BIO: Mirko Đerić (Anglicized: Mirko Djeric; Serbian Cyrillic: Мирко Ђерић; born 17 April 1995) was born in Canberra (ACT) then moved to Sydney where he played with the Bankstown Bruins in the Waratah State League. Djeric received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2011. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mirko Djeric made his NBL debut with the Wollongong Hawks at 17 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

Wollongong began their season with a strong start, defeating the Sydney Kings 79–76 in the opening game and sitting on top of the NBL ladder at the end of Round 5.

Wollongong’s roster was led by dynamic guard Adris De León (16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists) who was voted as the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year and won the Hawks club MVP.

Other key contributors included Rhys Martin (11.8 points, 3.3 assists), Oscar Forman (11.7 points, 6.1 rebounds), and Larry Davidson (8.7 points, 6.6 rebounds).

Veterans Glen Saville (8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists) and versatile forward Tim Coenraad (8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds) also experiance and leadership to the lineup.

Wollongong were able to finish the regular season in third place (13–15) and advanced to face Perth in the semifinals.

In Game 1, Wollongong fell 93–65 at Perth Arena, struggling to keep pace with Perth’s dominant offense. The series shifted back to the WIN Entertainment Centre for Game 2, where the Hawks pushed the Wildcats to overtime but ultimately fell short in a heartbreaking 85–81 loss, ending their playoff run.

As a rookie, Djeric appeared in eight games, averaging 3.1 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in limited minutes off the bench.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
2013/14
Mirko Djeric joined the Townsville Crocodiles for the 2013/14 NBL season, a campaign that began under uncertain circumstances as Barrier Reef Basketball relinquished ownership of the club’s license. Despite concerns about the team’s future, the Crocodiles transitioned to a community-owned model and moved forward with Perth Wildcats assistant Shawn Dennis as their new head coach. Dennis aimed to rebuild the team around young talents like Todd Blanchfield and Mitchell Norton, marking the beginning of a developmental era for the Crocodiles.

The roster featured a mix of veteran leadership and fresh additions. Key players included returning stalwarts Peter Crawford, Jacob Holmes, and captain Russell Hinder. To bolster their ranks, the Crocodiles signed Steven Markovic, a member of the Australian Boomers squad who had been playing in Europe, and added imports Joshua Pace and Brian Conklin. Conklin, in particular, emerged as a standout, scoring 33 points in just his second game—a 91–78 victory over the New Zealand Breakers—marking the second-highest single-game score by a Crocs player since the introduction of 40-minute games in the NBL.

Townsville defied preseason expectations, which had unanimously predicted a last-place finish. They recorded early-season upsets over top teams like Melbourne (90–75) and Adelaide (98–94) and defeated New Zealand twice. By Round 10, the Crocodiles were sitting just outside the playoffs in fifth place, showing promise despite their underdog status. Djeric, in his second NBL season, made 24 appearances, averaging 2.8 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game in a limited role off the bench.

However, the team’s inexperience began to show as the season progressed. Pace (14.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) and Markovic (13.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists) struggled to meet expectations, and the Crocodiles lost eight consecutive games mid-season, derailing their playoff hopes. Despite the setbacks, Conklin (16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) was a revelation, using his physicality and speed to thrive against taller opponents and finishing as one of the league’s top seven scorers. His importance to the team became even more evident when he suffered a hamstring injury late in the season, sidelining him for the final four games.

Townsville ultimately finished second-last on the ladder with a 10–18 record. Although the team fell short of a playoff berth, Conklin’s contributions earned him All-NBL Second Team honors, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season. For Djeric, the year provided valuable experience as part of a team in transition, laying the groundwork for his continued development in the league.

2014/15
Townsville entered the 2014/15 season with high hopes, retaining star import Brian Conklin and continuing to develop young talents like Todd Blanchfield and Mitchell Norton. Veterans Peter Crawford and Russell Hinder departed, with Crawford signing with Adelaide and Hinder retiring. The team replaced underperforming import Joshua Pace with Mickell Gladness, a former NBA shot blocker, and added Clint Steindl and Leon Henry to bolster their rotation.

While Townsville struggled to find consistency on the road, they turned The Swamp into a fortress, finishing with a winning home record (8-6) for the first time since 2012. The team’s 11-17 overall record reflected their struggles away from home, where they managed only three wins.

Brian Conklin delivered a dominant season, averaging 18.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 50.7% from the field. He finished fourth in the league in scoring and earned NBL MVP honors as well as selection to the All-NBL First Team. His standout performance came in a narrow loss to Cairns (79–75), where he posted 33 points and 11 rebounds.

Todd Blanchfield continued his ascent, averaging 14.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. His breakout season earned him the NBL Most Improved Player award and a spot on the All-NBL Second Team. The pair provided Townsville with a formidable one-two punch, though their efforts couldn’t lift the Crocodiles into playoff contention.

Mirko Djeric played in all 28 games, averaging 2.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.6 assists. While his minutes were limited, he continued to show promise as a reliable rotation player, contributing to the team’s strong performances at home.

2015/16
The 2015/16 season began amid financial uncertainty for Townsville, forcing the Crocodiles to rebuild on a tight budget. Key player Todd Blanchfield left for Melbourne United, and the team signed Nicholas Kay, who had just returned to Australia after four years at Metro State College of Denver. Coach Shawn Dennis filled out the roster with players willing to play on near-minimum contracts, including veterans Luke Schenscher and Corey Maynard, alongside import Jordair Jett.

Townsville’s season started with two losses, including a home defeat to Melbourne (84-99). However, they rebounded with surprising back-to-back road wins over Sydney (80-77) and Perth (66-63), showing resilience despite their limited roster.

Brian Conklin, re-signed as team captain, faced controversy after an on-court incident in a win against Perth (89–77), where his elbow broke Damian Martin’s jaw. Conklin was cleared by the NBL but later received a suspension for another elbow incident involving Mitch Creek. Struggling with inconsistent performances, Conklin was released in November after averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His departure marked a turning point in the season, with Omar Samhan brought in as his replacement. Samhan made an immediate impact, averaging 13 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.

Mirko Djeric had his best season to date, averaging 5.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists across 27 games. He became a consistent contributor during the team’s late-season resurgence. Jordair Jett found his form, leading the team with 15.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game and earning the Kevin Sugars Medal for team MVP.

Townsville finished second-last on the ladder with an 11-17 record, but their efforts were recognized. Shawn Dennis was named NBL Coach of the Year, Nicholas Kay won Rookie of the Year, and Clint Steindl earned Most Improved Player. Despite these achievements, Townsville’s financial issues led to their departure from the NBL at season’s end.

Djeric, unable to find a team in Australia, moved to Serbia, where he played for three seasons before returning to the NBL with the Cairns Taipans in 2019.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2019/20
Returning to the NBL after four years playingin Serbia, Mirko Djeric joined a revamped Cairns Taipans team that exceeded all expectations under second-year head coach Mike Kelly. Following a dismal 6-22 campaign in 2018/19, Cairns added Scott Machado, Cameron Oliver, and a rejuvenated Majok Deng to their core of DJ Newbill and Nathan Jawai. The roster shakeup helped Cairns finish third in the regular season with a 16-12 record, marking their best performance since 2015.

Djeric became a regular rotation player, appearing in 29 games and averaging 7.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. While his contributions were modest, he provided valuable depth and shooting for a team that relied heavily on its top-tier imports and veteran leadership.

The Taipans began the season slowly, losing their first three games before finding form. A pivotal moment came in a Round 3 win against Perth (99–76), where Majok Deng scored a career-high 22 points in a rare road victory over the Wildcats. Machado showcased his ability as the league’s premier playmaker, averaging 16.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.9 rebounds across the season, leading the NBL in assists. His performances earned him the Taipans MVP award, Fan’s MVP, an All-NBL First Team selection, and a runner-up finish in the NBL MVP race.

Cameron Oliver anchored the frontcourt, averaging 17 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 54% from the field. His athleticism and defensive presence earned him an All-NBL Second Team selection. DJ Newbill, the team’s emotional leader, averaged 18.8 points and won the NBL Defensive Player of the Year award alongside an All-NBL Second Team nod.

Despite their resurgence, Cairns struggled with inconsistency early in the season but found their stride midway through, winning seven of their next 11 games to reach .500 at the season’s midpoint. A late-season surge, including a five-game winning streak, secured their spot in the playoffs.

In the semi-finals, Cairns faced the defending champion Perth Wildcats. Game 1 in Perth was an instant classic, with Machado posting 31 points and leading a furious comeback that fell just short in overtime (108–107). Game 2 saw Cameron Oliver dominate with 22 points and 19 rebounds as Cairns forced a deciding Game 3 with an 85–74 win. However, the Taipans fell in Game 3 (93–82) in front of a hostile Perth crowd, ending their dream season.

Djeric’s contributions may not have grabbed headlines, but his steady presence helped Cairns become the league’s most surprising success story. His ability to stretch the floor and provide secondary ball-handling allowed Kelly’s system to thrive, ensuring Cairns could compete against the NBL’s best.

Mike Kelly praised the team’s effort, saying, “When I look back, I’ll reflect on what this group achieved and how special the season was.” The 2019/20 Taipans captured the imagination of Northern Queensland, setting a strong foundation for the future.

2020/21
In the 2020/21 season, Mirko Djeric delivered a career-best campaign, averaging 8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while making a career-high 66 three-pointers.

Despite Djeric’s personal improvement, the Cairns Taipans struggled throughout the season under head coach Mike Kelly. Plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Cairns finished in ninth place with a disappointing 8-28 record.

Majok Deng started the season in the Taipans’ starting lineup and played 22 games before suffering a partial tear to his left MCL on February 24, 2021. The injury sidelined him for six weeks, causing him to miss 16 games. Deng returned late in the season, appearing in the final 10 games, during which the Taipans won only once. Despite the team’s struggles, Deng averaged 12 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists upon his return.

Scott Machado re-signed with the Taipans on a two-year deal on November 22, 2020, and continued to be a pivotal player for the team. Machado averaged 15.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists across 34 games. As team captain, his leadership and playmaking earned him the Taipans’ MVP award for the season.

Nate Jawai, who re-signed with Cairns on a two-year deal prior to the season, turned back the clock with four 20-point games, the most he had recorded since his rookie season in 2008. Jawai finished the season averaging 8.3 points and 3.8 rebounds. However, his resurgence was not enough to help Cairns find consistent success.

Another notable addition was Jordan Ngatai, who joined Cairns after six seasons with the New Zealand Breakers. Seeking more playing time, Ngatai averaged 6.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. Despite his contributions, the Taipans struggled and ended the season in last place.

Injuries, including Deng’s extended absence, and inconsistent performances defined a challenging year for the Taipans. The team never fielded its full-strength roster and was unable to find any rhythm, leading to one of the franchise’s most disappointing finishes in recent years.

2021/22
The 2021/22 season marked significant changes for the Cairns Taipans, starting with the appointment of Adam Forde as head coach, replacing Mike Kelly. Forde, previously with the Sydney Kings, faced the challenge of rebuilding the team after the loss of star scorer Cameron Oliver to the NBA. To bolster their roster, Cairns added imports Tahjere McCall and Stephen Zimmerman, alongside local talent Keanu Pinder (via Adelaide) and rookie Bul Kuol (Detroit Mercy). Returning players included Scott Machado, named team captain, Majok Deng, Kouat Noi, Nathan Jawai, Mirko Djeric, Jarrod Kenny, and Jordan Ngatai.

The Taipans endured a challenging season riddled with injuries, preventing the team from fielding a full-strength roster in any game. Despite their struggles, several players delivered career-best performances under Forde’s guidance. Majok Deng had his best season to date, averaging 14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while appearing in every game and finishing second on the team in scoring.

Keanu Pinder doubled his points and rebounds from the previous season, averaging 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists to win the NBL’s Most Improved Player award. Rookie Bul Kuol also emerged as a vital piece of the Taipans’ lineup. Initially not guaranteed a rotation spot, Kuol became one of the team’s most consistent players, averaging 10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Kuol made history by setting an NBL rookie record with 64 three-pointers, including eight triples in a 102–94 win over Brisbane on February 5, 2022. He was named NBL Rookie of the Year for his standout season.

Tahjere McCall led the team in scoring and assists, averaging 16.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.0 steals, and was named co-MVP alongside Machado. Scott Machado battled injuries throughout the season, including a heel issue that sidelined him for more than six weeks and ultimately forced him to miss the final stretch of games. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 18 appearances.

Stephen Zimmerman contributed 11.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 16 games, while Kouat Noi added 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16 games. Nathan Jawai chipped in 5.9 points and 2.7 rebounds across 19 appearances. Mirko Djeric appeared in nine games, averaging 3.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in limited minutes.

Despite individual bright spots, Cairns finished the season in second-last place with a 9-19 record. Injuries and inconsistency hampered their efforts to climb the standings, but the emergence of young talents like Pinder and Kuol provided a glimpse of hope for the Taipans’ future.

2022/23
After finishing last in NBL22, Adam Forde’s Cairns Taipans entered the 2022/23 season with low expectations but emerged as one of the league’s most remarkable success stories. Retaining a solid core that included leading scorer Tahjere McCall, Most Improved Player Keanu Pinder, Majok Deng, Bul Kuol, and Mirko Djeric, the Taipans focused on building continuity while adding new firepower. Significant departures included Kouat Noi (to Sydney) and Nathan Jawai, who was not re-signed despite expressing a desire to continue playing.

To replenish the roster, Cairns signed promising young talent. Sam Waardenburg joined on a three-year deal, turning down multiple offers from rival teams after being assured a starting role. Fellow college grad Lat Mayen (Nebraska) and Jonah Antonio (Czech League) signed multi-year deals, while Ben Ayre, following his impressive stint as an injury replacement in NBL22, was elevated to the main roster. Imports DJ Hogg and Shannon Scott replaced Scott Machado and Stephen Zimmerman, completing the youngest squad in the league.

The Taipans defied predictions of another bottom-of-the-ladder finish by opening the season with impressive wins over Tasmania (106–84), South East Melbourne (85–76), and reigning champions Sydney (83–78). Starting the season 5-1, their only loss came against Perth (76–105). These early victories showcased Cairns’ ability to compete with the league’s elite.

Throughout the season, the Taipans delivered memorable performances. Notably, they defeated Melbourne United twice. In their first meeting, Cairns rallied late to outscore Melbourne 11-1 in the final four minutes, securing an 81–77 victory that vaulted them into second place. Pinder starred with 26 points and 10 rebounds, prompting Forde to declare him the best center in the league. The second encounter was a dominant 97–72 win where the Taipans led by as much as 40 points in the final quarter. Pinder recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Kuol added 18 points, Hogg scored 17, and Ayre contributed 16 off the bench.

Cairns also earned a reputation for snapping opposition win streaks, ending Brisbane’s three-game streak (90–82) in November and breaking Sydney’s record-setting 17-game road winning streak with a thrilling 94–88 overtime victory. In that game, Hogg scored 12 of his 20 points in the final term, including clutch back-to-back triples, while Pinder added a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite spending much of the season in second or third place on the ladder, Cairns faced adversity when Pinder sustained an ankle injury in December. Many expected the team to slide in his absence, but the Taipans responded with a five-game winning streak, including victories over Adelaide (86–83), Illawarra (96–89), Brisbane (107–81), South East Melbourne (94–85), and New Zealand (85–83).

In the final month of the season, Pinder suffered an eye injury, sidelining him for the playoffs. Cairns and New Zealand battled for second place, with the Taipans finishing the regular season 18-10, narrowly behind the Breakers due to percentage. This meant Cairns had to navigate the NBL’s inaugural play-in tournament. In the play-in, DJ Hogg delivered a historic 32-point, nine-rebound, four-assist performance, leading the Taipans to a 91–78 victory over Perth and into the semifinals.

The semifinal series against Sydney began without McCall, who suffered a partially dislocated shoulder in the Seeding Qualifier. The Kings capitalized, with Xavier Cooks (27 points, 14 rebounds) leading Sydney to a 95–87 Game 1 win. Game 2 was a dramatic affair, featuring multiple injuries and ejections. Amidst the chaos, Hogg (25 points, eight rebounds) and McCall (20 points, seven assists) powered Cairns to a 93–82 victory, forcing a decisive Game 3.

In the deciding game, Sydney locked down defensively, holding Cairns to their lowest score of the season in a 79–64 win. Dejan Vasiljevic hit three crucial three-pointers, finishing with 15 points and five rebounds, while Cooks added 11 points and 11 rebounds. Ben Ayre led the Taipans with 20 points (4-8 from three) and four assists.

Hogg led the Taipans in scoring with 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, earning All-NBL Second Team honors alongside Pinder (16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists). Pinder also made history as the first player to win the NBL Most Improved Player award twice. Rookie Sam Waardenburg (11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds) won the league’s Next Generation Award, replacing the Rookie of the Year accolade.

Djeric played a limited role, appearing in 15 games and averaging 1.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists.

Mirko Djeric played eight seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Wollongong Hawks, Townsville Crocodiles and Cairns Taipans. He averaged 5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 170 NBL games.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (825 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.