BIO: Matthew Dylan Kenyon was born in Avoca Beach (QLD) and raised in the Newcastle (NSW). He attended Hunter Sports High School in Newcastle (NSW) and played junior basketball with the Gosford City Basketball Association. Between 2013 and 2016, he played for New South Wales under 16s, under 18s and under 20s at the Australian Junior National Championships. At the Under 20 National Championships in February 2016, he averaged 18.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game for NSW. Kenyon received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2016. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Matt Kenyon made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 18 years of age. He scored three points in his first game.

After his time at the AIS, Matt Kenyon joined the Brisbane Bullets as a development player, where he averaged 1.9 points and 0.8 rebounds, contributing to the Bullets’ 10-18 season record, which saw them finish in eighth place.

2017/18
Kenyon’s second year as a development player with Brisbane saw him average 0.5 points and 0.5 rebounds. The team ended the regular season in eighth place again, this time with a 9-19 record.

Kenyon played in the NBA G-League in 2020 and later joined Ballarat in the NBL1 state league for the 2021 season.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
2021/22
In 2021, Kenyon signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers for their debut NBL season. With low expectations and betting odds as steep as 400:1, the JackJumpers surprised many. In their NBL debut on 3 December 2021, they defeated Brisbane 83–74 in overtime at MyState Bank Arena. However, the team started slowly overall, winning just one more game by Round 8 and holding a 2-6 record in ninth place.

A season-ending injury to marquee signing Will Magnay forced coach Scott Roth to adjust the game plan from a perimeter-focused strategy to a more balanced approach. This shift worked, and the JackJumpers finished the season with an impressive 10 wins from their last 12 games, finishing 17–11 and fifth on the ladder.

In a dramatic twist, Tasmania clinched fourth place over Perth due to points percentage after South East Melbourne defeated Perth in the season’s final game. Kenyon thrived as a tough perimeter defender in Roth’s system, averaging 3.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, even earning starting assignments in several games.

The JackJumpers faced the top-seeded Melbourne United in the semifinals. After dropping Game 1 (74-63) in Melbourne, they rebounded at home to even the series (1-1). With United’s captain Chris Goulding out for Game 3 due to injury, Tasmania seized the moment, edging out a thrilling 76-73 win to advance to the Grand Final series.

In the Grand Final, the Sydney Kings, who had just swept Illawarra, defeated Tasmania in Game 1 (95-78). Game 2 was historic, marking the first NBL Grand Final game in Hobart. With Josh Adams putting up 36 points, the JackJumpers nearly pulled off an upset. Despite Kings MVP Jaylen Adams missing the rest of the series due to a hamstring injury, Sydney held strong. In Game 2, Cooks, Martin, and Vasiljevic’s late three clinched a 90-86 victory, marking Sydney’s 12th consecutive road win, a record for a single NBL season.

Sydney closed out the series in Game 3, ending their 17-year championship drought with a win in front of 16,000 fans at Qudos Bank Arena. Cooks and Martin combined for 45 points and 29 rebounds, securing Sydney’s 19th win in their last 21 games.

TASMANIA JACKJUMPERS
2022/23
After reaching the Championship Series during their inaugural season, Tasmania entered Scott Roth’s second campaign with most of the roster secured on multi-year deals. Leading scorer Josh Adams (to Ljubljana) and MiKyle McIntosh (to Saga) were the major departures, with supporters lamenting the loss of Adams before Roth signed Milton Doyle (via Gaziantep) and Rashard Kelly (via Dijon) as the new import duo. Josh Magette, Jack McVeigh, Will Magnay, captain Clint Steindl, Matt Kenyon, Fabijan Krslovic, Sam McDaniel, Jarred Bairstow and Jarrad Weeks returned, while Isaac White (via Illawarra), Tristan Forsyth (via South East Melbourne), Josh Tomasi and Walter Brown were added. Magnay remained unavailable while recovering from injury and Steindl was sidelined after suffering a knee injury while playing for Australia at the FIBA Asia Cup.

Kenyon had signed a one-year extension after becoming Tasmania’s starting defensive guard during its inaugural campaign. “My mindset was always on Tassie at the end of the day,” Kenyon said.

Tasmania opened the season against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on October 1, where Kenyon (3 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) started and played 17 minutes, but the Phoenix won 84-79 despite McVeigh (20 points and 5 rebounds) and Kelly (18 points and 6 rebounds) leading the JackJumpers, while Kyle Adnam (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) produced a career-high for South East Melbourne.

Further losses to Cairns and New Zealand left Tasmania equal last with Brisbane at 0-3 before Kenyon (10 points and 1 block) made two three-pointers during the second-half comeback against the Bullets on October 9. Doyle (32 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and McVeigh (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the JackJumpers, while Tyler Johnson (24 points) forced overtime for Brisbane before Tasmania won 90-86 and collected its first victory. The result began a four-game winning streak which moved the JackJumpers back into the top six and playoff contention.

Kenyon (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) then made four of six three-pointers against Perth at MyState Bank Arena on October 22 as Tasmania recorded its highest score and biggest winning margin to that point with a 103-72 victory. McVeigh (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kelly (16 points and 8 rebounds) led the JackJumpers, while Bryce Cotton (14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Perth’s best as Tasmania collected its fourth consecutive win.

Kenyon (4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds across 21 games) remained one of Roth’s preferred perimeter defenders and started 18 of his 21 appearances. A calf injury suffered in November forced him to miss 10 consecutive games, with White and Sean MacDonald used as Nominated Replacement Players while he and McDaniel recovered. Kenyon returned against Illawarra on January 10 before moving back into the starting five later that month.

Kenyon’s best scoring game came at the Cairns Convention Centre on January 20, where he made five of eight field goals and finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. McVeigh (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Magette (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) helped Tasmania defeat the Taipans 85-77, while DJ Hogg (17 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) was Cairns’ best.

Tasmania closed the regular season in Wollongong on February 4, where Kenyon (5 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped the JackJumpers defeat Illawarra 87-63 and secure fourth place with a 16-12 record. Doyle (20 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists) and McVeigh (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Tasmania, while Tyler Harvey (13 points) was Illawarra’s leading scorer. The victory came at a significant cost when Magette (5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was struck by an accidental elbow, suffering a broken cheekbone and fractured eye socket which required surgery and ruled him out of the playoffs.

Doyle (17.2 points, 5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 31 games) led Tasmania in scoring and became the first JackJumpers player selected to the All-NBL First Team, while McVeigh (14.8 points and 4.6 rebounds across 32 games), Kelly (12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds across 31 games) and Magette (10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2 steals across 28 games) were the other double-figure scorers. MacDonald (6.3 points across 32 games), Magnay (5.9 points and 4.1 rebounds across 22 games), White (5.3 points across 28 games) and Krslovic (5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds across 32 games) provided further support. Tasmania conceded 81.7 points per game, the second-lowest mark in the league. Doyle was named club MVP, MacDonald received the Coaches Award, White won the Players Award, Magnay received the Defensive Player Award and McVeigh was voted Fan Favourite.

Without Magette, Tasmania travelled to Cairns for the Seeding Qualifier, where Kenyon (2 points and 3 rebounds) remained in the starting five as the JackJumpers defeated the Taipans 87-79. Doyle (25 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals), White (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Kelly (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Tasmania, while Tahjere McCall (24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Shannon Scott (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Hogg (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Cairns’ best.

Game one of the Playoffs series moved to Spark Arena, where Kenyon (4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led Tasmania in rebounds, but the JackJumpers managed only 68 points, their third-lowest total of the season. Kelly (12 points and 4 rebounds), Doyle (10 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Krslovic (9 points and 4 rebounds) led Tasmania, while Dererk Pardon (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Will McDowell-White (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Barry Brown Jr (11 points) carried New Zealand to an 88-68 win.

Game two returned to MyState Bank Arena, where Kenyon (11 points and 6 rebounds) hit a three-pointer on the quarter-time buzzer and again led Tasmania in rebounds. Doyle (23 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) and McVeigh (16 points and 3 rebounds) led the JackJumpers, while Brown Jr (19 points and 3 steals), Jarrell Brantley (17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) and Pardon (15 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals) were New Zealand’s best as Tasmania won 89-78 and forced a deciding game.

The series returned to Spark Arena, where Kenyon (0 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists), McVeigh (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block), Kelly (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block), MacDonald (14 points and 3 rebounds) and Doyle (12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) led Tasmania, while Brown Jr (32 points and 3 steals), Pardon (15 points, 14 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Brantley (14 points and 7 rebounds) powered New Zealand. The Breakers outscored Tasmania 25-13 in the fourth quarter to win 92-77 and end the JackJumpers’ season.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
2023/24
After finishing fifth with a 15-13 record and losing the NBL23 Play-In Qualifier to Perth, South East Melbourne entered its first season under head coach Mike Kelly without Junior Madut (to Tasmania), Trey Kell III and Tohi Smith-Milner (both to Adelaide), Dane Pineau (to New Zealand), and Ryan Broekhoff (retired). Kelly added Gorjok Gak (via Brisbane), Ben Ayre (via Cairns), Rhys Vague (via Japan), Craig Moller (via Germany), and import Will Cummings (via China), while Alan Williams’ preseason knee injury led to Tyler Cook joining as an injury replacement.

Kenyon signed a two-year contract with South East Melbourne, bringing his defensive prowess to new head coach Mike Kelly’s squad. The 196-centimetre guard was also voted into the Phoenix leadership group before the season.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Matt to the Phoenix,” said Kelly. “Matt brings a team-first mentality and toughness that will set a strong defensive tone. His unselfish play and growing offensive game will be a great fit. We’re excited to see his continued growth with us.”

South East Melbourne opened the season against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on September 28, where Kenyon (0 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 16:13 from the bench. Ayre (17 points) and Cummings (14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led the Phoenix, while Travers (20 points and 8 rebounds) starred as United won 82-67.

Kenyon (5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds across 25 games) became a regular part of Kelly’s rotation, averaging 23.8 minutes and starting 16 times. His defensive flexibility and rebounding allowed him to cover several positions, while injuries and continued changes to the available lineup increased his responsibility throughout the season.

Kenyon’s best game came against Adelaide on October 19, where he finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 23:29 as South East Melbourne defeated the 36ers 102-85. Creek (23 points) and Browne (19 points and 8 assists) led the Phoenix, while Kell III (21 points and 4 rebounds) was Adelaide’s leading scorer.

His best scoring game came in Brisbane on December 30, where Kenyon (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist) made six of 10 shots and played 33:06 as the Phoenix lost 95-83. Nader (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Williams (13 points and 11 rebounds) provided support, while Sobey (35 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane.

A hip injury sidelined Kenyon during the closing stages of the season before he returned against Tasmania in Round 19.

Creek (20.8 points and 6.7 rebounds) remained South East Melbourne’s leading scorer and won his fifth club MVP award, while Williams (16.7 points and 10.9 rebounds) led the NBL in rebounding despite appearing in only 15 games. Cummings (14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals) was released after 12 games and replaced by Nader (14.4 points and 3.9 rebounds), while Browne (13.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals), Ayre (10.7 points), Moller (6.2 points and 5.3 rebounds), Te Rangi (5.8 points), and Gak (5.4 points) were the other players to average more than five points. Moller suffered a season-ending patellar tendon rupture after 12 appearances as injuries continued to disrupt the Phoenix.

South East Melbourne lost 11 of its final 12 games, finished at the bottom of the ladder with a 10-18 record and missed the postseason.

The Phoenix’s season ended at John Cain Arena on February 17, where Foxwell (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Creek (13 points) led South East Melbourne, while Hogg (25 points and 7 rebounds) paced Sydney in a 122-67 loss. Kenyon (3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals) played 20:15 minutes in the loss.

2024/25
South East Melbourne responded to its last-place finish in 2023/24 with a major roster overhaul. Franchise cornerstone Mitch Creek (to Turkey), Alan Williams (released), Reuben Te Rangi (to Tasmania), Kody Stattmann (to Cairns), Rhys Vague (to Japan), and Gorjok Gak (to Tasmania) departed, while Mike Kelly remained head coach. Nathan Sobey (via Brisbane), Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover (both via Sydney), Tom Vodanovich (via Tasmania), Next Star Malique Lewis, and imports Derrick Walton Jr. (via China), Matt Hurt, and Joe Wieskamp were added to the roster.

Kenyon returned for the second season of the two-year contract he signed in 2023 after joining the Phoenix from Tasmania. Kelly had recruited the 196-centimetre guard to provide defensive toughness, unselfishness, and a team-first presence within the rotation.

South East Melbourne opened the season against Perth on September 20, where Kenyon (2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal) played 11:44 from the bench, but the Wildcats won 106-98 behind Pinder (29 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals), while Hunter (19 points and 7 rebounds) and Hurt (16 points and 12 rebounds) led the Phoenix.

Kelly was dismissed after South East Melbourne lost its opening five games, with Sam Mackinnon elevated to interim coach before Josh King was appointed on a two-year contract. Kenyon (1.9 points across 20 games) remained a situational defensive guard, coming off the bench in every appearance and averaging almost 10 minutes when used. He had played in only six of the previous 10 games for 42 total minutes before receiving an extended opportunity against Tasmania, but King praised his ability to remain prepared despite not knowing when he would enter the rotation.

Kenyon (5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced his best performance of the season against Tasmania at the State Basketball Centre on January 25, making both field-goal attempts and finishing a game-high +34 in 13:42 as South East Melbourne won 116-80. Hurt (29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Wieskamp (20 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks) led the Phoenix, while Crawford (18 points and 5 assists) was Tasmania’s best. Kenyon entered late in the second quarter and immediately lifted the defensive pressure, helping South East Melbourne outscore the JackJumpers 70-35 after halftime and climb into fourth place.

South East Melbourne’s recovery was led by Hurt (20.1 points and 7.4 rebounds), who earned All-NBL First Team honours and finished third in MVP voting, and Sobey (17 points, 4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.4 steals). Walton Jr. (11.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals), Wieskamp (10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds), Hunter (10.6 points and 7 rebounds), Glover (9.7 points), Foxwell (7.9 points), and Lewis (7 points and 4.1 rebounds) completed the main rotation. The Phoenix finished fourth with a 16-13 record, becoming the first team of the 40-minute era to reach the postseason after beginning 0-5, while King finished runner-up in Coach of the Year voting.

South East Melbourne opened the postseason against Perth at the High Performance Centre, where Kenyon (2 points and 4 rebounds) played 15:43 as the Wildcats won 122-105. Glover (25 points and 2 steals) and Hurt (24 points and 3 steals) led the Phoenix, while Pinder (35 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) and Cotton (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) carried Perth into the semifinals.

The Phoenix then faced Adelaide in a do-or-die Play-In Game at John Cain Arena, where Kenyon (0 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) provided defensive pressure during South East Melbourne’s recovery from a 19-point halftime deficit. Hurt (25 points and 9 rebounds) and Ayre (17 points) led the Phoenix to an 85-75 victory, while Davis (26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Harrell (17 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks) were Adelaide’s best.

Game one of the semifinals moved to Wollongong, where Kenyon (5 points and 1 rebound) scored five points in 5:26, but Illawarra defeated South East Melbourne 101-94. Wieskamp (22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) and Sobey (17 points and 9 rebounds) led the Phoenix, while Kell III (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Harvey (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) starred for the Hawks.

Facing elimination at John Cain Arena, Kenyon (0 points and 2 rebounds) played 6:59 as South East Melbourne forced a deciding game with a 101-94 victory. Hurt (30 points and 2 blocks), Sobey (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals), and Glover (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) carried the Phoenix, while Hickey (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Illawarra.

Game three returned to Wollongong, where Kell III (30 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Blanchfield (28 points and 4 rebounds) led Illawarra to a 126-96 victory, while Wieskamp (25 points and 5 rebounds) and Sobey (19 points and 6 rebounds) were South East Melbourne’s leading scorers. Kenyon (0 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 11:57 in the loss.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2025/26
Adelaide’s first season under Mike Wells ended with a sixth-place 13-15 record, followed by a 95-88 Play-In Qualifier win over Sydney and an 85-75 loss to South East Melbourne. The 36ers entered 2025/26 without Kendric Davis (to Sydney), Sunday Dech (to Perth), Lat Mayen (to Perth), Nick Marshall (to Tasmania) and Jason Cadee (retired), while Dejan Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries, Keanu Rasmussen and Ben Griscti returned.

Wells strengthened the roster with Bryce Cotton (via Perth), Flynn Cameron (via Melbourne), Isaac White (via Brisbane), Michael Harris (via Perth), Matt Kenyon (via South East Melbourne), Zylan Cheatham (via Nagoya) and Nick Rakocevic (via Arecibo).

Kenyon signed a one-year deal after spending two seasons with South East Melbourne, bringing 125 games of NBL experience and the ability to defend several positions. Before joining Adelaide, he completed the NBL1 North season with Logan and received Defensive Player of the Year and All-Star Second Team honours.

Adelaide opened the season at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on September 28, where Kenyon (1 rebound and 1 steal) played 17 minutes from the bench as the 36ers defeated Brisbane 87-80. Cotton (39 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Cheatham (8 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led Adelaide, while Casey Prather (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) was Brisbane’s best.

Kenyon (2 points across 41 games) remained part of Adelaide’s defensive rotation and made four starts, generally being assigned to larger guards and wings while providing activity, cutting and rebounding from the bench.

His best game came at MyState Bank Arena on November 13, where Kenyon (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) replaced Vasiljevic in the starting five and helped limit Bryce Hamilton (12 points on four-of-11 shooting) as Adelaide defeated Tasmania 97-86. Cheatham (27 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) and Vasiljevic (14 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) led the 36ers, while Tyger Campbell (20 points and 3 assists) was Tasmania’s best as Adelaide collected its fifth win from six road games.

Troy Brown Jnr (4.6 points and 4.5 rebounds across 13 games; via Santurce) joined Adelaide as its third import in November before leaving in January for personal reasons, with John Jenkins (9.7 points across 18 games; via Vâlcea) initially signed as an injury replacement for Griscti before filling the vacant import position.

Cotton (25.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 41 games) led Adelaide in scoring and playmaking, while Humphries (12.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 42 games), Cheatham (12 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 42 games), Cameron (11.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 42 games), Vasiljevic (10.7 points across 42 games) and Rakocevic (8.8 points and 6.5 rebounds across 39 games) formed the remainder of the main rotation.

Cotton won his sixth Andrew Gaze Trophy, earned All-NBL First Team selection and received Adelaide’s Mark Davis club MVP and Members’ Choice awards. Cheatham was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and received Adelaide’s Defensive Award, Cameron won the NBL and club Most Improved awards, Humphries collected the Coaches Award and Rakocevic received the Chairman’s Award.

Adelaide finished the regular season at RAC Arena on February 20, where Kenyon (2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) played 17:59 as Perth defeated the 36ers 86-74. Rakocevic (18 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 blocks) and Cheatham (11 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist) led Adelaide, while Elijah Pepper (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) was Perth’s best as the 36ers finished second with a 23-10 record.

The inaugural Ignite Cup Final followed two days later, where Kenyon (3 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist), Cotton (34 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Rakocevic (21 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists) contributed for Adelaide, but Parker Jackson-Cartwright (29 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) guided New Zealand to a 111-107 win.

Adelaide opened the semifinals at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with a 104-97 win over South East Melbourne, where Kenyon (1 rebound and 3 steals) changed the game defensively during a three-minute burst and was singled out by Cotton as the team’s unsung hero. Cotton (42 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Vasiljevic (17 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the 36ers, while Nathan Sobey (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Angus Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) were best for the Phoenix.

Game two moved to John Cain Arena, where Kenyon (7 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist), Cotton (29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Rakocevic (18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide, but Sobey (41 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) made eight three-pointers and John Brown III (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped South East Melbourne recover to win 101-92.

The deciding game returned to Adelaide, where Kenyon (7 rebounds and 1 assist) grabbed five rebounds during his opening three minutes and helped the 36ers establish control of the glass. Cotton (38 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Vasiljevic (27 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Adelaide to a 108-96 win, while Ian Clark (32 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Sobey (17 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal) led the Phoenix as the 36ers reached their first Championship Series in eight years.

The Championship Series began at Qudos Bank Arena, where Kenyon (2 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist), White (11 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) and Humphries (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) contributed for Adelaide, but Davis (25 points, 1 rebound, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Tim Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Sydney to a 112-68 win.

Game two moved to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Kenyon (1 assist) appeared briefly as Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Cameron (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) helped Adelaide recover from a 14-point deficit. Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Xavier Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led Sydney before Cotton made a left-handed lay-up at the buzzer to give Adelaide a 91-89 win and end the Kings’ 14-game winning streak.

Game three returned to Sydney, where Kenyon (1 rebound) played 3:48 as Jenkins (22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) and Cheatham (17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide, but Davis (34 points, 2 rebounds, and 15 assists) controlled the game without committing a turnover and Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) helped the Kings win 106-93.

Facing elimination in Adelaide, Kenyon (0 points in 4:47 minutes) appeared from the bench as Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Vasiljevic (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the 36ers. Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Jaylin Galloway (20 points and 1 assist) kept Sydney close before Adelaide held on 92-91 and forced a deciding game.

Game five was played at Qudos Bank Arena, where Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) made the tying putback with 4.6 seconds remaining before Sydney outscored Adelaide 18-6 in overtime. Davis (35 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 1 steal) was named Championship Series MVP and Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) also starred, while Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Humphries (14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide. Kenyon did not play as Sydney won 113-101 and claimed the series 3-2.

Matt Kenyon currently plays for the Adelaide 36ers and has played 160 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 3.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists since entering the league in 2016.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Adelaide 36ers – 1 Year Deal (2026-27)