BIO: Michael Cedar was born in Townsville (QLD) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Townsville basketball program.

FAMILY: Michael’s brother, Christopher Cedar also played 88 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Michael Cedar made his NBL debut with the Townsville Crocodiles at 19 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

Local junior Michael Cedar stepped into the NBL spotlight in 2005–06, joining the Townsville Crocodiles as a development player elevated to the main roster. His promotion was part of a significant offseason overhaul that included the retirement of veteran Pat Reidy and the departure of Derek Moore and import Robert Brown. Larry Abney was brought in to replace Brown’s production, while Damon Lowery arrived from Wollongong to add veteran experience to the backcourt.

Cedar made his professional debut in Round 1, logging his first NBL minutes during Townsville’s dominant 111–97 road win over West Sydney. While his court time was limited, the significance of his elevation as a homegrown product was not lost on the club or fans.

Townsville began the campaign strongly, winning four of their first five games. Victories over Adelaide (108–100), Perth (124–108), and New Zealand (122–113) saw the Crocs looking like contenders early. But the optimism quickly faded. A string of defeats—including losses to Brisbane (107–94), Sydney (128–94), Hunter (104–99), and Melbourne (97–72)—plummeted the Crocs to a 4–4 record by the end of Round 5.

A midseason highlight came against Hunter on February 1, where Cedar registered 9 points (3-8 FG, 3-6 3P) in 18 minutes—his most impactful performance of the year.

Another standout moment came in the Round 20 clash against Cairns, where Cedar scored 3 points (1-3 FG, 1-2 3P), added 3 rebounds, and notched 2 assists in 21 minutes. His contributions helped alleviate pressure on the Crocs’ more seasoned guards, showing flashes of composure and shot-making ability.

Townsville’s form declined further as the season progressed. They managed just five more wins after Round 5, including a hard-fought 115–99 triumph over the Taipans in Round 11 and a 101–93 victory over Adelaide in Round 22. Cedar featured in both contests, continuing to gain confidence at the professional level.

The Crocodiles ended the regular season with a 9–23 record, placing ninth on the ladder and missing the playoffs. While established names like Larry Abney (20.1 points, 11.3 rebounds), Brad Newley (19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists), and Casey Calvary (17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds) carried the offensive load, Cedar’s growth as a local talent was one of the few positives from the disappointing campaign.

Veteran John Rillie (15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists) remained a steady contributor, while Robert Rose (8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists) wrapped up his distinguished NBL career. Supporting roles came from Kelvin Robertson (7.8 points), Greg Vanderjagt (6.3 points), and Damon Lowery (5.5 points). Cedar finished his first season averaging 2.6 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 23 games, providing glimpses of his potential and laying the groundwork for future seasons.

At season’s end, head coach Ian Stacker’s contract was not renewed, bringing further change to the program.

2006/07
Michael Cedar featured in a supporting role for the Townsville Crocodiles during the 2006/07 NBL season after returning to the squad for his second year as a development player. The club underwent key roster changes heading into the campaign, with veteran Robert Rose (to Cairns) and import Casey Calvary exiting the side. They were replaced by Daniel Egan (via Brisbane) and American guard Jelani Gardner (via France), who was signed to strengthen the backcourt.

Cedar was one of several returning players who remained with the club, alongside mainstays Brad Newley, John Rillie, Larry Abney, Kelvin Robertson, and Greg Vanderjagt. Head coach Trevor Gleeson retained a core rotation but reshaped the team around its emerging local talent.

New additions to the team included Daniel Egan (via Brisbane) and import Jelani Gardner (via France). Gardner averaged (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) before being released mid-season, making way for EJ Rowland (12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals), who joined for the second half of the season and brought athleticism and defensive pressure to the guard spot.

Cedar remained under a development contract with the Crocodiles, continuing to build his role with the team while providing spot minutes off the bench.

The Crocodiles began their season with a reshuffled lineup and worked toward establishing chemistry through the first half of the season. During this stretch, Townsville compiled several key wins, including strong home performances that built confidence within the young core.

Gardner (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) was released at the midway point of the season, and E.J. Rowland was signed in his place. Rowland went on to play 21 games, making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor with his transition speed, defensive awareness, and efficient scoring.

Brad Newley (22.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) led the team in scoring and became the focal point of the offense, while Larry Abney (21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) continued to dominate inside. John Rillie (19.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists) provided veteran leadership and elite shooting, and Kelvin Robertson (10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists) delivered a career-best season. Daniel Egan (10.0 points, 4.8 rebounds), Greg Vanderjagt (6.0 points, 5.5 rebounds), and E.J. Rowland (12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals) all played key roles across the year. Michael Cedar featured in a supporting role for the Townsville Crocodiles during the 2006/07 NBL season, appearing in 22 games and averaging (4.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, 0.1 steals, and 0.1 blocks).

Townsville closed the regular season with a 19–14 record, finishing fifth on the ladder and qualifying for the postseason. Their performance was driven by the trio of Newley, Abney, and Rillie, and a deep supporting cast that helped them navigate the mid-season roster changes.

In the elimination final against the Singapore Slingers, the Crocodiles secured a 106–93 victory at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Larry Abney (30 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals) delivered a commanding performance, while John Rillie (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Brad Newley (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) contributed on the perimeter. E.J. Rowland (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists) recorded a triple-double, and Daniel Egan (14 points, 4 rebounds) provided solid support. Michael Cedar (0 points, 1 rebound) appeared for 8 minutes in the win. The Slingers were led by Mike Helms (20 points, 8 rebounds) and Ben Knight (21 points, 17 rebounds).

Their playoff run ended in the quarter-finals, with Townsville falling 122–89 to the Sydney Kings at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Cedar again appeared off the bench, finishing with (0 points, 1 rebound) in 8 minutes. Kelvin Robertson (21 points) was the team’s leading scorer, while E.J. Rowland (17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Larry Abney (14 points, 7 rebounds) rounded out the top contributors. Sydney were led by Mark Worthington (28 points, 6 rebounds), B.J. Carter (20 points), and Russell Hinder (17 points, 6 rebounds).

2010/11
averaged double digits in scoring during the 2010/11 season.

Michael Cedar played eight seasons the Townsville Crocodiles. He averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 219 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (837 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.