NICKNAME/S: Ray Ray

BIO: Ray Borner OAM was born in Ballarat, VIC.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Ray Borner made his NBL debut with the Coburg Giants at 17 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

After winning the 1979 Australian Club Championship, Coburg entered the NBL for the first time in 1980 under coach Ray Tomlinson, with 17-year-old Ballarat centre Ray Borner joining the Giants for his rookie season.

Coburg opened its inaugural NBL campaign at Ken Watson Stadium on February 2, defeating Wollongong 76-73 behind Wayne Carroll (20 points), Les Riddle (18 points), Charley Palmer (16 points), Peter Blight (12 points), Bob Hillman (6 points) and Paul Franke (4 points), while Jim Slacke (25 points) and Ted Holcomb (18 points) were best for the Hawks.

Borner (4.4 points across 15 games) was held scoreless in his first NBL appearance, but gained his first minutes as Coburg opened the season with a win.

On March 2, Borner (10 points) made 5-of-10 field goals in a 73-70 road loss to City of Sydney, registering the first double-figure scoring game of his career.

On March 22, Borner (13 points) made 4-of-8 field goals and all five free throws as Coburg defeated Bankstown 94-65, establishing a new season-high.

His best game came against West Adelaide on April 13, when Borner (14 points) made 5-of-10 field goals and 4-of-5 free throws in a 93-81 loss.

Across the season, Borner made 24-of-48 field goals at 50.0% and 18-of-26 free throws at 69.2%, finishing with 66 points while averaging 1.9 personal fouls.

Blight (19.2 points across 18 games) and Carroll (16.9 points across 18 games) led Coburg offensively, with Hillman (11.7 points across 22 games), Franke (9.5 points across 22 games), Palmer (9.5 points across 16 games) and Riddle (8.5 points across 15 games) providing the other main scoring support.

Coburg finished ninth with a 7-15 record, winning the tiebreaker over City of Sydney but missing the four-team postseason.

The Giants closed the season at Ken Watson Stadium on June 8, where Borner (0 points) was held scoreless as West Adelaide defeated Coburg 92-89.

1981
Charley Palmer and Terry Kealey did not return to Coburg’s playing roster after the club’s inaugural NBL season, while Ray Tomlinson remained head coach and retained Peter Blight, Wayne Carroll, Bob Hillman, Paul Franke, Les Riddle, Mark Holland, Tony Marcucci and Barry Bird. American forward Howard Shockley joined the Giants, with Brian Longstaff and Billy Anderson also added to the roster.

Coburg opened the season at Ken Watson Stadium on February 22 and fell 93-88 to defending champions St Kilda, with Ray Borner (15 points) making 7-of-14 field goals in the five-point loss.

Borner (11 points across 21 games) took on a much larger role during his second NBL season, shooting 50% from the field and 76% from the free-throw line while becoming Coburg’s fifth-leading scorer.

On May 3, Borner (17 points) made 6-of-12 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws as Coburg defeated Newcastle 85-78.

Seven days later, Borner (19 points) made 7-of-14 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws as the Giants defeated Brisbane 77-71, securing their only road victory of the season.

His best game came on June 20 against eventual champions Launceston, where Borner (28 points) made 12-of-24 field goals and 4-of-7 free throws in a 90-81 road loss.

Shockley (17 points across 21 games) and Blight (14.4 points across 21 games) led Coburg offensively, with Carroll (13 points across 22 games), Hillman (12.2 points across 22 games), Franke (4.4 points across 8 games), Riddle (4.2 points across 19 games) and Longstaff (4 points across 22 games) providing the other main contributions.

The Giants lost their final five games and finished tenth with a 7-15 record, winning the head-to-head tiebreaker over Bankstown but missing the four-team postseason.

Coburg’s season ended at Ken Watson Stadium on June 21, where Borner (6 points) made 3-of-6 field goals as Launceston defeated the Giants 78-71.

1982
After two straight 7-15 seasons, Coburg moved on from head coach Ray Tomlinson, while Bob Hillman and Paul Franke did not return and Howard Shockley was sidelined by an ankle injury. Bruce Palmer took over as captain-coach, retaining Peter Blight, Wayne Carroll and Les Riddle before adding Benny Lewis (via Illawarra) and Chuck Rose (via Missouri).

The Giants began the season without their young centre, who remained in the United States completing the 1981/82 college season with LSU. After returning in late March, he spoke with St Kilda and Newcastle before ultimately rejoining Coburg following a dispute over whether he had been formally cleared when he left for the United States.

Borner returned on April 3 to face Newcastle, finishing with 2 points and 2 rebounds as Coburg fell 97-88 to the Falcons.

Borner (10.7 points and 7.5 rebounds across 19 games) settled back into the Giants’ frontcourt and gave Palmer another reliable rebounder as Coburg emerged as one of the league’s surprise teams.

Lewis (23.8 points and 5.1 rebounds) and Blight (15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds) led Coburg offensively, while Rose (10.9 points and 7.9 rebounds), Carroll (10.9 points and 5.7 rebounds), Riddle (9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds) and Palmer (8.2 points and 4 rebounds) formed a deep supporting group.

On May 16, Borner (17 points and 3 rebounds) made 8-of-12 field goals as Coburg defeated Brisbane 82-76, supporting Blight (32 points and 5 rebounds) and Rose (14 points and 2 rebounds), while Larry Sengstock (22 points and 12 rebounds) led the Bullets.

His best game came on June 13, when Borner (19 points and 11 rebounds) made 8-of-12 field goals as Coburg overwhelmed Sydney 109-51, helping the Giants strengthen their grip on a top-four place.

One week later, Borner (18 points and 8 rebounds) made 7-of-8 field goals and all four free throws in a 64-75 loss to Nunawading.

Palmer’s first season as captain-coach was interrupted by a serious back injury and a suspension, but Coburg recovered from a three-game losing streak and won nine of its final 11 regular-season games.

Borner (4 points and 4 rebounds) played in the 112-85 win over Launceston on July 11 as Coburg finished fourth with an 18-8 record, including an 11-2 home mark and 7-6 away, reaching the postseason for the first time.

The sudden-death semifinal was played at the Newcastle Sports Entertainment Centre, where West Adelaide defeated Coburg 94-74 behind Ken Richardson (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Al Green (21 points and 6 rebounds), Brad Dalton (12 points and 13 rebounds) and Leroy Loggins (12 points and 13 rebounds), while Lewis (25 points and 4 rebounds), Riddle (19 points and 5 rebounds), Blight (10 points and 5 rebounds) and Borner (9 points and 7 rebounds) led the Giants.

1983
After Coburg reached the semifinals for the first time, Chuck Rose was released, while Bruce Palmer moved from the playing-coach role into a coaching coordinator position. Ray Tomlinson returned as head coach and retained Benny Lewis, Peter Blight, Wayne Carroll, Les Riddle, Ray Borner, Graham Longstaff, Brian Longstaff and Tony Forbes.

Tomlinson replaced Rose with American forward Matt Waldron, while Terry Kealey returned after missing most of the previous season and Darryl Timion joined the Giants’ rotation.

Coburg opened the season against Brisbane on February 13, with Borner finishing with 6 points and 9 rebounds.

Borner (13.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 26 games) increased his production during his fourth NBL season, shooting 48.5 per cent from the field and averaging a team-high 8.6 rebounds.

Lewis (20.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 steals) and Waldron (20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists) led Coburg offensively, while Blight (14.2 points and 5.8 rebounds), Carroll (10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists) and Riddle (4.1 points and 2.5 assists) provided the main support.

On May 1, Borner (22 points and 14 rebounds) made 11-of-16 field goals against Newcastle, producing his first 20-point game of the season.

Borner (21 points and 7 rebounds) followed with another strong performance against eventual champions Canberra on May 7, making 9-of-15 field goals and 3-of-6 free throws.

Coburg defeated Hobart 103-81 on May 14 behind Waldron (34 points), Borner (23 points, 22 rebounds, and 5 assists), Lewis (19 points) and Blight (16 points), with Borner collecting 13 offensive rebounds during his biggest rebounding game of the season.

Borner (20 points and 9 rebounds) added another productive performance against Frankston on May 22, making 7-of-15 field goals and 6-of-9 free throws.

His best game of the regular season came against Wollongong on June 4, when Borner (28 points and 15 rebounds) made 13-of-18 field goals and both free throws.

Coburg finished the regular season with a 13-9 record, placing sixth overall and earning a place in the eight-team divisional finals for the second consecutive year.

The round-robin finals opened against Sydney on June 23, where Borner (8 points and 13 rebounds) provided Coburg with another strong effort on the glass.

Coburg next faced Newcastle on June 25, with Borner (12 points and 8 rebounds) making 6-of-14 field goals as the Giants continued their push for a semifinal berth.

The Giants completed the round-robin stage against West Adelaide on June 26, where Borner (26 points and 10 rebounds) made 9-of-13 field goals and 8-of-9 free throws in his highest-scoring game of the season.

Coburg finished the divisional round robin with a 2-1 record and a plus-14 points differential, securing the fourth and final semifinal position.

The Giants faced top-seeded Canberra at Kilsyth Stadium on July 1, where Borner (8 points) made 4-of-8 field goals as the Cannons defeated Coburg 80-75.

1984
After reaching the semifinals in 1983, Coburg replaced Ray Tomlinson with Owen Hughan as head coach, while Matt Waldron did not return. Hughan retained Benny Lewis, Peter Blight, Wayne Carroll, Ray Borner, Les Riddle and Graham Longstaff, adding Chuck Harmison (via Nunawading) and rookie guard Mark Wright to strengthen the rotation.

Coburg opened the season at Ken Watson Stadium on February 5, defeating defending champions Canberra 110-101 as Borner finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

Borner (19.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks across 26 games) developed into one of the league’s leading centres during his fifth NBL season, finishing second on the Giants in rebounding while shooting efficiently around the basket.

Lewis (31.3 points, 5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.4 steals) led Coburg offensively and finished second in the NBL in scoring, while Blight (21.4 points and 7.8 rebounds), Carroll (17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.1 steals), Harmison (16.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks), Wright (8.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.6 steals) and Riddle (7.2 points) formed a deep supporting group.

Borner delivered one of his strongest games on March 25, finishing with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals as Coburg defeated Bankstown 147-112 at Ken Watson Stadium.

On April 6, Borner (28 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 blocks) made 12-of-16 field goals and all four free throws as the Giants defeated Perth 114-94 at Perry Lakes Basketball Stadium.

Borner (27 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) made 9-of-14 field goals and 9-of-10 free throws on May 26 as Coburg defeated Brisbane 109-92 at Auchenflower Stadium, handing the Eastern Division leaders one of only five regular-season losses.

His best scoring game came against Bankstown, while his biggest performance on the glass came on June 3 against Frankston, where Borner (24 points, 19 rebounds, and 2 blocks) helped Coburg finish the regular season with a 113-97 victory.

The Giants finished second in the Eastern Division with an 18-6 record, level with Newcastle but ahead on points differential, and qualified for the expanded postseason for the third consecutive season.

Coburg opened the divisional finals at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre against Brisbane, where Borner (13 points and 14 rebounds) helped the Giants remain within one possession before the Bullets escaped with a 105-104 win.

The following night, Coburg faced Newcastle in the qualifying final at the AIS Arena and advanced with a 132-109 victory. Borner (16 points and 9 rebounds) provided another productive performance inside, while Carroll (29 points and 7 assists) led the Giants’ high-scoring attack and Ian Davies (24 points) was Newcastle’s leading scorer.

Coburg then faced Canberra in the semifinal at the AIS Arena, where Lewis (27 points) led the Giants and Borner (22 points and 16 rebounds) controlled the glass, while Herb McEachin (30 points), Mark Dalton (14 rebounds) and Phil Smyth (12 assists) led the Cannons to a 108-107 win.

1985
Owen Hughan remained head coach after guiding Coburg to the preliminary final the previous season, retaining Benny Lewis, Chuck Harmison, Wayne Carroll, Peter Blight, Mark Wright and the majority of the Giants’ core. Steve Davis and Bruce Hultgren were added to strengthen the rotation, while Rod Hind, Grant Cadee and Michael Burgess also joined the squad.

Coburg opened its season against Hobart on April 13, with Ray Borner finishing with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.

Borner (22.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks) produced the best season of his career, leading Coburg in rebounding and blocks while becoming one of the league’s dominant interior players.

Benny Lewis (24 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 2.4 steals) led the Giants in scoring, with Harmison (16.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks), Carroll (16.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 steals), Blight (15.8 points and 5.4 rebounds), Davis (8 points and 5.7 rebounds), Wright (7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals) and Hultgren (6.1 points) providing Coburg with a deep rotation.

Borner delivered his best game of the season against Canberra on May 3, finishing with 36 points, 17 rebounds and 2 steals after making 12-of-28 field goals and 12-of-14 free throws.

When the teams met again at the AIS Arena on May 18, Borner (31 points, 12 rebounds, and 2 blocks) made 10-of-15 field goals as Coburg defeated the defending champions 104-99.

On June 14, Borner (31 points and 8 rebounds) made 13-of-20 field goals against Perth, giving him his third 30-point performance of the season.

Borner remained productive late in the year, recording 20 points and 20 rebounds against Nunawading on July 6 before finishing with 20 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks as Coburg defeated Newcastle 113-107 on July 17.

He closed the regular season with 23 points, 18 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks in a 111-105 win over St Kilda, helping the Giants finish fifth with an 18-8 record and qualify for the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season.

Borner was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-NBL First Team, becoming the first Australian-born player to win the league’s MVP award.

Coburg travelled to the AIS Arena for its elimination final against Canberra, where Borner (27 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 assists) made 10-of-24 field goals and collected 14 offensive rebounds, but the Cannons defeated the Giants 110-87.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
1986
After missing the playoffs in 1985, Illawarra appointed Dave Lindstrom as the first paid head coach in club history, with captain Gordie McLeod, Alphonse Hammond, Jim Bateman, Graham Kubank and Peter Rowsell among the main players returning.

Lindstrom made one of the biggest signings in club history by recruiting reigning NBL MVP Ray Borner (via Coburg), while Don Bickett and Robbie Dempster (via Perth) were also added to strengthen the Hawks’ frontcourt and rotation.

Illawarra opened the season in Geelong on April 26, where Borner finished with 11 points, 16 rebounds and 2 assists, but the Hawks surrendered a late lead and fell 121-112 in double overtime.

Borner’s (16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) return to Coburg the following day lasted only four minutes before he suffered an ankle injury, leaving Illawarra without its new centre for most of a 104-103 loss to the Giants.

Hammond (22.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists) and Bateman (20.9 points and 8.1 rebounds) carried the Hawks’ offence, while Borner controlled the paint alongside Bickett (12.1 points and 9.4 rebounds). Kubank (11.3 points) provided another scoring option and McLeod (9.1 points and 5.8 assists) directed the team from the backcourt.

Borner delivered his best game of the season against Brisbane on May 24, finishing with 29 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks after making 12-of-20 field goals and all five free throws.

On August 31, Borner (28 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) made 12-of-22 field goals and 4-of-5 free throws against Nunawading.

Borner (26 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block) also produced one of his strongest scoring performances against Sydney on August 2, making 11-of-27 field goals and 4-of-7 free throws.

Illawarra’s season became embroiled in controversy after its one-point win over West Sydney was protested because a Westars three-pointer had been ruled a two. The NBL ordered the entire game to be replayed, bringing the teams back to the Snakepit on September 17.

West Sydney led 26-14 after the opening quarter of the replay, but Illawarra recovered to win 98-97 behind Hammond (21 points), Bateman (20 points), Borner (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block), Kubank (15 points) and McLeod (8 points and 7 assists), while Vince Kelley (35 points and 9 rebounds), Damian Keogh (23 points) and Chuck Harmison (18 points and 7 rebounds) led the Westars.

Borner finished with 22 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks against Sydney on September 27, helping the Hawks close the regular season in fifth place with a 15-11 record and return to the playoffs for the first time since 1983.

Illawarra met West Sydney again in the elimination final at the State Sports Centre and produced a convincing 105-86 victory. Hammond (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists), Borner (20 points and 6 rebounds), Bateman (17 points and 10 rebounds), McLeod (14 points and 3 assists), Kubank (13 points) and Bickett (9 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Hawks, while Kelley (21 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Keogh (15 points), Harmison (15 points) and Mark Cumberbatch (10 points) were West Sydney’s main contributors.

The semifinal moved to Apollo Stadium, where Borner (28 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Illawarra, while Darryl Pearce (28 points and 7 assists), Al Green (27 points and 8 rebounds), Mark Davis (17 points and 14 rebounds) and Bill Jones (12 points and 13 rebounds) carried Adelaide to a 116-92 win.

1987
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Illawarra lost Graham Kubank (to Adelaide), while head coach Dave Lindstrom retained captain Gordie McLeod, Alphonse Hammond, Jim Bateman, Don Bickett, Robbie Dempster, Peter Rowsell and the majority of the group that had returned the Hawks to the playoffs.

Lindstrom added 20-year-old guard Greg Hubbard (via Wagga Wagga), Warrick Giddey and Rod Johnson, with Hubbard immediately stepping into a major role in the backcourt.

Illawarra opened the season at Beaton Park on April 25 with a 122-101 win over Melbourne, where Ray Borner (25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) made 10-of-12 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws.

Borner (19.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks across 26 games) produced another strong season in the middle, finishing second on the team in scoring while leading the Hawks in rebounding and blocked shots.

Bateman (19.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) led Illawarra in scoring, while Hammond (19 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.9 steals) remained the team’s leading perimeter threat.

Borner, Bateman and Bickett (14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) formed the powerful frontcourt that Hawks supporters collectively named “The Killer B’s.”

McLeod (12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 1.8 steals) directed the offence and led the NBL in assists, while Hubbard (11.4 points across 30 games) logged 28 minutes per game and became the first Hawks player to win the NBL Rookie of the Year Award.

Lindstrom was named NBL Coach of the Year after overseeing the best regular season in Illawarra’s history to that point.

The Hawks’ May 9 visit to West Sydney came two days after the death of Westars guard Robert Scrigni, with the emotionally charged game developing into a marathon before Illawarra prevailed 111-106.

Hammond (34 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) made 12-of-19 field goals and four three-pointers, while Borner (29 points, 23 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks) collected 10 offensive rebounds and played more than 56 minutes.

Bateman (13 points and 8 rebounds) and McLeod (12 points and 7 assists) also contributed for Illawarra, while Vince Kelley (33 points and 14 rebounds), Ollie Johnson (23 points and 15 rebounds) and Damian Keogh (15 points and 9 assists) led West Sydney.

On June 12, Borner (22 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks) made 11-of-15 field goals in less than 19 minutes as Illawarra overwhelmed Newcastle 133-82, delivering a club-record 51-point victory.

Borner produced another dominant performance at Albert Park on July 26, making 12-of-15 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws for 29 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks as the Hawks defeated Melbourne 101-98.

His highest-scoring game came in Illawarra’s final regular-season contest on September 18, where Borner (34 points and 18 rebounds) made 16-of-26 field goals as the Hawks defeated Hobart 124-109 at Beaton Park.

The victory completed a four-game winning streak and left Illawarra third with a 20-6 record, including a perfect 13-0 home mark and a 7-6 record away from home.

The elimination final brought North Melbourne to Beaton Park on September 26, where Borner (25 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals) made 12-of-20 field goals against his former club as Illawarra advanced with a 105-97 win.

Brisbane opened the semifinal series at Beaton Park with a 109-87 victory behind Leroy Loggins (38 points and 10 rebounds), while Bateman (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Borner (15 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Illawarra.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Bateman (22 points and 14 rebounds), Borner (12 points and 11 rebounds) and McLeod (8 assists) led the Hawks, with McLeod scoring the winning basket as Illawarra edged Brisbane 78-77 despite Ron Radliff’s 15 points.

Game three remained close through three quarters before Brisbane pulled away in the fourth, with Larry Sengstock (16 points and 14 rebounds) and Darren Perry (5 assists) leading the Bullets, while Bateman (17 points and 13 rebounds), Borner (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and McLeod (6 assists) were Illawarra’s best in a 100-82 loss that ended the series 2-1.

1988
Following the best season in club history, Robbie Dempster and Hugh Lewis did not return to Illawarra, while head coach Dave Lindstrom retained captain Gordie McLeod, Jim Bateman, Don Bickett, Alphonse Hammond, Greg Hubbard and most of the group that had reached the semifinals.

Lindstrom added Gary Gaspard and Chuck Harmison (via West Sydney) to strengthen the rotation, with the veteran big man reuniting with a former Coburg teammate in the Hawks’ frontcourt.

After missing Illawarra’s opening three games, Ray Borner (3 points and 5 rebounds) returned on March 4 to face Westside, helping the Hawks secure their first win of the season with a 100-98 victory at Beaton Park.

Borner (16.8 points and 9.4 rebounds across 21 games) again anchored the middle and led Illawarra in rebounding, while fellow members of the “Killer B’s” frontcourt Bateman (17 points and 7.2 rebounds) and Bickett (14.2 points and 7.8 rebounds) supplied the team’s other main interior production.

Gaspard (16.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) gave the Hawks another scorer during his only NBL season, while Hubbard (12.6 points), Harmison (10.1 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) and McLeod (7.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.7 steals) provided the main support.

Hammond (13.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 steals across 4 games) appeared in only four games after being one of Illawarra’s leading scorers the previous season.

On March 18, Borner (22 points and 15 rebounds) produced his first 20-point performance of the season, but Perth held on for a 97-89 win at Challenge Stadium.

Eight days later, Borner (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) established a new season-high against Canberra, but the Cannons defeated the Hawks 125-116 at Beaton Park.

Illawarra responded by winning five consecutive games from April 9 to May 14, beginning with a 105-84 road victory over Geelong where Borner (17 points and 9 rebounds) helped halt a three-game losing streak, and ending with a 102-100 win over Sydney where Borner (15 points and 9 rebounds) lifted the Hawks to a 7-6 record.

His best scoring game came on June 11, when Borner (25 points and 8 rebounds) made 12-of-20 field goals as Illawarra defeated Newcastle 116-101, moving the Hawks to 10-9 and keeping them in the top-six race.

Illawarra won only one of its final five games, with Borner (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) helping the Hawks defeat Hobart 98-83 on July 1.

The Hawks finished seventh with an 11-13 record, level with Eastside but ahead on the season tiebreaker, and did not qualify for the six-team postseason.

Illawarra closed the season at Beaton Park on July 8, where Borner (13 points and 6 rebounds) made 6-of-11 field goals as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 123-112.

NORTH MELBOURNE GIANTS
1989
After coming within one victory of the championship the previous season, North Melbourne lost Ray Gordon (to Melbourne), Bruce Hultgren (to Geelong) and Mark Griffin (to Geelong), while head coach Bruce Palmer retained Scott Fisher, Tim Dillon, David Graham, Wayne Carroll, Mark Leader, Martin Clarke and Mark Wright.

Since replacing Les Riddle after the Giants missed the playoffs in 1986, Palmer had steadily moved North Melbourne closer to its first championship, returning the club to the postseason in 1987 before reaching the Grand Final in 1988.

Palmer added naturalised forward Cecil Exum from the state league and brought Ray Borner (via Illawarra) back to the organisation he had represented during its years as the Coburg Giants, strengthening the frontcourt alongside Fisher (32.1 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 28 games) and Dillon (29.4 points, 10 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks across 29 games), who produced two of the strongest statistical seasons in NBL history.

The former league MVP played his first game back with the Giants on June 23, finishing with 7 points and 2 rebounds in a 116-104 loss to Perth at the Glasshouse.

Borner (14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds across 18 games) became North Melbourne’s missing piece after joining the rotation midway through the season, shooting 55.2 per cent from the field and 81.8 per cent from the free-throw line while giving the Giants another proven interior scorer and rebounder.

Graham (19.1 points, 4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals across 27 games), Carroll (11.2 points, 4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across 29 games), Leader (10.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals across 28 games), Exum (10.1 points and 4.8 rebounds across 26 games) and Clarke (4.4 points across 28 games) provided North Melbourne with a deep supporting group.

Fisher was selected to the All-NBL First Team and named the league’s Most Valuable Player at the end of the season.

On August 18, Borner (20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals) made 7-of-13 field goals and 6-of-8 free throws as North Melbourne defeated defending champions Canberra 124-120, overcoming the team that had denied the Giants the championship the previous year.

One week later, Borner (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made 9-of-16 field goals against his former club as North Melbourne defeated Illawarra 134-116 at the Glasshouse.

His best game came against Newcastle on September 15, when Borner (26 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 steals) made 12-of-18 field goals as the Giants completed the regular season with a 154-115 victory.

The result completed a seven-game winning streak and left North Melbourne first with an 18-6 record, one game ahead of Canberra at 17-7.

North Melbourne and Canberra received first-round byes and automatic entry into the semifinals, where the Giants faced third-seeded Perth (16-8), while the Cannons met fifth-seeded Sydney (15-9).

North Melbourne opened its semifinal series at the Perth Superdrome, where Fisher (27 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists), Dillon (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Borner (14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks) led the Giants to a 129-108 victory, while Cal Bruton (34 points and 3 steals), Kendal Pinder (15 rebounds) and Eric Watterson (8 assists) were Perth’s best.

Game two moved to the Glasshouse, where Borner (24 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists), Fisher (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Dillon (21 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) led North Melbourne, while James Crawford (42 points, 19 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Bruton (23 points and 13 assists) and Pinder (21 rebounds) carried Perth to a 111-108 win that tied the series.

Game three saw North Melbourne deliver a 55-point thrashing of Perth, with Dillon (40 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), Fisher (32 points and 14 rebounds), Graham (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Borner (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) leading the Giants, while Wildcats captain Mike Ellis (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) top-scored for the visitors.

The 165-110 result remains the highest score recorded in an NBL postseason game as North Melbourne won the semifinal series 2-1.

Canberra defeated Sydney 2-1 in the other semifinal, setting up a rematch of the previous season’s Grand Final and sending the Cannons into their fourth championship series in seven years.

The Grand Final series opened at the AIS Arena, where Fisher (37 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals), Dillon (24 points and 12 rebounds) and Borner (18 points and 9 rebounds) led North Melbourne to a 111-105 victory, while Phil Smyth (23 points) and Emery Atkinson (18 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists) were Canberra’s best.

Game two returned to a sold-out Glasshouse, where 7,200 Giants fans watched Fisher (33 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Dillon (21 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block), Borner (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist), Graham (16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Exum (10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) and Leader (10 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) give North Melbourne six double-figure scorers, while Willie Simmons (20 points and 14 rebounds) and Herb McEachin (20 points) led Canberra.

The championship completed a 4-1 postseason for North Melbourne and made the Giants the first Victorian team to win an NBL Grand Final during the modern era, with no Melbourne club having claimed the title since St Kilda in 1980 during the league’s semi-professional years.

Fisher averaged 35 points and 12 rebounds across the series and was named Grand Final MVP.

The Giants won the rebounding count 60-39 and completed the sweep with a 111-97 victory.

1990
After winning the 1989 championship, North Melbourne lost second-leading scorer and rebounder Tim Dillon, who returned to the United States, while naturalised forward Cecil Exum (to Melbourne) departed and veteran guard Mark Wright retired. Head coach Bruce Palmer retained Scott Fisher, David Graham, Wayne Carroll, Mark Leader, Martin Clarke and Ray Borner from the Giants’ championship rotation.

Palmer signed former Indiana Hoosier Joe Hillman as Dillon’s replacement, added naturalised forward Dwayne Nelson (via Adelaide) to replace Exum and recruited 19-year-old Pat Reidy from the Australian Institute of Sport.

North Melbourne opened its championship defence at the Glasshouse on March 30 with a 124-100 win over Hobart, with the returning centre contributing 11 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks as the Giants began the season with the first of eight consecutive victories.

Borner (15.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 26 games) remained an important part of North Melbourne’s frontcourt, shooting 48% from the field and 77% from the free-throw line while appearing in every regular-season and playoff game.

Fisher (31.4 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 steals across 27 games) produced another of the greatest statistical seasons in NBL history, shooting 55% from the field and leading North Melbourne in points and rebounds while finishing second on the team in assists and steals.

Hillman (22.8 points, 4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2.3 steals across 29 games) immediately filled a major role in the backcourt, while Graham (15.5 points and 1.4 steals), Leader (11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds), Nelson (7.4 points and 5.2 rebounds), Reidy (7.2 points), Carroll (6.7 points) and Clarke (6.2 points) completed the Giants’ main rotation.

Ricky Skinderis (3.4 points across 8 games) and Andrew Howey (2.1 points across 10 games) saw limited minutes, while Peter Gay and Trevor Lind each appeared in one game.

Fisher was selected to the All-NBL First Team for a second consecutive season, while Hillman earned All-NBL Second Team honours during his first year in the league.

On May 5, Borner (25 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals) made 10-of-19 field goals as North Melbourne outlasted Illawarra 142-136 at the Snakepit, helping the Giants extend their unbeaten start to eight games.

Borner (22 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 steals) produced another strong performance on June 1 as North Melbourne defeated Brisbane 117-115 at the Glasshouse, with the Giants handing the eventual Grand Finalists a two-point loss.

On July 6, Borner (24 points, 18 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) made 10-of-11 free throws as North Melbourne escaped with a 97-95 win over Gold Coast.

During the season, Borner also represented Australia at the 1990 FIBA World Championship in Argentina, averaging 11.5 points across eight games as the Boomers finished seventh.

His best scoring game came in North Melbourne’s final regular-season contest on September 22, when Borner (28 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks) made 11-of-16 field goals, both three-point attempts and all four free throws as the Giants defeated Hobart 160-132 at the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

The victory completed a three-game winning streak and left North Melbourne first with a 20-6 record, including matching 10-3 records at home and away, while Eastside Melbourne finished second at 18-8.

North Melbourne and Eastside received first-round byes, while fourth-seeded Perth swept fifth-seeded Melbourne 2-0 and third-seeded Brisbane recovered from losing its opening game to eliminate sixth-seeded Sydney 2-1.

The semifinal series opened at the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Perth shot 54% from the field and 53% from the three-point line to defeat North Melbourne 121-111. Ricky Grace (39 points, 5 assists, and 2 blocks), Mike Ellis (26 points, 12 assists, and 2 steals), Kendal Pinder (20 points and 14 rebounds) and James Crawford (20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) gave the Wildcats four 20-point scorers, while Fisher (27 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Borner (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Giants.

Game two moved to the Glasshouse, where North Melbourne responded with a 131-110 victory behind Fisher (35 points and 14 rebounds), Hillman (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Leader (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Borner (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals), while Grace (25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals), Crawford (15 rebounds) and Ellis (7 assists) led Perth.

North Melbourne had lost only three games at the Glasshouse during the season and entered game three as the favourite, but Perth prevailed in a contest decided by one basket. Fisher (32 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) led the Giants and Borner (17 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided another double-double, while Pinder (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Grace (11 assists) carried the Wildcats.

Perth, which went on to defeat Brisbane in three games and win its first championship, eliminated North Melbourne with a 112-110 overtime win.

1991
Following their semifinal loss to eventual champions Perth, Joe Hillman, David Graham, Dwayne Nelson and Wayne Carroll did not return to North Melbourne, while head coach Bruce Palmer retained Scott Fisher, Ray Borner, Pat Reidy, Mark Leader and Martin Clarke.

With the Giants still searching for the player who could fill the role left by Tim Dillon after the 1989 championship, Palmer signed Yale University graduate Paul Maley (via South Melbourne), brought Cecil Exum (via Melbourne) back after one season with the Tigers and added Scott Delzoppo and Andrew Simons.

North Melbourne opened the season in Brisbane on April 6, where the returning centre (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) made 9-of-10 free throws, but Derek Rucker (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Andre Moore (29 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 blocks) and Leroy Loggins (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Bullets to a 126-119 win.

Borner (14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 24 games) remained a valuable part of North Melbourne’s frontcourt, shooting 50% from the field and 79% from the free-throw line during his third season back with the Giants.

Fisher (30.3 points, 12 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2 steals) again led North Melbourne offensively, while Maley (27.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2 steals) improved his scoring from 25.8 points per game the previous season while playing alongside him.

Reidy (14.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) earned a regular place in the rotation during his second season, with Leader (13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.9 steals), Clarke (8.7 points across 31 games), Exum (5.8 points and 4.1 rebounds) and Delzoppo (4.2 points across 28 games) providing the main support.

Fisher was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Borner earned selection for the 1991 NBL All-Star Game.

On July 19, Borner (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists) made 9-of-13 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws as North Melbourne defeated Canberra 120-112, helping the Giants remain in the playoff race.

Borner delivered his highest-scoring game of the season in Perth on August 2, finishing with 26 points and 12 rebounds after making 10-of-20 field goals and 6-of-7 free throws.

Maley (30 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists) also produced a strong performance for North Melbourne, but James Crawford (30 points and 13 rebounds) and Ricky Grace (30 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks) led Perth to a 109-101 win.

The following night, Borner (25 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) made 12-of-19 field goals against Adelaide, while Fisher (33 points) and Maley (24 points and 7 rebounds) led the Giants’ perimeter attack.

Mark Bradtke (28 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Butch Hays (26 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists) carried Adelaide to a 118-109 win despite Borner producing his biggest rebounding game of the season.

Borner’s final regular-season appearance came against Eastside Melbourne on September 8, where he was held scoreless with 1 rebound in 11 minutes as North Melbourne fell 121-116 despite Maley (31 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists), Reidy (25 points and 5 rebounds), Fisher (24 points and 14 rebounds) and Leader (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists).

North Melbourne finished the regular season with a 16-10 record, squeezing into the playoffs as the sixth seed before facing third-seeded Geelong, who had finished 17-9.

Borner did not appear in any of the Giants’ five postseason games.

The elimination series opened at The Arena in Geelong, where Fisher (44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks) did everything he could for North Melbourne, with Maley (27 points and 9 rebounds) and Clarke (17 points and 6 assists) providing support.

Shane Heal (36 points, 11 assists, and 3 steals) made nine three-pointers, while Vince Hinchen (31 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists), John Dorge (23 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks) and Terry Dozier (17 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Geelong to a 139-119 win.

Game two moved to the Glasshouse, where Maley (42 points and 13 rebounds), Fisher (37 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals), Reidy (22 points and 4 assists) and Clarke (16 points and 4 assists) powered North Melbourne to a 136-116 victory.

Hinchen (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks), Heal (26 points and 7 assists) and Dorge (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) were Geelong’s main contributors as the Giants levelled the series.

Game three returned to Geelong, where Reidy (32 points and 8 rebounds), Fisher (30 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists), Maley (24 points and 12 rebounds) and Leader (21 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) led North Melbourne to a 125-113 victory.

Bobby Locke (31 points and 6 assists), Heal (27 points and 7 assists), Hinchen (23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Dozier (19 points and 11 rebounds) led Geelong, but the Giants completed their comeback and won the series 2-1, with Fisher averaging 37 points and 12 rebounds across the three games.

Eastside Melbourne awaited in the semifinals, where the impressive frontcourt of Bruce Bolden, Dean Uthoff and Kent Lockhart was able to put the handcuffs on Fisher and prevent North Melbourne’s leading scorer from controlling the series.

The semifinals opened at the Glasshouse, where Bolden (29 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Eastside, while Maley (32 points and 12 rebounds) carried North Melbourne and Fisher (14 points and 4 assists) was held well below his season average as the Spectres won 99-93.

Game two remained at the Glasshouse, where Bolden (27 points and 18 rebounds) led Eastside, with Darren Perry (7 assists) and Lockhart (7 assists) directing the offence, while Maley (25 points and 18 rebounds), Fisher (16 points) and Leader (8 assists) were best for North Melbourne as the Spectres completed the sweep with a 115-104 win.

1992
After Eastside Melbourne eliminated North Melbourne in the previous year’s semifinals, Cecil Exum (to Geelong) did not return after struggling to regain his previous form, while head coach Bruce Palmer retained Scott Fisher, Paul Maley, Pat Reidy, David Graham, Ray Borner, Mark Leader and Martin Clarke.

Palmer filled the vacant frontcourt spot with Rod Johnson (via Illawarra) and added veteran guard Darryl Pearce (via Adelaide), leaving the Giants with the core of the roster intact.

The veteran centre (10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) played his first game of the season against Newcastle on April 10, but North Melbourne fell 110-108 to the Falcons.

Borner (8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds across 27 games) played 21 minutes per game and delivered the lowest-scoring season of his career outside his rookie campaign, while also averaging 1.0 steals and continuing to provide rebounding and experience behind North Melbourne’s leading frontcourt players.

On May 23, Borner (12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) delivered his best all-around game of the regular season as North Melbourne defeated Melbourne 129-121 at the Glasshouse.

One week later, Borner (13 points and 7 rebounds) made 3-of-6 field goals and 7-of-8 free throws as the Giants defeated Perth 96-93 at the Perth Entertainment Centre.

His highest-scoring game came on June 12, when Borner (15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 6-of-9 field goals in a 118-103 loss to Melbourne.

During the league’s midseason break, Borner represented Australia at the Barcelona Olympics, averaging 4.4 points and 3 rebounds across eight games as the Boomers finished sixth with a 4-4 record.

North Melbourne closed the regular season against Adelaide on September 25, where Borner (10 points and 5 rebounds) made all six of his free throws before the 36ers escaped with a 134-130 win.

The Giants finished the regular season in fourth place with a 14-10 record, including a 10-2 mark at the Glasshouse and a 4-8 record away from home.

The offence was built around Fisher (27.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals), Maley (21.9 points and 9.9 rebounds), Reidy (14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) and Graham (13.1 points), with Johnson (11.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.9 steals), Pearce (8.6 points) and Leader (6.3 points and 3.3 rebounds) completing Palmer’s main rotation.

Fisher was selected to the All-NBL First Team and shared the league’s Most Valuable Player award with Melbourne’s Andrew Gaze, while Borner earned selection to the NBL All-Star Game for the second consecutive year.

North Melbourne opened its quarterfinal series at Beaton Park, where Fisher (25 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Borner (15 points and 8 rebounds) led the Giants to a 118-98 victory over fifth-seeded Illawarra.

Game two moved to the Glasshouse, where Maley (32 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) produced a dominant performance and Borner (4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks) provided support as North Melbourne completed the sweep with a 123-104 win.

The semifinals opened against South East Melbourne, previously known as Eastside Melbourne and the team responsible for ending North Melbourne’s previous season, where Robert Rose (37 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals) came close to a triple-double and the frontcourt trio of Bruce Bolden, John Dorge and Tony Ronaldson put the handcuffs on Fisher (17 points and 3 rebounds) and Maley (14 points and 11 rebounds), holding them to 31 points combined, while Borner (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) was North Melbourne’s other main contributor in a 112-86 loss.

Game two remained at Melbourne Park, where Maley (32 points and 11 rebounds), Borner (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Fisher (12 points and 6 rebounds) led North Melbourne, while Scott Ninnis (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Darren Perry (22 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists) top scored for South East Melbourne in a 127-106 win that sent the Magic into the Grand Final.

GEELONG SUPERCATS
1993
After Geelong finished with just two wins in 1992, Bobby Locke and Chris Harris did not return, while head coach Steve Breheny retained Cecil Exum, Wayne Larkins, Alex Hetenyi and the remaining local roster.

Breheny brought Vince Hinchen (via Melbourne) back after a season with the Tigers, signed Ray Borner (via North Melbourne) to fill a major hole inside and replaced the departed imports with 1987 NBA champion Adrian Branch (via Brisbane) and former Phoenix Suns guard Mike Morrison.

The veteran centre (6 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) made his Supercats debut against Hobart on April 17, playing 40 minutes before Geelong fell 113-131 at the Arena.

Borner (16.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 26 games) became Geelong’s leading rebounder and one of its most reliable defenders, playing almost 40 minutes per game in a rotation that received little support from the bench.

One week later, Borner (22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) made 9-of-15 field goals against his former club, although North Melbourne defeated Geelong 120-112.

Geelong claimed its first win on May 8 at Melbourne Park, where Borner (15 points, 20 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) controlled the glass as the Supercats defeated Melbourne 121-103.

One week later at Beaton Park, Borner (25 points, 17 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 10-of-16 field goals and all four free throws, but Illawarra escaped with a 109-108 win.

Borner (19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 9-of-14 field goals against Melbourne on May 22, but the Tigers defeated Geelong 122-105 at the Arena.

Breheny then brought the former Lakers forward off the bench against Adelaide after feeling the import cared more about his statistics than winning, a sentiment also expressed by former Brisbane coach Brian Kerle.

The import scored 30 points in 36 minutes, while Borner (2 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) helped Geelong defeat Adelaide 112-109 and improve to 2-4 before the import skipped training, prompting Breheny to write to management seeking its support or offering to resign.

The Supercats accepted Breheny’s resignation, Terry Kealey took over on an interim basis and Jim Calvin was appointed as the permanent coach shortly after.

On June 25, Borner (23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) made 9-of-13 field goals and all five free throws, but Perth defeated Geelong 129-112 at the Arena.

Borner (22 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) made all eight free throws against Townsville on August 13, but the Suns escaped the Arena with a 125-124 win.

Two weeks later, Borner (19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks) helped Geelong defeat Canberra 98-92, giving the Supercats their fourth win of the season.

Branch (26.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals) led Geelong in scoring, while Morrison (22.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.2 steals) provided another high-volume offensive option and Exum (16.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) joined Borner inside.

Hinchen (14.3 points) and Larkins (6.3 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 steals) completed the six-man core, with all five starters playing at least 35 minutes per game and Larkins being the only reserve to receive meaningful playing time.

Borner earned selection to the NBL All-Star Game for the third consecutive year.

With three rounds remaining, Geelong sat equal last alongside Hobart and Townsville on four wins and had been eliminated from postseason contention.

Borner (26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks) delivered his best game of the season against Sydney on September 12, making 9-of-12 field goals as Geelong opened its late run with a 126-115 win at the Arena.

Five days later, Borner (26 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 block) made 10-of-20 field goals and 6-of-8 free throws as the Supercats defeated Gold Coast 113-108.

Borner (18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 8-of-10 free throws against fourth-placed Brisbane on September 24 as Geelong completed a three-game winning streak with a 118-115 victory and finished 12th with a 7-19 record, including a 5-8 mark at home and 2-11 away.

1994
After Geelong finished 12th in 1993, Mike Morrison did not return and Wayne Larkins (to Brisbane) departed, while Adrian Branch, Cecil Exum, Ray Borner and Vince Hinchen remained from the previous season.

After replacing Steve Breheny six games into the previous campaign, Jim Calvin entered his first full season as Supercats coach and strengthened the roster with Everette Stephens (via Newcastle), Simon Kerle (via South East Melbourne) and Daren Rowe, who returned to Geelong after two seasons away.

Geelong opened the season at Melbourne Park on April 9, where the veteran centre (7 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) battled inside and the former Newcastle guard (32 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) led the Supercats, while Andrew Gaze (36 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Mark Bradtke (26 points and 18 rebounds) carried Melbourne to a 112-100 win.

Borner (16.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.6 blocks across 25 games) played 34 minutes per game, recorded nine double-doubles and led Geelong in blocks while remaining one of the team’s most consistent contributors at both ends of the floor.

Geelong responded with consecutive wins, with Borner (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 4 blocks) helping the Supercats defeat Newcastle 110-102 at the Arena on April 16 before the veteran centre (17 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) helped them win 109-102 in Hobart six days later.

On April 29, Borner (28 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) delivered his highest-scoring game of the season, making 12-of-18 field goals, 1-of-2 three-pointers and all three free throws, although Gold Coast defeated Geelong 111-89 at Carrara Stadium.

Against Perth on May 13, Borner (18 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and committed only one turnover, but the Wildcats defeated the Supercats 119-108 at the Arena.

Borner’s best all-around game came against his former club at the Glasshouse on May 27, when he finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block while making 9-of-13 field goals and 9-of-13 free throws in a 131-105 loss to North Melbourne.

Geelong ended a seven-game losing streak at Beaton Park on June 18, where Borner (20 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) made 6-of-9 field goals, all three three-point attempts and 5-of-7 free throws as the Supercats defeated Wollongong 119-98.

One week later, Borner (19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) made 7-of-9 field goals, his only three-point attempt and all four free throws as Geelong defeated Hobart 111-98 for consecutive victories.

On July 22, Borner (15 points, 15 rebounds, 6 steals, and 3 blocks) produced another dominant defensive performance, but Sydney held on for a 95-92 win at the Arena.

During the league’s midseason break, Borner represented Australia at the World Championship in Canada, averaging 3.8 points and 3.1 rebounds across eight games as the Boomers finished fifth.

Hinchen (25.1 points and 3.4 rebounds across 25 games) led Geelong in scoring, while Branch (20.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 10 games) provided another major offensive option when available.

Stephens (19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals) became the team’s leading playmaker and defensive disruptor, while Rowe (14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 steals), Exum (14.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 steals) and Kerle (11.4 points and 3.2 assists) completed Calvin’s main rotation.

Borner was selected to the NBL All-Star Game for the fourth consecutive season.

After dropping five consecutive games following the midseason break, Borner (23 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Geelong defeat Canberra 103-99 at the Arena on September 9 before the veteran centre (16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped the Supercats defeat Melbourne 131-115 one week later.

Geelong matched its record and ladder position from the previous season, finishing 12th at 7-19 and missing the playoffs.

The Supercats closed the season at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on September 24, where Borner (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists), Stephens (22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals) and Kerle (19 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Geelong, while Leon Trimmingham (29 points and 12 rebounds), Greg Hubbard (22 points) and Mario Donaldson (18 points and 4 assists) carried Sydney to a 102-97 win.

CANBERRA CANNONS
1995
Canberra entered 1995 in a rebuilding mould after Jason Reese (released) and Justin Withers (to Sydney) departed, while second-year import Fred Herzog (cut) had been replaced midway through the previous season by returning guard Fred Cofield.

After replacing Barry Barnes during the previous season, head coach Brett Flanigan entered his first full campaign and retained Matt Witkowski, Lachlan Armfield, Simon Cottrell, David Close and Jamie Pearlman, adding Ray Borner (via Geelong), Jervaughn Scales and rookie Simon Dwight (via AIS) as the Cannons looked to return to the playoffs.

The veteran centre (12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals) made his Canberra debut against former club Geelong on April 22, helping the Cannons begin the season with a 112-102 win at the Geelong Arena.

Borner (18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 25 games) became Canberra’s third-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, providing a reliable inside presence during his first season at the AIS Arena.

On May 5, Borner (26 points and 7 rebounds) made 10-of-16 field goals and 6-of-9 free throws as Canberra defeated Newcastle 117-102 at the AIS Arena.

On June 23, Borner (31 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) produced his highest-scoring game of the season, making 12-of-15 field goals and 7-of-9 free throws as the Cannons edged Illawarra 122-121 at Beaton Park.

Canberra won another close game against Brisbane on July 21, where Borner (23 points, 20 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in a 113-111 victory at the AIS Arena.

One week later, Borner (28 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) made 10-of-14 field goals, both three-point attempts and all six free throws, but Townsville escaped with a 93-90 win.

Borner (28 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) matched his second-highest scoring performance on August 19, making 13-of-17 field goals as Canberra defeated Gold Coast 120-116 at Carrara Stadium.

One week later, Borner (11 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) delivered his highest assist total of the season as the Cannons defeated his former club Geelong 124-90 at the AIS Arena.

Scales (25.2 points and 11.2 rebounds) led Canberra in scoring and rebounding and was selected to the All-NBL Third Team alongside Borner, while Cofield (22.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.6 steals) directed the Cannons’ offence.

Close (15 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals), Pearlman (9.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.1 steals) and Dwight (8.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks) completed Flanigan’s main rotation, with the rookie big man finishing second in the NBL in blocks.

Borner was also selected to the NBL All-Star Game for the fifth consecutive year.

Canberra finished ninth with a 12-14 record, two games behind eighth-placed Melbourne, going 7-6 at home and 5-8 away to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

The Cannons closed the season against Gold Coast at the AIS Arena on September 16, where Borner (15 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) made 6-of-10 field goals and all three free throws in a 120-104 win.

1996
Canberra began another major roster overhaul by moving on from import duo Jervaughn Scales and Fred Cofield, while Lachlan Armfield (to Newcastle) and Matt Witkowski (to Gold Coast) also departed.

Head coach Brett Flanigan retained Ray Borner, Simon Dwight, David Close, Jamie Pearlman and Nick Proud, then added Robert Rose (via Adelaide), Chris Blakemore (via Adelaide), Darnell Mee, who had previously played with the Denver Nuggets, and rookie Brendan Mann (via AIS), fresh from winning a gold medal with the Australian Junior team.

The veteran centre (14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 4-of-7 field goals and all six free throws in Canberra’s opening game at the Derwent Entertainment Centre on April 13, helping the Cannons defeat Hobart 102-89.

Borner (12.4 points and 7.7 rebounds across 32 games) remained a regular part of Canberra’s frontcourt, playing every regular-season and playoff game as the Cannons returned to the postseason for the first time since 1992.

On April 27, Borner (19 points, 22 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) collected 10 offensive rebounds and produced his best all-around game of the regular season as Canberra defeated Sydney 97-89 at the AIS Arena.

During the league’s Olympic break, Borner represented Australia at his fourth Olympic Games in Atlanta, where the Boomers matched their best Olympic finish by placing fourth.

On August 30, Borner (20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 7-of-11 field goals and all six free throws as Canberra defeated Wollongong 121-111 at Beaton Park.

The following night, Borner (24 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) delivered his highest-scoring game of the season, making 7-of-14 field goals and 10-of-12 free throws as the Cannons completed the road double with a 110-100 win over Newcastle.

Canberra closed the regular season with consecutive road games, where Borner (8 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) helped the Cannons defeat Gold Coast 108-80 before Borner (17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made 6-of-10 field goals in a 103-100 loss to Townsville the following night.

The Cannons finished fourth with a 16-10 record, including a 10-3 mark at the AIS Arena and 6-7 record away from home, earning home-court advantage against fifth-seeded Sydney.

Rose (27.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.1 steals) responded to being released by Adelaide after being told he was “too old” by leading Canberra in scoring, earning selection to the All-NBL First Team and coming close to winning the league’s Most Valuable Player award.

Mee (15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks) provided an impact at both ends of the floor while battling a serious knee injury throughout the season, with Dwight (12.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks) anchoring the Cannons’ interior defence.

Close (11 points), Blakemore (10.8 points and 5.6 rebounds) and Pearlman (8.7 points and 1.2 steals) completed Canberra’s main rotation, while Flanigan was named the NBL Coach of the Year.

Canberra opened its quarterfinal series at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where Stephen Whitehead (24 points and 5 rebounds) equalled his season high and Borner (11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) contributed for the Cannons as the Kings claimed game one 113-89.

Game two moved to the AIS Arena, where Mee (29 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks), Pearlman (29 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Close (25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Borner (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) all scored more than 20 points, while Rose (11 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists) narrowly missed a triple-double as Canberra defeated Sydney 146-99 by 47 points.

The deciding game remained in Canberra, where Rose (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Mee (20 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists) went head-to-head with Isaac Burton (25 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 steals) and Shane Heal (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists), while Borner (18 points and 7 rebounds), Blakemore (17 points and 6 rebounds) and Pearlman (17 points and 3 assists) provided the difference in a 101-89 win.

Canberra opened the semifinals at the AIS Arena, where Dwight (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks), Rose (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Mee (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) combined to lead the Cannons, while Borner (7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) contributed defensively and Andrew Gaze (28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Melbourne in a 98-87 Canberra victory.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Borner (13 points and 14 rebounds) controlled the glass and Rose (17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) was Canberra’s only player to score more than 13 points, while Gaze (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists), Lanard Copeland (23 points and 6 rebounds) and Mark Bradtke (20 points and 7 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 100-82 win after holding the Cannons to 35 percent shooting.

Game three remained at Melbourne Park, where Rose (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals), Mee (18 points and 4 assists) and Borner (12 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Canberra and helped limit Copeland (6 points and 5 rebounds), while Gaze (29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) and Bradtke (26 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks) carried Melbourne to a 91-87 win.

1997
Following their 1996 semifinal appearance, Canberra did not bring back Darnell Mee (to France), while David Close also departed, with head coach Brett Flanigan retaining Robert Rose, Simon Dwight, Ray Borner, Chris Blakemore and Jamie Pearlman, along with Brendan Mann and Troy Pilon, before signing former Sydney import Mario Donaldson and adding Matt Scalzi (via Geelong).

The veteran centre (4 points and 2 rebounds) played 14 minutes in Canberra’s season opener against North Melbourne on April 12, but the Giants won 97-83 at the AIS Arena.

Borner (9.3 points and 6 rebounds across 29 games) remained part of Canberra’s frontcourt rotation, providing rebounding and experience during his third season with the Cannons.

On May 23, Borner (16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) made 5-of-9 field goals and all six free throws as Canberra defeated Newcastle 93-81 at the AIS Arena.

Borner (12 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) made 4-of-5 field goals and all four free throws against North Melbourne on August 16, but the Giants escaped the AIS Arena with a 102-99 win.

Canberra began its late push on September 15, when Borner (7 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) helped the Cannons defeat North Melbourne 94-92 in Melbourne.

Five days later, Borner (21 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) delivered his highest-scoring game of the season, making 6-of-9 field goals and all nine free throws as Canberra defeated Adelaide 120-97 at the AIS Arena.

The regular season closed against Sydney on September 27, where Borner (9 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Canberra complete a three-game winning streak with a 98-95 victory.

The Cannons finished sixth with a 15-15 record, winning 11 of 15 games at the AIS Arena and going 4-11 away from home after Brisbane claimed fifth place on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Rose (23 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.3 steals) again led Canberra in scoring and playmaking and was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Donaldson (18.9 points and 4.2 rebounds) provided the Cannons with another high-scoring import.

Dwight (16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks) produced his best season with Canberra, leading the NBL in blocks and earning selection to the All-NBL Second Team.

Pilon (7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds), Mann (6.8 points), Blakemore (6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds) and Pearlman (4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds) completed the main rotation.

Canberra opened its elimination final series against third-seeded North Melbourne at the AIS Arena, where Borner (11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) made 4-of-5 field goals and his only three-point attempt as the Cannons won game one 104-93.

Game two moved to the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre, where Borner (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) made all nine field-goal attempts and his only three-pointer, but North Melbourne strengthened its interior defence and levelled the series with a 108-98 win.

Game three remained at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre, where Borner (18 points and 7 rebounds) made 7-of-9 field goals and all four free throws, while David Stiff (16 points) helped North Melbourne close the series with a 102-75 win.

1998
Canberra’s return to the playoffs ended with a first-round loss to North Melbourne in 1997, after which Mario Donaldson did not return and Chris Blakemore (to Brisbane) departed, while head coach Brett Flanigan retained captain Robert Rose, Simon Dwight, Ray Borner, Troy Pilon, Brendan Mann and Jamie Pearlman.

Flanigan reshaped the rotation by signing Melvin Thomas (via Sydney), Mike McKay (via Brisbane) and Rod Johnson (via North Melbourne), replacing much of the scoring and experience lost from the previous season.

Canberra opened the season at the AIS Arena on February 1, where the veteran centre began his fourth campaign with the club as Sydney defeated the Cannons 123-96.

Borner (6.9 points and 5.2 rebounds across 30 games) moved into a reduced frontcourt role, playing almost 18 minutes per game while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free-throw line.

The 36-year-old appeared in every game and collected 157 rebounds, with his highest-scoring performance being a 17-point effort as he continued to provide size and experience behind Canberra’s main frontcourt players.

The Cannons started the season with one win from their first seven games before recovering to remain in the playoff race into the final round.

Canberra finished level with Wollongong at 14-16, but the Hawks won two of the three meetings between the teams and claimed sixth place on the head-to-head tiebreaker, leaving the Cannons seventh and outside the playoffs.

The Cannons finished with a 6-9 record at the AIS Arena and were more successful away from home, winning eight of their 15 road games.

Rose (19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.6 steals) again led Canberra in scoring and playmaking, while Thomas (18.2 points and 8.9 rebounds) became the team’s second-leading scorer and provided another strong presence inside.

Dwight (15.9 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks) led Canberra in rebounding and finished first in the NBL in blocks, while McKay (15 points and 3.7 rebounds) added another reliable scorer to Flanigan’s starting group.

Johnson (8.4 points), Mann (5.7 points), Pilon (4.8 points) and Pearlman (4.7 points) completed Canberra’s main rotation.

Canberra closed the season at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on June 5, where Borner made his 30th appearance as the Cannons defeated Newcastle 104-93.

1998/99
Canberra’s move into the NBL’s first summer campaign came without Robert Rose (to Townsville), Simon Dwight (to West Sydney), Rod Johnson (to Newcastle) and Brendan Mann (to Brisbane), while Melvin Thomas, Mike McKay, Ray Borner, Troy Pilon and Jamie Pearlman returned from the previous season.

Head coach Brett Flanigan rebuilt around the returning group, adding rookies Damien Ryan (via AIS) and Pero Vasiljevic (via Kansas State), while Andrew Clarke and Grant Yates also joined the Cannons.

The veteran centre (6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) made 3-of-6 field goals in Canberra’s opening game against Brisbane on October 9, but the Bullets defeated the Cannons 110-78 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Borner (8.2 points and 4.9 rebounds across 25 games) played 22.6 minutes per game and shot 49 percent from the field and 80 percent at the free-throw line, remaining a dependable frontcourt option during his fifth season in Canberra.

Canberra opened the season with four straight losses before Borner (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) made 4-of-7 field goals and all five free throws in a 98-95 road win over Newcastle on October 30.

One week later, Borner (15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, and 1 block) made 6-of-10 field goals and recorded a season-high four steals as Canberra defeated Sydney 111-88 at the AIS Arena.

On November 20, Borner (21 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 6-of-7 field goals, his only three-point attempt and 8-of-9 free throws in a 122-106 win over Newcastle, delivering his highest-scoring game of the season.

On January 2, Borner (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) made 5-of-8 field goals, his only three-point attempt and 9-of-11 free throws as Canberra defeated Sydney 113-90 at the AIS Arena.

Flanigan also brought former Cannon Jervaughn Scales (13.8 points and 8 rebounds across 12 games) back during the second half of the season after he had played in Switzerland.

Thomas (21.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks) led Canberra in scoring and rebounding, while McKay (17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) remained the Cannons’ second-leading scorer.

Pilon (13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Pearlman (11 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.6 steals) carried major roles in the backcourt, while Ryan (8.3 points) appeared in all 26 games and was named NBL Rookie of the Year.

The Cannons finished 11th with an 8-18 record, including a 5-8 mark at the AIS Arena and a 3-10 record away from home.

The season closed at the AIS Arena on March 13, where Borner (2 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal) played 11 minutes as Brisbane defeated Canberra 107-97.

1999/00
Melvin Thomas (to Wollongong), Mike McKay (to Wollongong), Jervaughn Scales, Kenny Harris and Pero Vasiljevic (to Melbourne) all moved on as Canberra prepared for the 1999/00 season, leaving captain Jamie Pearlman, Troy Pilon, Damien Ryan and veteran centre Ray Borner as the key returning players.

Head coach Brett Flanigan rebuilt around new imports Randy Rutherford (via Cyprus) and Clayton Ritter (via Wollongong), with Dave Simmons (via Newcastle) signed in September as a naturalised injury replacement and Willie Simmons (via Newcastle), rookie Andrew Rice and Brendan Clowry also joining the squad.

Ray (2 points and 2 rebounds) made his first appearance on November 6 at the AIS Arena, providing brief frontcourt minutes as Canberra defeated Cairns 98-79 for its first win of the season.

Borner (5.6 points and 4.3 rebounds across 22 games) remained part of Canberra’s frontcourt rotation, supplying experience and rebounding in a reduced role.

Canberra remained inconsistent through the first half of the campaign, resulting in Flanigan being replaced by Cal Bruton mid-season.

Under Bruton, Borner (10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) recorded his first double-double of the season on December 10 as Canberra defeated Cairns 76-63, ending a four-game losing streak.

The following night in Townsville, Borner (13 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) produced his season-high scoring performance, although the Cannons fell 88-117 to the Crocodiles.

Borner (10 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) collected his second double-double against Cairns on January 2, helping Canberra record an 82-64 road victory and its third win from five games.

Six days later, Borner (11 points and 5 rebounds) provided another productive performance as the Cannons edged Sydney 108-105 at the AIS Arena, extending their winning streak to three games.

Rutherford (23.9 points and 5 rebounds) and Ritter (16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds) carried Canberra’s offence, while Ryan (10.6 points and 3.5 rebounds), Pilon (8.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals), Pearlman (7.4 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Willie Simmons (5.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks) provided the main support.

The Cannons finished eighth with an 11-17 record and missed the playoffs after ending level with Wollongong and Sydney.

Canberra closed the season at the AIS Arena on March 11, where Borner (5 points and 2 rebounds) contributed in a 94-105 loss to Wollongong.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
2000/01
More than 12 years after his first stint with the club, Ray Borner (via Canberra) returned to Wollongong for one final NBL season, joining coach Brendan Joyce and a Hawks roster which also added Axel Dench, Charles Thomas, Damon Lowery, Grant Kruger and Matt Shanahan.

Ray (8 points and 3 rebounds) made his first Hawks appearance since 1988 on January 19, playing 14 minutes and shooting 3-of-3 from the field as Wollongong defeated Melbourne 130-99 at the WIN Entertainment Centre.

Borner (4.5 points across 2 games) made his only other appearance eight days later, recording 1 point and 1 steal in 15 minutes as Wollongong lost 92-79 to Victoria.

The veteran did not take the court again, remaining with the squad as an experienced frontcourt presence while Wollongong finished fourth with a club-best 21-7 record.

The season became the final campaign of Borner’s 518-game NBL career, with the veteran retiring after collecting his second championship following his 1989 title with North Melbourne.

Although Borner did not appear during the playoffs, he remained part of the Hawks roster as Wollongong began its championship run against defending champion Perth.

Wollongong opened the Qualifying Finals with a 97-90 overtime win over Perth behind Melvin Thomas (22 points and 13 rebounds) and Lowery (19 points). The Wildcats responded 106-95 in Perth despite Charles Thomas (25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists), forcing a deciding game. Game three remained in Perth, where Saville (26 points and 16 rebounds), Lowery (20 points) and Dench (19 points) led Wollongong to a 98-88 upset and its first playoff series victory.

The Hawks began the semifinals with an 84-83 win in Adelaide behind Melvin Thomas (18 points and 13 rebounds) and Charles Thomas (17 points and 6 rebounds), before Brooks (30 points) and Mee (24 points and 7 assists) helped the 36ers win game two 111-100. In the deciding game, Melvin Thomas (28 points and 11 rebounds) and Campbell (19 points) led Wollongong before Lowery made three free throws with no time remaining to secure a 109-108 win and the club’s first Grand Final appearance.

Wollongong opened the Grand Final with a 104-101 home win over Townsville behind Melvin Thomas (24 points and 14 rebounds) and Campbell (19 points), before Rose (16 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists) led the Crocodiles to a 114-97 game-two victory.

Game three was played the following night, where Charles Thomas (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Melvin Thomas (18 points and 12 rebounds) and Finals MVP Saville (18 points and 12 rebounds) led Wollongong to its first NBL championship with a 97-94 win.

Ray Borner played twenty-two seasons across five NBL teams. This included the Coburg Giants, Geelong Supercats, North Melbourne Giants, Canberra Cannons, Illawarra Hawks and Wollongong Hawks. He averaged 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 518 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 10th in total games played.
– 24th in total points
– 7th in total rebounds
– 25th in total steals
– 12th in total blocks

HIGHLIGHTS: