced him prior to the season.

Adnam returned for his second year in Cairns after the Taipans exercised the option in his contract, having averaged 5.6 points and 2.5 assists during an injury-disrupted first season with the club. He prepared for NBL26 with the Southern Districts Spartans and represented the NBL Select team during its two-game sweep of Japan’s B.League United.

Cairns opened the season at John Cain Arena on September 20, where Adnam (1 rebound and 1 assist) played 15:47 from the bench as South East Melbourne defeated the Taipans 114-77. Smith (19 points and 6 rebounds) and Jack McVeigh (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Cairns, while John Brown III (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6 steals) starred for the Phoenix.

Adnam (2.5 points across 18 games) remained a reserve playmaker behind Andrews and Smith, but his season was interrupted after he hyperextended his knee during training and missed Round 9. He returned the following round but was used sparingly during the second half of the campaign as Cairns rotated several guards through an injury-affected lineup.

Adnam’s best scoring game came against Perth on October 22, when he celebrated his 250th NBL appearance with 10 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 turnovers in 23:11, but the Wildcats defeated Cairns 97-73. Schofield (16 points) and Smith (13 points and 5 assists) led the Taipans, while Doolittle (34 points and 12 rebounds) controlled the game for Perth.

Mojave King (11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds across 22 games) joined during the season as an injury replacement, while Kian Dennis was later added as temporary cover during Cairns’ continuing injury problems.

Jack McVeigh (21.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4 assists across 29 games) and Andrews (14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists across 31 games) carried the offence, while Waardenburg (15.5 points and 5.4 rebounds across 8 games) was restricted by ankle injuries. King, Smith (9.9 points across 14 games), Schofield (8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds across 30 games), Galloway (7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds across 33 games), Lee (6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds across 33 games), Stattmann (6.6 points across 23 games) and Higgins-Titsha (6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds across 9 games) were the other main contributors. Jack McVeigh earned All-NBL Second Team, club MVP and Members’ Choice MVP honours, Andrews received the Players’ Player award and Galloway was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Cairns finished ninth with a 9-24 record and missed the postseason. Their season ended at Eventfinda Stadium on February 19, where New Zealand won 115-84 behind Mennenga (32 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), with Andrews (24 points and 7 assists) and Stattmann (20 points and 5 rebounds) leading Cairns as Adnam (2 points and 1 rebound) played 7:14 in the loss.

Kyle Adnam currently plays for the Cairns Taipans and has played 263 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 6.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2 assists since entering the league in 2013.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Cairns Taipans – 1 Year Deal (2026-27)