Matthew Shanahan

Nationality: AUS
Date of Birth: 13/07/76
Place of Birth: Melbourne (VIC)
Position: PG
Height (CM): 194
Weight (KG): 93
Junior Assoc: VIC - Nunawading
College: None

NBL DEBUT: 6/05/94
AGE AT DEBUT: 17
LAST NBL GAME: 16/02/08
AGE AT LAST GAME: 31
NBL History: North Melbourne 1994-98 | Brisbane 1999 | Cairns 2000 | Wollongong 2001-02 | Canberra 2003 | Hunter 2004 | Perth 2005-06 | South 2007-08
Championships: 2
North Melbourne (1994), Wollongong (2001)

NICKNAME/S: Bubbles

BIO: Matthew Shanahan was born in Melbourne (VIC) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Nunawading basketball program. Shanahan received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 1993. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Matthew Shanahan made his NBL debut with the South East Melbourne Magic at 17 years of age. He scored one point in his first NBL game.

Shanahan entered the NBL in 1992 at 16 years of age, signing with the South East Melbourne Magic and winning a title as a rookie despite not playing any minutes in a NBL game.

1994
Shanahan would help the Giants win the 1994 NBL championship as a rookie averaging two points per game in 10 games

1995

1998/99
led the NBL in three-point percentage in 1999.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
1999/00
After suffering four straight playoff losses the previous season, Wollongong looked to improve by reshaping the roster. The team brought back former MVP Melvin Thomas while also adding Todd Mundt to strengthen the frontcourt. With CJ Bruton (22.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) leading the offense and Brendan Joyce at the helm, expectations were high, but the Hawks struggled to compete with the league’s top teams, finishing in eighth place with an 11-17 record.

The team’s struggles were partly due to a lack of consistency beyond their top players. Melvin Thomas (19.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) and Glen Saville (14.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists) were named co-MVPs, while Mat Campbell (14.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) provided additional scoring. However, Mundt (8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds) failed to make an impact and was replaced late in the season by Matt Garrison (17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists), who provided an immediate upgrade but arrived too late to turn the season around.

Matt Shanahan played a limited role, appearing in just one game where he recorded 5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist.

2000/01
The 2000/01 season was a historic one for the Hawks, as they claimed their first-ever NBL Championship. Coach Brendan Joyce revamped almost half the roster in the offseason, bringing in Matt Shanahan, Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Grant Kruger, and rookie big man Axel Dench. The changes provided the Hawks with valuable depth and versatility, helping set the foundation for their championship run.

With a well-balanced offense, the Hawks were one of the most difficult teams to guard in the league. Their ability to spread the scoring load allowed them to compete with powerhouse teams that relied on star duos. Melvin Thomas (18.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists), Charles Thomas (16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists), and Glen Saville (15.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) were the team’s focal points, while Damon Lowery (13.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) provided stability in the backcourt. Axel Dench (13.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) had a standout rookie season, going on to win NBL Rookie of the Year.

Matt Shanahan played a larger role than in previous years, regularly getting minutes as Lowery’s backup and averaging 5.0 points per game in just 10 minutes of action. His ability to step in when needed allowed the Hawks to maintain offensive continuity while resting key starters. Other contributors included Mat Campbell (12.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists) and Matt Garrison (9.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists), both of whom played key roles throughout the season.

Wollongong finished the regular season in fourth place with a club-best 21-7 record, tying with Perth but losing the head-to-head tiebreaker. The Hawks excelled in close games, finishing with a perfect 12-0 record in contests decided by three points or fewer. They also had the best road record in the league at 12-2, showcasing their ability to win in tough environments.

Despite their success, no Hawks player was selected to the All-NBL First or Second Team, further emphasizing their team-first mentality in a league dominated by superstar duos like Andrew Gaze & Mark Bradtke (Melbourne), Ricky Grace & Paul Rogers (Perth), and Darnell Mee & Brett Maher (Adelaide).

In the playoffs, Wollongong faced Perth in the qualifying finals and won Game 1 at home, 97–90, behind strong performances from Melvin Thomas (22 points and 13 rebounds), Damon Lowery (19 points), Glen Saville (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists), and Mat Campbell (10 points and 5 rebounds). Shanahan did not see court time in the series opener.

In Game 2, the Hawks struggled against the Wildcats’ offense, losing 106-95 in Perth. Shanahan made an impact off the bench, scoring 9 points in 10 minutes, but Wollongong was unable to close out the series. Game 3 saw the Hawks pull off a stunning 98–88 upset in Perth, with Saville (26 points and 16 rebounds) and Lowery (20 points) leading the charge. Shanahan did not play in the deciding game but was part of the squad that celebrated Wollongong’s first-ever playoff series victory.

The Hawks advanced to the semifinals against Adelaide, opening the series with a dramatic 84-83 win in Game 1—their first victory in Adelaide since 1990. Shanahan did not play in the opener, while Melvin Thomas (18 points and 13 rebounds), Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds), and Glen Saville (13 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the way. Game 2 saw Adelaide respond with a 111-100 win in Wollongong. Shanahan played just one minute as the 36ers’ offense overpowered the Hawks. The deciding Game 3 at WIN Entertainment Centre turned into an all-time classic. With Wollongong trailing 108-106 in the final seconds, Damon Lowery drew a foul on a last-second three-point attempt and calmly sank all three free throws to secure a dramatic 109-108 victory, sending the Hawks to their first-ever Grand Final.

The Hawks faced the Townsville Crocodiles in the NBL Grand Final. Game 1 at a packed WIN Entertainment Centre saw Wollongong secure a 104-101 win behind strong performances from Melvin Thomas (24 points, 14 rebounds) and Mat Campbell (19 points). Shanahan did not take the floor in the series opener.

The series shifted to Townsville for Game 2, where the Crocodiles rebounded with a dominant 114-97 victory. Shanahan played his best game of the postseason, scoring 11 points in 10 minutes off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a decisive Game 3.

Game 3, played the following day, was a grueling battle. The Hawks fought hard to secure a 97-94 victory, claiming their first NBL championship. Charles Thomas (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Glen Saville (18 points and 12 rebounds) were instrumental, with Saville earning NBL Finals MVP honors. Shanahan played the final two minutes but did not score as the Hawks closed out the biggest win in franchise history.

Wollongong’s championship victory made them the first New South Wales team to win an NBL title. Brendan Joyce was recognized as NBL Coach of the Year, while Axel Dench capped off his impressive rookie campaign with the NBL Rookie of the Year award.

2002/03

2003/04
Shanahan’s best season came in 2003/04 in his first year playing with the Hunter Pirates. In 28 games he averaged 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

2004/05

2005/06

Matthew ‘Bubble’ Shanahan played 17 seasons in the NBL, playing for eight NBL team’s, which is the second most in NBL history behind Ben Knight who played for nine team’s.

At 6 foot 5 inches tall, Shanahan was a versatile player who could play any perimeter position, he also
. His career would then include stops Brisbane Bullets (1998/99), Cairns Taipans (1999/00), Wollongong Hawks (2000-02), Canberra Cannons (2002/03), Hunter Pirates (2003/04), Perth Wildcats (2004-06), South Dragons (2006-08).

Matthew Shanahan played eighteen seasons across eight NBL teams. This included the South East Melbourne Magic, North Melbourne Giants, Canberra Cannons, Hunter Pirates, Wollongong Hawks, Brisbane Bullets, Cairns Taipans, Perth Wildcats and South Dragons. He averaged 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 395 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (833 Posts)

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

NBL TOTAL STATISTICS

SEASON	AGE	TEAM	TEAM RECORD	GP	MINS	PTS	REB	AST	OR	DR	STL	BLK	TO	PF	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	TS%	EFG%	HS
2007-08	31	South	5-25 (13)	24	516.0	93	47	35	11	36	7	3	23	39	29	89	33%	16	57	28%	19	29	66%	45%	42%	13
2006-07	30	South	15-18 (7)	28	693.0	201	54	60	12	42	8	0	32	63	66	165	40%	36	96	38%	33	41	80%	54%	51%	23
2005-06	29	Perth	16-16 (7)	36	1,270.0	400	126	157	33	93	14	1	84	92	136	336	40%	69	179	39%	59	85	69%	53%	51%	30
2004-05	28	Perth	17-15 (7)	32	920.0	258	96	128	21	75	6	1	58	59	94	224	42%	40	109	37%	30	42	71%	53%	51%	23
2003-04	27	Hunter	2-31 (12)	28	1,123.0	439	101	113	31	70	17	6	98	71	153	376	41%	67	165	41%	66	80	83%	53%	50%	26
2002-03	26	Canberra	11-19 (9)	8	264.0	116	37	31	11	26	4	2	19	15	42	99	42%	10	39	26%	22	28	79%	52%	47%	25
2002-03	26	Wollongong	18-12 (4)	10	45.0	9	3	4	1	2	0	1	2	7	4	14	29%	1	10	10%		2	0%	30%	32%	3
2001-02	25	Wollongong	16-14 (4)	25	230.0	75	23	15	12	11	3	0	14	24	27	89	30%	7	42	17%	14	18	78%	38%	34%	12
2000-01	24	Wollongong	21-7 (4)	30	283.0	143	28	25	8	20	4	0	15	32	51	112	46%	26	64	41%	15	24	63%	58%	57%	12
1999-00	23	Cairns	2-26 (11)	22	382.0	95	24	28	10	14	3	0	19	35	36	101	36%	13	50	26%	10	15	67%	44%	42%	15
1999-00	23	Wollongong	11-17 (8)	1	11.0	5	2	1	0	2	0	0	0	1	2	4	50%	0	1	0%	1	1	100%	56%	0%	5
1998-99	22	Brisbane	13-13 (5)	27	472.0	168	34	38	12	22	12	2	18	36	61	140	44%	38	79	48%	8	14	57%	57%	57%	17
1998	22	North Melbourne	9-21 (11)	27	510.0	174	40	50	15	25	9	1	42	41	62	167	37%	21	68	31%	29	31	94%	48%	43%	18
1997	21	North Melbourne	18-12 (3)	35	806.0	268	73	40	38	35	16	1	36	70	93	245	38%	44	116	38%	38	46	83%	50%	47%	20
1996	20	North Melbourne	15-11 (7)	28	455.0	141	38	38	18	20	14	2	26	46	47	130	36%	20	64	31%	27	34	79%	48%	44%	18
1995	19	North Melbourne	18-8 (2)	24	150.0	74	16	16	11	5	8	1	17	11	25	60	42%	9	27	33%	15	16	94%	55%	49%	11
1994	18	North Melbourne	19-7 (3)	10	29.0	18	6	7	3	3	0	0	4	2	7	16	44%	3	6	50%	1	4	25%	50%	53%	5
1992	16	South East Melbourne	20-4 (1)	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0%	0	0	0%	0	0	0%	0%	0%	0
Totals				395	8159	2677	748	786	247	501	125	21	507	644	935	2367	39.5%	420	1172	35.8%	387	510	75.9%	52%	48%	30

NBL PER GAME STATISTICS

SEASON	AGE	TEAM	TEAM RECORD	GP	MINS	PTS	REB	AST	OR	DR	STL	BLK	TO	PF	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	TS%	EFG%	HS
2007-08	31	South	5-25 (13)	24	21.5	3.9	2.0	1.5	0.5	1.5	0.3	0.1	1.0	1.6	1.2	3.7	33%	0.7	2.4	28%	0.8	1.2	66%	45%	42%	13
2006-07	30	South	15-18 (7)	28	24.8	7.2	1.9	2.1	0.4	1.5	0.3	0.0	1.1	2.3	2.4	5.9	40%	1.3	3.4	38%	1.2	1.5	80%	54%	51%	23
2005-06	29	Perth	16-16 (7)	36	35.3	11.1	3.5	4.4	0.9	2.6	0.4	0.0	2.3	2.6	3.8	9.3	40%	1.9	5.0	39%	1.6	2.4	69%	53%	51%	30
2004-05	28	Perth	17-15 (7)	32	28.8	8.1	3.0	4.0	0.7	2.3	0.2	0.0	1.8	1.8	2.9	7.0	42%	1.3	3.4	37%	0.9	1.3	71%	53%	51%	23
2003-04	27	Hunter	2-31 (12)	28	40.1	15.7	3.6	4.0	1.1	2.5	0.6	0.2	3.5	2.5	5.5	13.4	41%	2.4	5.9	41%	2.4	2.9	83%	53%	50%	26
2002-03	26	Canberra	11-19 (9)	8	33.0	14.5	4.6	3.9	1.4	3.3	0.5	0.3	2.4	1.9	5.3	12.4	42%	1.3	4.9	26%	2.8	3.5	79%	52%	47%	25
2002-03	26	Wollongong	18-12 (4)	10	4.5	0.9	0.3	0.4	0.1	0.2	0.0	0.1	0.2	0.7	0.4	1.4	29%	0.1	1.0	10%	0.0	0.2	0%	30%	32%	3
2001-02	25	Wollongong	16-14 (4)	25	9.2	3.0	0.9	0.6	0.5	0.4	0.1	0.0	0.6	1.0	1.1	3.6	30%	0.3	1.7	17%	0.6	0.7	78%	38%	34%	12
2000-01	24	Wollongong	21-7 (4)	30	9.4	4.8	0.9	0.8	0.3	0.7	0.1	0.0	0.5	1.1	1.7	3.7	46%	0.9	2.1	41%	0.5	0.8	63%	58%	57%	12
1999-00	23	Cairns	2-26 (11)	22	17.4	4.3	1.1	1.3	0.5	0.6	0.1	0.0	0.9	1.6	1.6	4.6	36%	0.6	2.3	26%	0.5	0.7	67%	44%	42%	15
1999-00	23	Wollongong	11-17 (8)	1	11.0	5.0	2.0	1.0	0.0	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	2.0	4.0	50%	0.0	1.0	0%	1.0	1.0	100%	56%	0%	5
1998-99	22	Brisbane	13-13 (5)	27	17.5	6.2	1.3	1.4	0.4	0.8	0.4	0.1	0.7	1.3	2.3	5.2	44%	1.4	2.9	48%	0.3	0.5	57%	57%	57%	17
1998	22	North Melbourne	9-21 (11)	27	18.9	6.4	1.5	1.9	0.6	0.9	0.3	0.0	1.6	1.5	2.3	6.2	37%	0.8	2.5	31%	1.1	1.1	94%	48%	43%	18
1997	21	North Melbourne	18-12 (3)	35	23.0	7.7	2.1	1.1	1.1	1.0	0.5	0.0	1.0	2.0	2.7	7.0	38%	1.3	3.3	38%	1.1	1.3	83%	50%	47%	20
1996	20	North Melbourne	15-11 (7)	28	16.3	5.0	1.4	1.4	0.6	0.7	0.5	0.1	0.9	1.6	1.7	4.6	36%	0.7	2.3	31%	1.0	1.2	79%	48%	44%	18
1995	19	North Melbourne	18-8 (2)	24	6.3	3.1	0.7	0.7	0.5	0.2	0.3	0.0	0.7	0.5	1.0	2.5	42%	0.4	1.1	33%	0.6	0.7	94%	55%	49%	11
1994	18	North Melbourne	19-7 (3)	10	2.9	1.8	0.6	0.7	0.3	0.3	0.0	0.0	0.4	0.2	0.7	1.6	44%	0.3	0.6	50%	0.1	0.4	25%	50%	53%	5
1992	16	South East Melbourne	20-4 (1)	0	#DIV/0!	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0%	0.0	0.0	0%	0.0	0.0	0%	0%	0%	0
Total				395	20.7	6.8	1.9	2.0	0.6	1.3	0.3	0.1	1.3	1.6	2.4	6.0	39.5%	0.0	0.0	35.8%	1.1	3.0	75.9%	52%	48%	30

CAREER HIGHS

POINTS	REBOUNDS	ASSISTS	STEALS	BLOCKS	TURNOVERS	TRIPLE DOUBLES
30	8	12	4	1	7	0

STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

AIS 1993 | NE Melbourne Giants 1994-1997 | Southern Districts Spartans 1998-99 | Cairns Marlins 2000 | Stirling Senators 2005 | Kilsyth 2003/04, 2006-09 | Coffs Harbour 2010-12

Season	Team	PTS	AST	STL	BLK	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%
1	0	55%	77%	45%	40%
2	0	30	12	4	1
Total						935	2367	39.5%	420	1172	35.8%

NBA TOTAL STATISTICS

YEAR	AGE	TEAM	POS	GP	GS	MINS	PTS	TRB	AST	ORB	DRB	STL	BLK	TOV	PF	FG	FGA	FG%	3P	3PA	3P%	FT	FTA	FT%	TS%	EFG%
2007-08	31	South	5-25 (13)	24	516.0	93	47	35	11	36	7	3	23	39	29	89	33%	16	57	28%	19	29	66%	45%	42%	13
2006-07	30	South	15-18 (7)	28	693.0	201	54	60	12	42	8	0	32	63	66	165	40%	36	96	38%	33	41	80%	54%	51%	23
2005-06	29	Perth	16-16 (7)	36	1,270.0	400	126	157	33	93	14	1	84	92	136	336	40%	69	179	39%	59	85	69%	53%	51%	30
2004-05	28	Perth	17-15 (7)	32	920.0	258	96	128	21	75	6	1	58	59	94	224	42%	40	109	37%	30	42	71%	53%	51%	23
2003-04	27	Hunter	2-31 (12)	28	1,123.0	439	101	113	31	70	17	6	98	71	153	376	41%	67	165	41%	66	80	83%	53%	50%	26
2002-03	26	Canberra	11-19 (9)	8	264.0	116	37	31	11	26	4	2	19	15	42	99	42%	10	39	26%	22	28	79%	52%	47%	25
2002-03	26	Wollongong	18-12 (4)	10	45.0	9	3	4	1	2	0	1	2	7	4	14	29%	1	10	10%		2	0%	30%	32%	3
2001-02	25	Wollongong	16-14 (4)	25	230.0	75	23	15	12	11	3	0	14	24	27	89	30%	7	42	17%	14	18	78%	38%	34%	12
2000-01	24	Wollongong	21-7 (4)	30	283.0	143	28	25	8	20	4	0	15	32	51	112	46%	26	64	41%	15	24	63%	58%	57%	12
1999-00	23	Cairns	2-26 (11)	22	382.0	95	24	28	10	14	3	0	19	35	36	101	36%	13	50	26%	10	15	67%	44%	42%	15
1999-00	23	Wollongong	11-17 (8)	1	11.0	5	2	1	0	2	0	0	0	1	2	4	50%	0	1	0%	1	1	100%	56%	0%	5
1998-99	22	Brisbane	13-13 (5)	27	472.0	168	34	38	12	22	12	2	18	36	61	140	44%	38	79	48%	8	14	57%	57%	57%	17
1998	22	North Melbourne	9-21 (11)	27	510.0	174	40	50	15	25	9	1	42	41	62	167	37%	21	68	31%	29	31	94%	48%	43%	18
1997	21	North Melbourne	18-12 (3)	35	806.0	268	73	40	38	35	16	1	36	70	93	245	38%	44	116	38%	38	46	83%	50%	47%	20
1996	20	North Melbourne	15-11 (7)	28	455.0	141	38	38	18	20	14	2	26	46	47	130	36%	20	64	31%	27	34	79%	48%	44%	18
1995	19	North Melbourne	18-8 (2)	24	150.0	74	16	16	11	5	8	1	17	11	25	60	42%	9	27	33%	15	16	94%	55%	49%	11
1994	18	North Melbourne	19-7 (3)	10	29.0	18	6	7	3	3	0	0	4	2	7	16	44%	3	6	50%	1	4	25%	50%	53%	5
1992	16	South East Melbourne	20-4 (1)	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0%	0	0	0%	0	0	0%	0%	0%	0
Total				0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	0		0	0

COACHING HISTORY

Was named head coach of the Knox Raiders in 2013 (SEABL).

LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL

Acted as Director of Coaching for Diamond Vallety basketball from 2023 onwards.

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POS	TEAM	W	D	L	PTS
1	Top Club FC	21	3	3	66
2	The Reapers	20	4	3	64
3	Crimson Kings	19	4	4	61
4	Wind Slayers	18	2	6	56
5	Deadly Predators	18	2	4	56

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Aussies Abroad

If Dyson Daniels Doesn’t Win Defensive Player of the Year, It’s a Disgrace

The Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award is supposed to recognise the most dominant defender in the NBA. If that’s the case, then Dyson Daniels should already have his name engraved on the trophy. But as the season winds down, there’s a growing concern that Daniels might get overlooked simply because he’s a guard. If that happens, it won’t just be unfair—it will be a disgrace. Daniels is Leading the NBA in Every Key Defensive Stat There’s no argument against Daniels’ defensive dominance this…
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NBL News

Sydney Kings’ Xavier Cooks Faces Further Consequences After Positive Cocaine Test

Sydney Kings captain Xavier Cooks has served most of his one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine but may still face additional disciplinary action from his club. He was provisionally suspended in early February after returning an adverse analytical finding just two days before the Kings’ sudden-death clash against Adelaide. Basketball Australia later confirmed the ban, though the club initially cited “personal leave” as the reason for his absence. Despite the violation, Sydney Kings officials reportedly want to retain Cooks, who remains under contract for…
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NBL News

NBL Free Agent Tracker

Below is an up-to-date roster for each NBL team and a list of rumours and potential signings derived from discussions with NBL staff and media. Players listed as contracted come from information supplied by the National Basketball League. * = Denotes import player ** = Naturalised Australian DP = a member of the team's development roster SRP = the previously named Asian player exception denoting an Asian player who qualifies as a local in the NBL. MP = Marquee players listed as known Click here…
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Around the Globe

How Aussie Hoops Is Vital For Asia Basketball

The recent FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Traralgon showcased not just Australia's dominance in the region but also why Australian basketball is becoming an invaluable asset for Asian nations looking to grow their game. The Boomers' commanding victories over Indonesia (109-58) and Thailand (114-64) were not just displays of superior talent but reflections of an elite system that consistently produces world-class players. For Asian basketball federations seeking a model to learn from, Australia offers an ideal blueprint—one that balances elite player development, a thriving professional…
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