BIO: Nathan Crosswell was born in Ballina (NSW) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Melbourne basketball program.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Nathan Crosswell made his NBL debut with the Melbourne Tigers at 19 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

Nathan Crosswell made his NBL debut with Melbourne after progressed through the Tigers’ junior basketball program. Originally from Ballina in northern New South Wales, Crosswell had been coached by Tony Gaze in Lismore before moving to Melbourne after finishing school. He joined the Tigers’ under-20 team under Al Westover and regularly trained with the senior NBL squad, gaining experience alongside some of Australia’s leading players. Melbourne had finished fifth in 1998 before being eliminated by Brisbane in the opening round of the playoffs, but retained much of its championship-winning roster for the NBL’s first summer season. Head coach Lindsay Gaze welcomed back Andrew Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Mark Bradtke, Marcus Timmons, Warrick Giddey, Ray Gordon, Blair Smith, Brett Jefferies, Daniel Egan, Erik Wickstrom and Brett Rainbow, while Matt Reece and Andrew Walter departed. Crosswell’s elevation from the junior program gave the Tigers another young player to develop behind their experienced rotation.

Crosswell made his first NBL appearance against Canberra at Melbourne Park on December 19, 1998, entering the game as a reserve while Bradtke was absent from Melbourne’s lineup. Crosswell failed to score on debut, with Gaze (34 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Timmons (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) providing the Tigers’ main offensive contributions. Mike McKay (31 points) led Canberra, supported by Melvin Thomas (28 points), as the Cannons defeated Melbourne 110-99. The appearance marked Crosswell’s introduction to the NBL after spending much of the season training with the Tigers’ senior squad.

Crosswell (2.3 points across 3 games) received only 15 minutes of court time during his rookie season, making three of his four field-goal attempts, including his only three-point attempt. He recorded seven points, one rebound and two assists across his three appearances, with his opportunities limited by Melbourne’s experienced roster. However, his position within the senior squad became more established when Gaze (33.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.1 steals across 17 games) signed with the San Antonio Spurs on January 21 following the end of the NBA lockout. Gaze’s departure left a vacancy in Melbourne’s rotation, giving Crosswell an opportunity to become the team’s tenth man. Reflecting on his rookie season years later, Crosswell described it as “a massive learning experience”, having trained and played alongside established stars including Copeland, Timmons, Giddey and Bradtke.

Crosswell produced his highest-scoring and best overall performance of the season against Adelaide at Adelaide Arena on February 27, finishing with 7 points, including a three-pointer. Copeland (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Melbourne’s scoring, while Timmons (18 points) provided further support as the Tigers defeated the 36ers 90-87. The victory came against the defending champions and strengthened Melbourne’s position in the race for the minor premiership. Crosswell’s seven points accounted for his entire scoring output during the season, giving him his first points at NBL level during an important late-season road victory.

Melbourne’s offensive strength was built around Copeland (25.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 30 games), Timmons (20.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 30 games) and Bradtke (17.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across 22 games). Together with Gaze, their individual scoring averages totalled 97.3 points per game, making the Tigers one of the competition’s most talented offensive teams. Melbourne began the season with ten consecutive victories before becoming less consistent through the middle of the campaign. Bradtke’s seven-game absence between late November and early January had already disrupted the frontcourt rotation, while Gaze’s departure for the NBA placed greater responsibility on Copeland and Timmons. Although Crosswell was now part of the senior squad, his playing opportunities remained limited, with the Tigers relying heavily on their established stars.

The supporting rotation included Egan (7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds across 30 games), who increased his scoring considerably from the previous season, and Smith (6 points and 4.2 rebounds across 30 games), who provided additional frontcourt depth. Giddey (1.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 28 games) remained one of Melbourne’s main distributors, while Jefferies (3 points across 26 games), Gordon (2.3 points across 20 games), Wickstrom (1.5 points across 15 games) and Rainbow (0 points across 2 games) completed the experienced roster. Crosswell’s introduction represented one of the Tigers’ few opportunities to develop a younger player during a campaign dominated by their established championship-winning group. The season also marked Gordon’s final year in the NBL before his retirement.

Despite losing their final three regular-season games against Canberra, Perth and Victoria, Melbourne finished second on the ladder with a 17-9 record, behind the Adelaide 36ers. Gaze claimed the NBL scoring title for the 12th time and led the competition in free-throw percentage at 89.4 percent, while Bradtke topped the league in rebounding with 13.3 per game. Gaze, Copeland and Bradtke earned All-NBL First Team honours, with Timmons selected to the Second Team. Lindsay Gaze was also named joint NBL Coach of the Year alongside Wollongong’s Brendan Joyce after guiding Melbourne to second place despite losing his leading scorer midway through the campaign. The Tigers entered the playoffs facing Brisbane, who had eliminated them the previous season, although Crosswell would not feature in any of Melbourne’s four postseason games.

Melbourne opened the qualifying finals against Brisbane at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 20, with Crosswell not appearing as the Tigers secured a 100-85 victory. Timmons (36 points and 6 rebounds) delivered an outstanding offensive performance, while Copeland (28 points and 6 rebounds) provided additional scoring. Steve Woodberry (29 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Leroy Loggins (24 points) led Brisbane, but Melbourne took a 1-0 series lead and moved within one victory of advancing to the semifinals.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on March 26, where Crosswell again did not play as Melbourne defeated Brisbane 98-92 to complete the 2-0 series sweep. Copeland (30 points and 9 rebounds) led the Tigers offensively, while Egan (23 points and 11 rebounds) delivered his strongest performance of the season. Woodberry (35 points and 10 rebounds) again carried Brisbane’s scoring, but Melbourne held on to avenge its elimination by the Bullets the previous year and advance to the semifinals against Brian Goorjian’s Victoria Titans.

The semifinal series opened at Melbourne Park on April 3, with Crosswell remaining out of the lineup as Victoria secured an 80-77 victory. Timmons (31 points and 9 rebounds) produced another strong playoff performance, supported by Copeland (25 points), but Tony Ronaldson (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Paul Maley (16 points) helped the Titans take a 1-0 series lead. Maley was particularly effective off the bench, making seven of his nine field-goal attempts during 22 minutes on court, leaving Melbourne needing two consecutive victories to reach the Grand Final.

Melbourne’s season ended at Melbourne Park on April 9, with Crosswell again not appearing as the Tigers suffered a 94-87 defeat to Victoria. Copeland (29 points and 2 rebounds) and Bradtke (24 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Melbourne’s scoring, but the Titans held the lead at the end of every quarter. Mike Kelly (19 points and 7 rebounds) made seven of his 12 field-goal attempts, including five three-pointers, while Ben Pepper (15 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) also converted seven of his 12 shots. Victoria completed the 2-0 semifinal sweep, eliminating Melbourne one round short of the Grand Final.

1999/00
In 1999/00 Crosswell saw only 11 minutes of game time as a part of a Melbourne Tigers squad that finished in fifth place with a record of 14-14.

VICTORIA TITANS
2001/02
Victoria’s first-place 2000/01 campaign ended with a semifinal loss to Townsville, the first time a Brian Goorjian team had missed the Grand Final in seven years. Goorjian responded by ending the three-centre rotation, with Ben Pepper (to Wollongong) and Glen Siegle (to Brisbane) leaving the roster. Darryl McDonald’s naturalisation opened another import position for Jamahl Mosley (via Salamanca), while Nathan Crosswell (via Melbourne’s state league squad) joined the backcourt and Mark Dickel remained an import because New Zealand players were not considered locals until 2003. Chris Anstey moved into the starting lineup alongside captain Tony Ronaldson, Jason Smith, Brad Sheridan and McDonald.

Crosswell made his first appearance for the Titans in Adelaide on December 1, playing 4:57 minutes without scoring as Victoria defeated the 36ers 111-91. Anstey (16 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block) and McDonald (15 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) led the Titans to the 20-point road win.

After appearing in only six NBL games across two seasons with Melbourne, Crosswell (5.3 points across 22 games) became a regular member of Victoria’s second unit, playing 12.8 minutes per game and providing additional depth in the backcourt.

Crosswell produced his first double-figure performance against Adelaide on February 15, making five of seven shots and finishing with 12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in 15:17 minutes as Victoria defeated the 36ers 121-103. Ronaldson (28 points) and Jason Smith (22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) helped the Titans complete the 18-point win.

Against Melbourne on March 9, Crosswell (11 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made four field goals and three free throws in only 6:16 minutes, but the Tigers defeated Victoria 127-121. Ronaldson (17 points and 1 block) and McDonald (14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Titans during the loss.

Crosswell’s best game came in Brisbane on March 23, where he made eight field goals and three three-pointers to finish with 19 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal in 47:59 minutes. Mosley (29 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Sheridan (21 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) also produced major performances, but the Bullets won 124-109. Victoria still completed the regular season in first place with a 21-9 record, securing its second consecutive minor premiership.

Ronaldson (19.5 points and 4.5 rebounds) led Victoria in scoring, while Jason Smith (18.8 points and 5.4 rebounds) returned from a serious knee injury and strengthened the rotation during the second half of the season. Anstey (16.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks) was named Titans MVP and selected to the All-NBL First Team.

McDonald (12 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.3 steals) led the NBL in steals and joined Ronaldson on the All-NBL Third Team, while Dickel (11.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists) provided another playmaker. Mosley (11.5 points and 6.7 rebounds) became the first import to win the NBL Best Sixth Man award, with Darren Smith (8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds), Sheridan (8.1 points) and Brett Wheeler (7.3 points and 6.2 rebounds) completing the main rotation as Goorjian was named NBL Coach of the Year.

Victoria opened the qualifying finals against sixth-placed Melbourne with a 113-107 win, with Crosswell (0 points in 2:16 minutes) making a brief appearance. Jason Smith (27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Anstey (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and McDonald (9 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 7 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Titans, while Hoare (20 points and 13 rebounds) was Melbourne’s best.

Game two remained in Melbourne, where Crosswell (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists) made five of eight shots and played 21:48 minutes. Jason Smith (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and McDonald (11 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) also contributed, but Copeland (41 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals) and Timmons (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) carried the Tigers to a 107-105 win.

Game three saw Melbourne complete the series victory behind Copeland (37 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Timmons (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks). Anstey (32 points, 20 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Ronaldson (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) led Victoria, while Crosswell (0 points and 1 rebound) played 4:53 minutes in the 103-97 loss. The Titans still advanced as the highest-ranked losing team from the qualifying finals.

The semifinals opened in Melbourne, where Crosswell did not play as Farley (25 points and 4 rebounds) and Maher (23 points and 8 rebounds) led Adelaide to a 99-92 win. Ronaldson (27 points and 5 rebounds), Jason Smith (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Anstey (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) were Victoria’s main contributors.

Game two moved to Adelaide, where Crosswell again did not play as Anstey (26 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Jason Smith (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) and McDonald (13 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Victoria to an 86-81 win. Farley (24 points) and Maher (15 points) led Adelaide as the Titans levelled the series.

Game three remained in Adelaide, where Farley (33 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), Maher (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Rees (16 points and 9 rebounds) led the 36ers, while Ronaldson (26 points and 6 rebounds), Jason Smith (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Dickel (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 9 assists) carried Victoria. The defeat became the final game played by the Victoria Titans, with financial problems leading the club to sell its licence to a group headed by Peter Fiddes and rebrand as the Victoria Giants, where Crosswell remained for the following season. Crosswell (0 points and 1 rebound) played 5:16 minutes in the 103-92 loss.

VICTORIA GIANTS
2002/03
After Victoria Titans folded in mid-2002, a group fronted by businessman Peter Fiddes was granted a licence in their place, and with new ownership primarily made up of former North Melbourne personnel, still upset about the Giants/Magic merger in 1998, re-branded the team to the Giants.

The team was put together on a shoestring budget and could not retain head coach Brian Goorjian nor the majority of the team’s higher-profile talent. The club was able to re-sign veteran Darryl McDonald and import Jamahl Mosely to new (reduced) deals but lacked the financial backing to re-sign much of the local talent losing Chris Anstey, Jason Smith and Mark Dickel to more lucrative European contracts and Tony Ronaldson and Brett Wheeler to the Perth Wildcats.

The Giants had been able to re-sign some of the Titans’ younger talent, Nathan Crosswell, Darren Smith and Marcus Wright and committed to giving them increased minutes and becoming a club focused on giving young Aussie talent a pathway to the NBL. This saw the team fill the remaining roster spots with young players who had been playing in the state leagues, giving them their first big break into the national league. Nik Mirich, who had just graduated from George Mason University, was signed, both Lindsey Tait and Miles Pearce were recruited from the semi-professional New Zealand NBL and Rhys Carter (AIS), David Cooper (Dandenong Rangers) and 36-year-old David Biwer (Nunawading) who had all been playing in the SEABL state league rounded out the bench.

The team would be led by former North Melbourne backup guard Mark Wright, who helped the Giants win a championship in 1989. First year coach Wright and the Giants and budget roster had been picked to finish last on the ladder and began the season with a road loss to Perth (95-85). The team would then surprise everyone by beating the West Sydney Razorbacks in their home opener (122–106) before destroying their cross-town rivals Melbourne (130–102).

The team were led by Jamahl Mosely (21.2 points, 9.5 rebounds), captain Darryl McDonald (14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 2.4 steals), who led the league in steals, and Nathan Crosswell (15.1 points and 2.9 assists), who grabbed the increased playing opportunities by the horns and moved into the starting lineup.

By round nine, the Giants were sitting on a respectable record (4-5) and sat middle of the NBL ladder. The wheels truly fell off from here, however, as the team lost the next seven games in a row, culminating with the release of import forward Dusty Rychart (16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds) was viewed as underperforming. Behind the scenes, the Giants had made a offer to a athletic big man Pero Vasiljevic, who had exited his deal with Canberra due to their financial instability. The front office was enamoured with Adonis Jordan, a key player during Magic v Giants rivalries of old that had recently been released from Townsville as Rychart’s replacement before letting him go. However, Jordan (19.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists) failed to change anything in the Giant’s win-loss column, with Victoria finishing the season with four wins in their final ten games. Injuries also took their toll during this period, with Darren Smith (13.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.1 steals) injuring his knee’s medial and cruciate ligaments, forcing him to miss the second half of the season. Jamahl Mosley (finger) and Marcus Wright (leg) would also both miss a month’s worth of games, resulting in the Giants finishing the season in second last place (9-21).

2003/04
In 2003/04, Crosswell averaged 15.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists as the Giants finished in first place with a record of 11-22.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2004/05
In 2004/05, Crosswell averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, playing a key role in the Taipans rotation, helping the team finish reach a tenth place finish with a 11-21 record.

2005/06
The 2005/06 season saw Crosswell average 8.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists and play a key role in helping the Taipans to a fifth place finish in the regular season with a 18-14 record.

2007/08
In 2007/08 Crosswell averaged 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists as the Tigers finished with a record of 22-8 and in second place during the regular season.

2008/09
In 2008/09, Crosswell averaged 7 points and 1.9 rebounds, and 4 assists, and helped guide the Tigers to a second place finish in the regular season with a 20-10 record.

2009/10
Thanks to the demise of the South Dragons in 2009, Mark Worthington, who found himself without a team, joined Melbourne to pair with Boomers teammate Chris Anstey in the frontcourt. Anstey’s body would struggle through the 2009/10 season, however, missing a large amount of the team’s games due to a recurring back injury. Even when he was able to suit up, Anstey (9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game) was a shadow of himself on the court, putting up his worst numbers since his 1996 breakout season with the Magic. His absence would benefit rising star Daniel Johnson, who improved his numbers from 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds to 10.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, including a career-high 17 points effort against Adelaide.

The Tigers’ injury woes didn’t finish with Anstey. New addition Ben Knight (4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) managed only four games before suffering a season ending injury after he jumped to get a loose ball against Gold Coast Blaze big man Pero Cameron. This was later diagnosed as a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee. Co-captain Nathan Crosswell was sidelined with a fractured finger for three weeks, forcing versatile import Julius Hodge to switch from small forward to point guard. Prior to Crosswell’s injury, the Tigers had just won their first set of back-to-back games for the year and, despite being last on the ladder, hoped to win seven of the team’s last nine games. After winning their next three games in a row, the Tigers fell well short, however, losing four games in a row to end the season in sixth place (11-17).

After failing to make the playoffs, Long time teammates Anstey and MacKinnon announced their retirements together at the end of the season. Crosswell averaged 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
2010/11
In 2010/11, Crosswell averaged 5.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2 assists as the Crocodiles finished in econd place with a record of 17-11.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2011/12
Adelaide rebuilt its roster for Marty Clarke’s second season, with Rhys Carter moving to Sweden, Brad Hill and Jeff Dowdell joining Cairns, Jacob Holmes heading to Townsville and Aaron Bruce signing with Sydney, while Eddie Shannon was not retained.

Daniel Johnson, Darren Ng, Mitch Creek and captain Adam Ballinger remained, while Nathan Herbert returned after missing the entire 2010/11 season with an ACL injury.

Stephen Weigh arrived from Perth, Wade Helliwell joined from Melbourne and Crosswell signed from Townsville, rather than Victoria, with his recruitment announced on 25 May 2011.

Adelaide also signed American guards Chris Warren, from the University of Mississippi, and forward John Williamson, but Williamson was released before the season after suffering a knee injury.

With Ballinger still recovering from ankle surgery and Williamson’s replacement yet to arrive, Adelaide opened the season with one import and lost to Perth (69-102) at Adelaide Arena on 8 October.

Crosswell (10 points) joined Warren (17 points) and Johnson (15 points) in double figures, but Shawn Redhage (26 points), Kevin Lisch (23 points) and Jesse Wagstaff (22 points) led the Wildcats to what was Adelaide’s largest opening-night defeat at the time.

Diamon Simpson, a former Saint Mary’s teammate of Patty Mills, replaced Williamson in time for the second game.

Adelaide lost its first three games before winning in Perth (100-92) on 28 October, then secured another road victory over the Wildcats (96-84) on 4 December.

In the December win, Simpson (22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block) made 10 of 12 field-goal attempts, while Crosswell (9 points and 4 assists) helped organise the backcourt and Matt Knight (21 points) led Perth.

The two victories meant Adelaide accounted for two of Perth’s four regular-season home defeats.

The following week brought season-ending injuries to both Adelaide’s captain and vice-captain.

Ballinger injured his ankle against Sydney on 8 December, and Crosswell ruptured his Achilles tendon during the home loss to New Zealand (73-86) on 11 December in Round 10.

Crosswell (7.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists across 9 games) had been Adelaide’s leading distributor, but the injury ended his first season with the club.

Ballinger (5.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists across 8 games) also played no further part in the campaign, rather than returning for its second half.

Everard Bartlett joined on 17 December as Crosswell’s injury replacement, having already appeared for Perth earlier in the season as cover for Damian Martin.

Without Crosswell and Ballinger, Adelaide lost six consecutive games from 7 January to 5 February.

During that run, Warren (31 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals) produced his season-high scoring performance in the loss to Melbourne (81-87) on 3 February, making 10 of 18 field-goal attempts (55.6%), five of ten three-pointers and all six free throws.

The 36ers ended the losing streak against Townsville (79-74) on 12 February, later won in Melbourne (92-83) and defeated Wollongong (77-73), before losing their final four games.

Adelaide finished ninth and last with an 8-20 record, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

Johnson (16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds) led the team in scoring, improving from 10.0 points and 4.0 rebounds the previous season to win the NBL Most Improved Player award and earn All-NBL Third Team selection.

Simpson (14.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks) was Adelaide’s second-highest scorer, rather than its leading scorer, and finished third in league rebounding while leading the NBL in field-goal percentage (59.2%).

Warren (14.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists) completed the principal scoring trio, but neither import returned for 2012/13.

Simpson signed with the Houston Rockets after Adelaide’s season ended.

2012/13
Adelaide made further changes after its last-place finish, with Adam Ballinger joining Melbourne and Everard Bartlett returning to Perth, while Chris Warren, Diamon Simpson, Darren Ng, Nathan Herbert and Wade Helliwell also departed, with Helliwell retiring.

Crosswell returned after rehabilitating his Achilles injury, joining Daniel Johnson, Mitch Creek and Stephen Weigh as the main holdovers.

The collapse of the Gold Coast Blaze enabled Adelaide to recruit Adam Gibson, Anthony Petrie and Jason Cadee, while Luke Schenscher returned from Townsville for his second stint with the 36ers.

Clarke’s team began the campaign with one import, signing Knox Raiders and SEABL standout CJ Massingale.

Crosswell returned to NBL action in Adelaide’s season-opening win over Melbourne (84-61) on 7 October, going scoreless in a brief appearance as Johnson and Weigh each scored 21 points and Seth Scott led the Tigers with 17.

The 36ers reached 5-3 after consecutive wins over Perth, first at home (77-65) on 11 November and then away (69-65) on 16 November.

Massingale scored 18 points in the first victory, while Johnson (21 points and 15 rebounds), Petrie (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Crosswell (4 points and 2 assists) contributed to the second, with Wagstaff leading Perth with 14 points.

Adelaide’s promising start gave way to eight consecutive losses between 30 November and 5 January, equalling the club’s existing losing-streak record.

Massingale (4.1 points across 10 games) was released on 5 December after receiving limited court time, with Clarke stating that he had not adjusted to the required level of NBL play.

The decision drew criticism from basketball writer Boti Nagy, who argued that Massingale had not been given a fair opportunity in the rotation.

Creek (5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds across 12 games) then suffered a season-ending Achilles injury against Townsville on 15 December, further reducing Adelaide’s depth.

American guard Scott Christopherson arrived from Belarusian club Tsmoki-Minsk as Massingale’s replacement, but visa and FIBA clearance delays postponed his debut.

Christopherson (2.9 points and 1.9 rebounds across 14 games) subsequently struggled to establish a regular role, and Nagy later described him as arguably the club’s worst import.

Crosswell (3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists) played all 28 games in his final NBL season, providing a reserve option behind Gibson and Cadee after the injury that had ended his previous campaign.

Adelaide ended its eight-game losing streak by defeating Sydney (82-64) on 13 January, but won only two further games, both on the road in February, against Cairns (71-68) and Wollongong (91-90) in overtime.

The 36ers then lost their final four games.

Crosswell announced his retirement from the NBL on 20 March 2013 and made his 350th and final appearance three days later against Wollongong at WIN Entertainment Centre.

Crosswell (6 points in 16:39 minutes) made three of six field-goal attempts as Adelaide lost (64-74), with Weigh (22 points) leading the 36ers and Adris Deleon (23 points) and Larry Davidson (20 points) leading the Hawks.

His return from the Achilles injury had enabled him to complete a second season with Adelaide and finish his NBL playing career on court.

Adelaide finished eighth and last with an 8-20 record, matching its previous season’s win-loss record and collecting a second consecutive wooden spoon after winning only three of its final 20 games.

Johnson (16.2 points and 8.1 rebounds) led Adelaide in scoring and the NBL in rebounding, earning All-NBL Second Team honours, while Gibson (11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists) was selected to the All-NBL Third Team.

Petrie (11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds), Weigh (10.6 points and 5.9 rebounds), Schenscher (9.0 points and 6.1 rebounds) and Cadee (7.5 points and 2.5 assists) completed the main rotation.

Neither Adelaide season produced a playoff appearance, and Clarke was not retained after the 2012/13 campaign, with championship-winning coach Joey Wright appointed for 2013/14.

Nathan Crosswell played fourteen seasons across six NBL teams. This included the Melbourne Tigers, Victoria Titans, Victoria Giants, Townsville Crocodiles, Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers. He averaged 8.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 350 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 36th in total assists