BIO: Mike Kelly was born in Los Angeles, California (USA) and began his career at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, during which he was part of a team with a 29–0 record that won the 1985 CIF Championship.

He then moved to Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and stayed there for two years.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mike Kelly made his NBL debut with the Hobart Devils at 25 years of age. He scored 24 points in his first game.

After a challenging season with Cal Bruton serving as both player and coach, the Hobart Devils shifted direction in 1993, opting not to renew Bruton’s contract. Alongside Bruton, the team parted ways with import Joe Hurst and veteran Shane Froling, while promising young big man David Stiff departed to play college basketball (Boston College).

Despite these notable exits, the Devils retained a core group featuring prolific scorer Wayne McDaniel, reliable forward Andrew Svaldenis, import guard Donald Whiteside, sharpshooter David Close, and rising talent Anthony Stewart.

The Devils faced significant challenges from the outset, with depth issues becoming increasingly evident as the season progressed. Injuries further complicated matters, sidelining key players Wayne McDaniel and David Close at critical points. To counteract these absences, Mike Kelly was brought in as an injury replacement and quickly made an immediate impact, averaging an impressive 19.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in his brief two-game stint.

Wayne McDaniel continued his scoring prowess, leading the team with averages of 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Andrew Svaldenis delivered a career-best performance, improving significantly with averages of 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Guard Donald Whiteside proved his value once more, contributing 15.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per contest, though increased defensive attention from opponents limited his effectiveness at times. David Close remained a consistent threat from outside, posting 13.2 points and 2.9 assists per game, while second-year player Anthony Stewart notably doubled his scoring output to 11 points per game alongside 3.7 assists.

Jim Havrilla (9.8 points, 5.4 rebounds) and Justin Cass (7.5 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists) provided additional contributions, but the Devils struggled to maintain competitive form consistently throughout the year. Limited depth and injuries exposed significant vulnerabilities, ultimately resulting in a disappointing 6–20 record and a 13th-place finish.

1996
After a short stint as a replacement player with Hobart (1993) and a number of impressive seasons playing in Australia’s state League Mike Kelly signed a contract to play with the South East Melbourne Magic in 1996.

Heading into 1996, coach Brian Goorjian had fully revamped the South East Melbourne Magic lineup, focusing on cultivating Australia’s best young talent. Under-21 rising stars Chris Anstey, Sam MacKinnon, and Jason Smith had grown into pivotal rotation players. To complement this emerging core, Goorjian replaced high-scoring guard Adonis Jordan with unselfish Vanderbilt import Billy McCaffrey. Defensive standout Mike Kelly—who had impressed briefly in the NBL previously with Hobart (1993) before honing his skills in Australia’s state leagues—was signed to a full-time NBL contract. Kelly joined from the state competition alongside promising teenage forward Frank Drmic, who replaced Rupert Sapwell. With veterans Tony Ronaldson, John Dorge, Darren Lucas, and Andrew Parkinson also returning, the Magic felt poised to make a genuine title run.

South East Melbourne flourished offensively with an exceptionally balanced approach, finishing second on the regular-season ladder (19–7). Six players averaged double-digit scoring, led by Tony Ronaldson’s standout numbers (18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists). McCaffrey (17.6 points, 4.7 assists) seamlessly orchestrated the offense, while Chris Anstey had a breakout year (11.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks). Anstey’s significant improvement was rewarded at season’s end with the NBL’s Most Improved Player award. Veteran centre John Dorge (12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds) remained highly productive, providing critical inside presence.

Mike Kelly (11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) stepping into significant responsibility in his first full season, averaging 33 minutes per game. His defensive prowess and reliable scoring immediately proved invaluable to the Magic.

While dominant at home (11–2), youthful inconsistencies occasionally appeared on the road, limiting the Magic to just two regular-season road wins over playoff-bound teams.

Entering the postseason, the Magic exacted revenge on the North Melbourne Giants, who had ended their 1995 season. South East Melbourne comfortably took game one of the quarterfinals, 96–82, effectively neutralising Giants’ star Darryl McDonald (held to 11 points and 6 turnovers). Andrew Parkinson came off the bench to lead the Magic with 19 points, supported by McCaffrey (18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Kelly (15 points, 8 rebounds). Anstey dominated the paint with 12 points and 7 boards.

In game two, John Dorge’s 14 points and 14 rebounds performance shut down Paul Rees, who had scored 28 in game one. Ronaldson starred (25 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks), while Kelly again played brilliantly, recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Magic eliminated the Giants with an 87–77 victory.

In the semi-finals against the Adelaide 36ers, Ronaldson (20 points, 7 assists) led a tightly contested game one but fell narrowly, 87–86, due to Leon Trimmingham’s dominant 23-point effort. In game two, the Magic’s youth took centre stage. MacKinnon (20 points, 7 assists) and Anstey (14 points, 6 rebounds) propelled the Magic to a convincing 112–81 victory, limiting Trimmingham to just 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Mike Kelly contributed strongly (15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals), sending South East Melbourne to the Grand Final against their fierce crosstown rivals, the Melbourne Tigers.

Melbourne drew first blood in the Grand Final, securing a 100–89 victory behind Andrew Gaze’s stellar 35-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist outing. Kelly contributed solidly in defeat, adding 14 points and 6 assists. Bradtke (24 points, 15 rebounds) and Copeland (23 points) ensured victory alongside Gaze, as the Tigers’ “Big Three” combined for 82 points.

Game two saw a record-breaking crowd of 15,064 pack Flinders Park—the largest ever for an NBL game in Melbourne. Energised by the atmosphere, South East Melbourne responded impressively, defeating the Tigers 88–84. Ronaldson exploded for 28 points, supported by Mike Kelly’s exceptional all-around play (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals). Gaze again topped Melbourne’s scorers with 21 points.

The quick turnaround for game three—held only 48 hours later—played into the Magic’s younger legs. South East Melbourne dominated the decisive clash, winning in emphatic fashion, 107–70. McCaffrey shone (24 points, 5 assists), while MacKinnon delivered near perfection (18 points, 9 rebounds, shooting 9-of-10). Veteran John Dorge was unstoppable inside, adding 16 points and 8 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting. Kelly, consistent again, contributed crucially with 16 points and 7 rebounds. The Magic’s field-goal accuracy (54%) thoroughly outclassed Melbourne’s (38%), sealing the championship convincingly.

The 1996 NBL Grand Final series achieved a record total attendance of 43,605 (14,535 average), the highest ever for a three-game series. Mike Kelly’s integral two-way impact—averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals across the series—earned him Finals MVP honours in his first full contracted NBL season, underscoring his rapid ascent from the state leagues to championship glory.

1997
Coming off their championship-winning 1996 season, the South East Melbourne Magic retained the majority of their roster, making only a few notable adjustments. The primary changes included the arrival of import guard Brian Tolbert, who replaced outgoing Billy McCaffrey, and the promotion of promising 18-year-old Frank Drmic in place of retired defensive specialist Darren Lucas. Despite these adjustments, the Magic continued their dominant form throughout the 1997 season, finishing atop the ladder with an impressive franchise-record 22–8 mark.

Balance and depth defined the Magic’s approach, with five players averaging double figures in scoring and only four points separating the team’s top scorer from its fifth. Veteran forward Tony Ronaldson (16.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) spearheaded the offense, closely supported by rising stars Sam MacKinnon (15.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) and Chris Anstey (13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks), whose defensive presence anchored the frontcourt. In the backcourt, defensive stalwart Mike Kelly (12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals) set the tone, earning his second consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player award. Coach Brian Goorjian’s exceptional management of this deep roster was recognised with the NBL Coach of the Year award.

As ladder leaders, South East Melbourne earned a first-round bye before facing the fourth-placed Perth Wildcats in the semi-finals. The Magic opened the series strongly, taking game one in Perth (92–82), powered by an outstanding performance from Anstey (19 points, 16 rebounds, 5 steals) and Ronaldson’s 18 points. Back home for game two, South East Melbourne elevated their defensive intensity, restricting the Wildcats in a commanding 96–69 victory. MacKinnon (21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) paced the Magic offensively, securing a return to the Grand Final and setting up a highly anticipated rematch against the Melbourne Tigers.

The 1997 Melbourne Tigers, however, posed a formidable challenge. After a sluggish 6–5 start, the mid-season acquisition of Marcus Timmons sparked an incredible franchise-record 13-game regular-season winning streak. By the time they faced the Magic, their winning streak had extended to 15 games. In game one, the Tigers’ explosive trio of Lanard Copeland (29 points, 4 rebounds), Marcus Timmons (24 points, 9 rebounds), and Andrew Gaze (23 points, 9 assists) proved unstoppable, dismantling the Magic 111–74. Chris Anstey struggled offensively, limited to just 6 points by Melbourne’s defense.

Coach Goorjian responded strategically in game two by inserting veteran John Dorge into the starting lineup to increase physicality and allow Anstey more freedom. The adjustment paid dividends—Anstey delivered his best playoff performance to date (21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), guiding South East Melbourne to a gritty 84–78 victory and ending Melbourne’s 17-game winning streak. This result forced a deciding game three for the second straight year.

Game three began intensely, with both teams tied midway through the first quarter. However, a second-quarter surge by the Tigers proved decisive. Despite Tony Ronaldson’s spirited 26-point effort, Melbourne’s frontcourt effectively contained Anstey (8 points), and the Tigers never relinquished control, clinching their second-ever NBL championship with a 93–83 victory. Lanard Copeland led Melbourne again, scoring 26 points, and was later named Finals MVP after averaging 27.6 points and 3.3 rebounds for the series, shooting at an impressive 56%.

Yet, despite Copeland’s stellar numbers, the Tigers highlighted the pivotal contributions of forward Warrick Giddey, whose impact transcended his stat line (0 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block). Giddey delivered three crucial late-game plays—a hard foul breaking MacKinnon’s nose, a momentum-shifting block on Frank Drmic, and a powerful mid-court screen on Mike Kelly—that ultimately sealed the Tigers’ triumph.

A great Australian sporting rivalry!! pic.twitter.com/qVrlKwROkN

— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 21, 2023

1998
During the 1998 season Kelly earned the League best defensive player award for the second straight season and averaged 13 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He played a key role in helping the Magic to a first place finish in the regular season with a 26-4 record.

The Magic received a first round bye in the play-offs before meeting the Brisbane Bullets in the semifinals. The Magic would defeat Brisbane 106-98 in game one and 90-84 in game two to see them reach the NBL Grand Final. The Magic would face the Adelaide 36ers in the championship deciding series and lose a narrow game one 93-100 before the 36ers dominated them in game two 90-62 to win the title.

Kelly moved to a brand new club for the 1998/99 season, the newly formed Victoria Titans. During his two year stay with the club, they reached the finals twice and the Grand Final once.

In 1999 Kelly averaged 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds, and helped guide the Titans to a third place finish in the regular season with a 16-1 record.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
1999/00
The Townsville Crocodiles entered the 1999/00 NBL season determined to build upon the solid foundations laid the previous year by head coach Ian Stacker and marquee player Sam Mackinnon. The club retained key elements of their core, bringing back veteran import Robert Rose, rapidly improving forward Andrew Goodwin, tenacious guard Brad Davidson, and forward David Pennisi. Departing from the squad were import James Harper and seasoned guard Simon Kerle, whose roles were filled by the defensive-minded Mike Kelly (formerly with Stacker and Mackinnon at South East Melbourne), versatile forward Pat Reidy (acquired from Newcastle), and promising big man Ben Knight (from Sydney).

Townsville faced an immediate test, losing their season opener 106–95 against Stacker and Mackinnon’s previous club, the Victoria Titans. However, the team quickly bounced back, embarking on a four-game winning streak that featured impressive victories against Illawarra (99–88), Sydney (98–88), Cairns (103–75), and Adelaide (131–127). These wins underscored the Crocodiles’ improved roster and increased competitiveness.

Central to Townsville’s remarkable season was the standout development of Andrew Goodwin, who boosted his scoring significantly from 14.7 points to 18.0 per game, adding 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals on his way to winning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award. Sam Mackinnon (17.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.1 blocks) delivered impressive all-around performances, while Robert Rose (17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.8 steals) showcased veteran consistency and leadership. Mike Kelly (16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists) finished the season as the league’s best three-point shooter, converting at a stellar 43.9%, and Pat Reidy (14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists) provided additional scoring versatility in the frontcourt.

Off the bench, Ben Knight (8.5 points, 4.4 rebounds) added critical depth and earned recognition as the league’s Sixth Man of the Year. Brad Davidson (7.1 points, 2.7 assists) continued to play a pivotal role, providing steady contributions from the backcourt rotation.

The Crocodiles finished the regular season with an outstanding 22–6 record, evenly split between home (11–3) and away (11–3) games, marking the most successful regular season in franchise history up to that point. Their consistent play secured second place on the ladder, a first-round playoff bye, and league-wide acclaim, culminating in Ian Stacker being named NBL Coach of the Year.

The Crocs entered the semi-finals against the experienced Perth Wildcats in an intense playoff series. Game one featured a thrilling scoring battle, highlighted by Mike Kelly’s 29 points, although Townsville narrowly fell short, losing 104–101 against Ricky Grace (24 points, 6 assists) and the Wildcats.

Back home in Game two, Townsville delivered an emphatic response, cruising to a 101–78 victory behind strong outings from Mackinnon (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Reidy (22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), and Rose (21 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists), who narrowly missed a triple-double.

However, in the decisive third game, Perth’s depth and experience ultimately overwhelmed the Crocodiles. Despite a heroic 33-point performance by Robert Rose, Perth dominated with standout efforts from Ricky Grace (21 points, 11 assists), Anthony Stewart (21 points), Paul Rogers (20 points, 12 rebounds), and Andrew Vlahov (15 points, 17 rebounds), sealing the series with a convincing 104–84 victory. The Wildcats proceeded to win the NBL Championship against the Victoria Titans.

After multiple successful years, the Crocodiles struggled in the 2001/02 season and the early part of the 2002/03 season, however a 16-game winning streak pushed the club into the finals. Despite their best efforts, they were pushed out of the finals by the Wollongong Hawks and the Sydney Kings.

Kelly joined the Wollongong Hawks for the 2004/05 NBL season, during which they reach the Grand Final. However, they were beaten 3–0 by the Sydney Kings.

Kelly remained with the Wollongong Hawks for the 2005/06 NBL season, however only played four games before retiring.

Mike Kelly played thirteen seasons across five NBL teams. This included the Hobart Devils, South East Melbourne Magic, Victoria Titans, Townsville Crocodiles and Wollongong Hawks. He averaged 12.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 346 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 41st in total assists
– 34th in total steals

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.