BIO: Scott Ninnis was born in Adelaide (SA) and started playing church basketball at the age of 7 before joining South Adelaide when he was just 11 years old. Scott Ninnis attended Marion High School in Adelaide, and completed Year 12 at Daws Road High School due to their basketball program.

FAMILY: Ninnis’s father Bruce was a championship winning basketball player with South Adelaide during the 1960s.

As of 2016, Ninnis lives in Adelaide with his second wife Rebekah and their 2-year-old son Patrick Bruce. He also has a 12-year-old daughter, Chiara, from his first marriage. After being sacked as the 36ers coach following the 2009/10 NBL season, Ninnis formed his own wine tour company Premium Wine Tours.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Scott Ninnis made his NBL debut with the Adelaide 36ers at 20 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.

After producing a standout 40-point game against the West Adelaide Bearcats in the local Adelaide competition in early 1985, Scott Ninnis caught the eye of coach Ken Cole. This led to an invitation to train with the Adelaide 36ers, where Ninnis went up against stars like Al Green, Darryl Pearce, Mike McKay, Ray Wood, Bill Jones, Peter Ali, and Mark Davis in daily practice. His efforts impressed Cole enough to sign him to the roster for the 1986 season.

Coming off a Grand Final loss to Brisbane, Adelaide moved on from Andy Amberg, Craig Clatworthy and Karl Luke, with naturalised forward Dwayne Nelson returning to replace Luke and Peter Sexton and development player Mark Sykes also joining the roster.

The remaining core was again led by Mark Davis (25.3 points and 16.1 rebounds), who led the NBL in rebounding, was named to the All-NBL First Team and claimed Adelaide’s club MVP award after recording 759 points and 482 rebounds across 30 games.

Al Green (19.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists), Darryl Pearce (19.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists), captain Bill Jones (19.1 points, 13.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks) and Mike McKay (13.6 points) gave Adelaide five players averaging more than 13 points per game, while Nelson (7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds), Ray Wood (5.7 points) and Peter Ali (4.3 points) strengthened a deep rotation.

Adelaide had already built a 10-1 record when the rookie made his NBL debut at Apollo Stadium on July 12, helping the 36ers defeat Perth 124-83 as Green (35 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists), Davis (23 points and 18 rebounds) and Jones (22 points and 14 rebounds) led the victory.

Ninnis (0.6 points across 14 games) appeared in 13 regular-season contests and one playoff game, gaining experience behind Adelaide’s established backcourt while converting 37.5% from the field and making his only three-point attempt of the season.

Nicknamed ‘The Invincibles’ by the South Australian media, Adelaide finished first with a league-best 24-2 record, five wins clear of second-placed Canberra, with both losses coming on buzzer-beaters against West Sydney (87-89) and Coburg (114-116).

The 36ers averaged 117.3 points while allowing 96.0 per game, producing an average winning margin of 21.3 points, and 17 of their 27 victories across the regular season and playoffs came by at least 20 points.

Adelaide remained unbeaten across all 13 regular-season games at the sold-out Apollo Stadium and completed the schedule with a 130-117 road win over Melbourne on September 28, where Ninnis (0 points) appeared as Davis (34 points and 14 rebounds), Jones (31 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Green (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Pearce (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the 36ers.

Late in the season, Cole was suspended after admitting to smoking marijuana during a road trip, leaving assistant Don Shipway to coach the final two regular-season games, but the players pushed for Cole’s reinstatement and he returned for the playoffs before being named NBL Coach of the Year.

Adelaide opened the playoffs at Apollo Stadium with a 116-92 semifinal win over Illawarra, extending its home winning streak to 20 games dating back to 1985 as Pearce (28 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Green (27 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the offence, while Davis (17 points and 14 rebounds) and Jones (12 points and 13 rebounds) controlled the boards and Ray Borner (28 points and 14 rebounds) was best for the Hawks.

The Grand Final series opened at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, where Adelaide defeated the defending champion Bullets 122-119 in overtime behind Davis (38 points, 23 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block), Jones (30 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks), McKay (16 points) and Pearce (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), while Leroy Loggins (38 points, 4 assists, and 6 blocks) led Brisbane before fouling out in overtime.

Game two moved to Apollo Stadium, where Brisbane handed Adelaide its first home loss of the season with a 104-83 victory behind Cal Bruton (38 points) and Larry Sengstock (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists), while Pearce (29 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists), Jones (13 points, 17 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Davis (13 points and 10 rebounds) led the 36ers.

Adelaide returned to Apollo Stadium for the deciding game, where Pearce (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists), Green (22 points), Davis (22 points and 25 rebounds), Jones (16 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Ali (11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) led the 36ers, while Bruton (31 points and 4 rebounds) and Ron Radliff (22 points) were Brisbane’s best and reigning MVP Loggins was held to 6 points before fouling out in the third quarter.

Davis was named the inaugural Grand Final MVP after averaging 24.3 points and 19.3 rebounds across the series, while Ninnis (0 points) played the final 30 seconds as Adelaide defeated Brisbane 113-91 to win its first NBL Championship.

1987
When the 36ers fired coach Ken Cole amid a marijuana smoking controversy in 1986 and replaced him with Gary Fox, Ninnis was sent to play with the Adelaide Buffaloes in the SEABL in 1987. The 36ers did have him play in two NBL games to help cover injuries, he played a total of 5 minutes and 18 seconds. Adelaide would finish the regular season in first place (21-5).

1988
Fox recalled Scott Ninnis back into the 36ers squad full-time from 1988, the same season Darryl Pearce and Peter Ali would be named co-captains of the squad and Adelaide born centre and Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) attendee Mark Bradtke would make his NBL debut. Bradtke was signed by Ken Cole in 1986 when he was 16 years old and 203 cm tall but due to living in Brisbane at the time, he committed to the AIS for two years before joining Adelaide.

The Sixers had a great start to the season, kicking it off with a 4-1 start that included a 31-point win over Illawarra and had them picked as favourites to win the title in the early stages of the year. During the first month of the season, the 36ers were led by Darryl Peace, who exploded for 48 points, including 11 of 14 three-point attempts, against the Ken Cole coached Falcons in Newcastle in round two, a stat line that remains the highest scoring game in 36ers history.

Bradtke (7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks) came off the bench as a backup to Bill Jones (15.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks) and Mark Davis (25.3 points, 13.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals). Darryl Pearce (20.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.1 steals) and Al Green (20 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals) would provide the offence from the perimeter, and Adelaide (19-5) finished the regular season in first place during for the third year in a row (second under coach Gary Fox). The 36ers would then be eliminated during the semi finals for the second year in a row, this time going down to the Canberra Cannons losing 2-0.

Ninnis would appear in 18 games, and 5.5 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.

1989
With Mark Bradtke emerging as Adelaide’s starting centre, Bill Jones left the 36ers to join former coach Ken Cole in Newcastle, while Orlando Phillips was signed as his replacement. Darryl Pearce became sole captain after Peter Ali stepped down from the co-captaincy, with coach Gary Fox retaining Mark Davis, Al Green, Mike McKay, Dwayne Nelson, Scott Ninnis and the remainder of Adelaide’s established group.

Phillips arrived as the 1983 West Coast Conference Player of the Year and a former Los Angeles Lakers draft pick, giving Adelaide another proven scorer and rebounder alongside Davis and Bradtke.

Adelaide defeated Geelong 125-116 at Apollo Stadium on May 6, with Davis (31 points, 19 rebounds, and 4 assists), Phillips (22 points and 10 rebounds), McKay (18 points and 6 assists), Green (14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Ninnis (13 points) leading the 36ers.

Ninnis (8.3 points across 24 games) continued to expand his role off Adelaide’s bench, finishing the season with 198 points, 40 rebounds and 35 assists while shooting 55% from the field and 37% from three-point range.

His strongest scoring performance came against eventual champion North Melbourne on August 4, where Ninnis (23 points and 2 steals) shot 9-of-12 from the field and 2-of-3 from three, but Scott Fisher (33 points and 8 rebounds), Tim Dillon (23 points and 9 rebounds) and David Graham (23 points) led the Giants to a 136-115 win at Apollo Stadium.

Another standout game came in Adelaide’s 148-123 home win over Newcastle, where Ninnis (21 points) shot 9-of-14 from the field and joined Phillips (33 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks), Davis (29 points and 17 rebounds) and Pearce (24 points) in breaking down the Falcons.

Davis (25.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals) again led Adelaide in scoring and rebounding, earning All-NBL First Team honours for the fourth time.

Phillips (20.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) made an immediate impact in the frontcourt, while Bradtke (15 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) took over the starting centre position and was named the NBL’s Most Improved Player.

Pearce provided 18.3 points and 5.1 assists from the backcourt, with Green, McKay (13.5 points), Nelson and Ali completing Fox’s main rotation as Adelaide finished sixth with a 15-9 record and secured the final playoff position.

While continuing his NBL development, Ninnis also played for South Adelaide and helped the Panthers win the 1989 SA State League championship.

Adelaide opened its elimination final series against Perth at Apollo Stadium, where Davis (25 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals), Pearce (25 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Phillips (23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals), McKay (20 points and 3 assists) and Bradtke (18 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks) combined for 111 points in a 124-122 win, while Cal Bruton (35 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Wildcats.

Game two moved to Perth, where James Crawford (29 points), Kendal Pinder (25 points and 14 rebounds) and Bruton (22 points and 5 assists) led the Wildcats, while Davis (22 points and 20 rebounds) produced a 20-point, 20-rebound performance for Adelaide in a 114-94 loss.

Perth completed the series in game three behind Bruton (29 points and 7 rebounds), Crawford (27 points and 13 rebounds) and Pinder (24 points and 8 rebounds), while Davis (30 points and 15 rebounds), Phillips (25 points and 12 rebounds) and Pearce (24 points) led Adelaide in a 112-108 loss.

1990
After Adelaide’s third consecutive playoff failure, Orlando Phillips, Dwayne Nelson (to North Melbourne), Graham Kubank and Richard Noack exited the team, while three-year head coach Gary Fox was replaced by long-time 36ers assistant Don Shipway.

Shipway retained Mark Davis, Darryl Pearce, Mark Bradtke, Mike McKay, Al Green, Scott Ninnis, Peter Ali and David Spear, adding import forward Tom Schafer, Simon Cottrell, Matthew Reece and Dan Clausen (via Brisbane) as Adelaide attempted to return to championship contention.

Mark Davis replaced Pearce as captain, beginning a seven-season run in the role.

Ninnis received the largest role of his career to that point, appearing in all 26 games and averaging 22 minutes while finishing fourth on the team in assists.

Davis (27.2 points and 12 rebounds) again led Adelaide in scoring and rebounding, while Bradtke (17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks) made the centre position his own during his third NBL season.

Pearce (16.9 points and 5.4 assists) led the team in assists, while Schafer (15.7 points and 10.3 rebounds), McKay (13.7 points and 3.2 assists), Green (9.8 points) and Cottrell (8.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals) completed Shipway’s main rotation.

Adelaide struggled to match the consistency of the previous five seasons and entered the final stages of the year outside the playoff positions, ending a run that had included five consecutive postseason appearances.

Ninnis (10.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds) delivered his best game of the season in Adelaide’s final game at Apollo Stadium on September 14, shooting 9-of-12 from the field as the 36ers defeated Gold Coast 135-116.

Ninnis (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced his season-high alongside McKay (26 points and 3 assists), Bradtke (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks), Davis (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Pearce (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Schafer (10 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists).

The victory could not lift Adelaide into the postseason, with the 36ers finishing ninth at 11-15 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1983 while recording the first losing season in club history.

Ninnis left Adelaide after the season and signed with Brian Goorjian’s Eastside Melbourne Spectres in search of a larger role.

Adelaide closed its season by defeating Gold Coast 135-116.

EASTSIDE MELBOURNE SPECTRES
1991
Wanting a change of scenery and a greater opportunity to develop his game, Scott Ninnis left Adelaide and signed with the Brian Goorjian-coached Eastside Melbourne Spectres.

After reaching the playoffs for the first time in three years, Eastside retained Bruce Bolden, Kent Lockhart, Dean Uthoff, Darren Lucas, Darren Perry, Tony Ronaldson, Wayne Larkins, Neal Bieker and Lucas Agrums, with bruising forward Shane Froling the team’s only major departure.

Goorjian replaced Froling with the former Adelaide guard and brought back almost the entire roster as the Spectres prepared for another championship run.

Eastside opened the season against the Melbourne Tigers on April 7, with the former Adelaide guard contributing 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist, but David Colbert (38 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists), Andrew Gaze (29 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and David Simmons (24 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) led Melbourne to a 122-111 win.

Ninnis (9.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists across 31 games) immediately earned a regular place in Goorjian’s rotation, appearing in every game during Eastside’s run to the Grand Final.

Bolden (27.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks) led the Spectres in scoring, while Lockhart (18.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals) provided another major offensive and defensive presence.

Uthoff (16.8 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) controlled the glass, with Lucas (13.5 points), Perry (12.5 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals), Ronaldson (9.8 points and 3.9 rebounds) and Larkins (4.4 points) completing Goorjian’s main rotation.

Ninnis (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) delivered his best game of the season in Eastside’s 119-110 win over Geelong on April 13, shooting 9-of-15 from the field and making four three-pointers alongside Lockhart (24 points and 7 rebounds), Perry (21 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) and Uthoff (14 rebounds), while Terry Dozier (23 points and 8 rebounds), Shane Heal (17 points and 5 assists) and John Dorge (13 rebounds and 4 blocks) led the Supercats.

Eastside defeated Southern Melbourne 148-103 on April 27, with Ninnis (17 points and 3 assists) supporting Bolden (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists), Ronaldson (20 points and 8 rebounds), Lockhart (18 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals) and Larkins (17 points and 10 assists).

Ninnis (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) later helped the Spectres defeat North Melbourne 121-116 on September 8, with Bolden (38 points and 10 rebounds), Lockhart (25 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Uthoff (22 points and 13 rebounds) leading Eastside, while Paul Maley (31 points and 12 rebounds), Pat Reidy (25 points) and Scott Fisher (24 points and 14 rebounds) were best for the Giants.

Eastside finished second with a 17-9 record, edging Geelong on the head-to-head tiebreaker and earning a first-round playoff bye and direct passage into the semifinals.

The semifinals opened against North Melbourne at the Glass House, where Bolden (29 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Eastside, while Maley (32 points and 12 rebounds) was best for the Giants as the Spectres won 99-93.

Game two remained at the Glass House, where Bolden (27 points and 18 rebounds), Perry (7 assists) and Lockhart (7 assists) led Eastside, while Maley (25 points and 18 rebounds) and Mark Leader (8 assists) carried North Melbourne before the Spectres won 115-104 to complete the 2-0 sweep and advance to their first Grand Final since 1981.

Eastside faced defending champion Perth in the Grand Final after the Wildcats finished first with a 22-4 record and eliminated Adelaide in their semifinal series.

The Grand Final series opened at the Glass House, where Grace (21 points and 7 assists) and Andrew Vlahov (11 rebounds) led Perth, while Bolden (22 points), Uthoff (13 rebounds) and Perry (8 assists) were Eastside’s best as the Wildcats won 109-83.

Game two moved to the Perth Entertainment Centre, where Bolden (25 points), Lockhart (12 rebounds), Perry (4 assists) and Uthoff (4 assists) led the Spectres, while Grace (17 points and 7 assists) and Vlahov (11 rebounds) were best for Perth as Eastside won 86-81 to level the series.

The deciding game remained in Perth, where Ninnis (7 points, 1 steal, and 1 block) contributed from the bench and Bolden (29 points and 15 rebounds), Lucas (14 points), Perry (13 points) and Uthoff (10 points and 7 rebounds) led Eastside, while James Crawford (19 points and 14 rebounds), Kendal Pinder (19 points), Hansen (18 points and 12 rebounds) and Grace (16 points and 6 assists) carried the Wildcats.

Pete Hansen was named Grand Final MVP after Perth won 90-80 to claim the series 2-1.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE MAGIC
1992 – ONE MAGIC YEAR
At the end of 1991, the South Melbourne Saints were in financial crisis and unable to continue operations, leading to a landmark merger with cross-town rivals the Eastside Melbourne Spectres and the formation of the South East Melbourne Magic.

With the Spectres having come within one game of the championship the previous season, Brian Goorjian was retained as head coach, while Andrew Parkinson (via South Melbourne) and Andrej Lemanis (via South Melbourne) were the only Saints players carried over and joined returning Spectres leaders Bruce Bolden, Tony Ronaldson, Darren Lucas and Darren Perry.

The former Adelaide guard also remained from Eastside’s Grand Final roster, while Goorjian added import forward Milt Newton and John Dorge (via Geelong), who had led the NBL in blocked shots during 1991, to complete a deep and physical lineup whose inaugural campaign was coined “One Magic Year” by the media.

South East Melbourne opened its history at Melbourne Park on April 4 with an 83-82 win over Illawarra, where Scott Ninnis (18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) supplied immediate scoring and defensive pressure in the Magic’s first NBL game.

Ninnis (11.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 30 games) established himself as an important member of Goorjian’s backcourt rotation, providing perimeter defence, versatility and timely scoring throughout the regular season and playoffs.

South East Melbourne won six of its first seven games, with Newton (15.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.6 steals across 7 games) giving the new club early production before he was released and replaced by former LA Clippers guard Robert Rose (via LA Clippers).

Rose (19.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 steals across 23 games) transformed the Magic at both ends of the floor and was named to the All-NBL Third Team, while Bolden (20.5 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.9 assists) led the team in scoring and rebounding and earned All-NBL Second Team honours.

Dorge (12.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks) led the NBL in blocked shots, while Parkinson (12.1 points), Ronaldson (11.4 points and 5 rebounds), Lucas (10 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals) and Perry (8.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.9 steals) completed Goorjian’s deep rotation.

Ninnis (20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) returned to Adelaide on May 16 and shot 8-of-11 from the field as South East Melbourne defeated the 36ers 116-102, with Bolden (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists), Dorge (17 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) and Newton (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) also leading the Magic, while Mark Davis (33 points and 19 rebounds) and Mark Bradtke (12 points and 19 rebounds) were Adelaide’s best.

On June 12, Ninnis (16 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals) controlled the backcourt as the Magic defeated Gold Coast 114-96, delivering his season-high in assists while also producing his best defensive game of the year.

Ninnis (21 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 2 steals) delivered his best scoring game of the season the following night, making three three-pointers as South East Melbourne completed its Queensland road trip with a 125-104 win over Brisbane.

He produced another major performance against North Melbourne on July 18, with Ninnis (20 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists) shooting 9-of-18 from the field as the Magic defeated the Giants 93-85 at Melbourne Park.

Ninnis (18 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) later helped South East Melbourne defeat Geelong 97-91 on September 4 before the Magic completed the regular season with a 98-89 road victory over Canberra, where Ninnis (13 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal) contributed to the club’s 20th win.

South East Melbourne finished first with a 20-4 record and remained unbeaten across all 12 games at Melbourne Park, earning the top playoff seed as Goorjian was named NBL Coach of the Year.

🏀 THROWBACK THURSDAY 💫

Did you believe in Magic? How could you not with this old tune! Before the days of @SEMelbPhoenix we had the South East Melbourne Magic. Do you remember how many NBL Championships Magic had to their name? Read more – https://t.co/OezFZFpFDS #HoopsAtHome pic.twitter.com/mQfmy7kiG4— Basketball Victoria (@Basketball_Vic) April 16, 2020

South East Melbourne opened the quarterfinals at the AIS Arena, where Ninnis (6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 steals) contributed from the backcourt as the Magic edged Canberra 91-89 to take control of the series.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Ninnis (6 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists) again provided valuable minutes as South East Melbourne defeated Canberra 101-96 to complete the 2-0 sweep.

The semifinals opened against North Melbourne at Melbourne Park, where Ninnis (8 points and 2 assists) helped the Magic dominate the Giants 112-86 and move within one win of the Grand Final.

Ninnis (23 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) then delivered his best playoff performance in game two, shooting 10-of-14 from the field as South East Melbourne defeated North Melbourne 127-106 to complete another sweep and advance to the Grand Final.

The Magic faced their cross-town rivals Melbourne, who had finished third behind league scoring leader Andrew Gaze (33.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists) and import Lanard Copeland (28.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3 assists).

The Grand Final series opened at Melbourne Park, where starting point guard Perry tore his ACL only 11 minutes into the game and was ruled out for the remainder of the series and the following nine months, forcing Ninnis to take on an increased role in the Magic backcourt.

Ninnis (7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) played almost 22 minutes, while Bolden (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists), Parkinson (18 points), Dorge (13 points and 12 rebounds) and Ronaldson (13 points and 9 rebounds) led South East Melbourne, but Copeland (34 points, 7 assists, and 3 blocks), Gaze (26 points), Robert Sibley (18 points and 8 rebounds) and David Simmons (17 points and 12 rebounds) powered Melbourne to a 116-98 win.

With Perry sidelined, Ninnis moved into the starting lineup for game two and played more than 38 minutes, contributing 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal while helping hold Copeland to 14 points on 6-of-19 shooting.

Bolden (22 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 4 blocks), Rose (20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Lucas (19 points) led the Magic, while Gaze (32 points), Simmons (15 points) and Sibley (15 points) were Melbourne’s best as South East Melbourne won 115-93 to level the series.

Ninnis (14 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 3 steals) played more than 38 minutes in the deciding game and shot 5-of-11 from the field, continually applying pressure to Melbourne’s backcourt as the Magic restricted Gaze to 18 points on 5-of-19 shooting.

Rose (26 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks), Bolden (21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocks) and Ronaldson (12 points) led South East Melbourne, while Copeland (24 points and 4 rebounds), Gaze (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Simmons (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists) were best for Melbourne.

Bolden was presented with the Grand Final MVP award by visiting NBA Commissioner David Stern after South East Melbourne defeated Melbourne 95-88 to win the championship in its inaugural season.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
1993
Adelaide reshaped its roster after a second straight losing season, with Mark Bradtke (to Melbourne), Butch Hays (to Illawarra) and Graham Kubank (to Townsville) departing, while captain Mark Davis, Mike McKay, Brett Maher and Jerry Dennard remained with the 36ers.

American coach Don Monson replaced Don Shipway and added Boomers captain Phil Smyth (via Canberra), Willie Simmons (via Canberra), Chris Blakemore (via AIS), import Paris McCurdy and local guard Scott Ninnis (via South East Melbourne), who returned to Adelaide after two seasons playing under Brian Goorjian and winning the 1992 championship with the Magic.

Adelaide opened the season on April 18 with a 118-105 road win over North Melbourne, where the returning guard (36 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists) delivered his season-high and led the 36ers past Jason Reese (39 points and 18 rebounds), Paul Maley (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) and former Adelaide captain Darryl Pearce (20 points, 4 assists, and 6 three-pointers).

Ninnis (19.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals) became Adelaide’s main perimeter scorer and delivered the best season of his career, earning the NBL’s Most Improved Player award and selection to the All-NBL Third Team.

After nine games, McCurdy (12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals) was released and replaced by David Robinson, giving Adelaide another scorer and rebounder in the frontcourt.

Davis (22.8 points and 12.9 rebounds) led Adelaide in scoring, finished as the NBL’s leading rebounder and won the club MVP award for a ninth consecutive season, while Robinson (18.3 points and 8.9 rebounds), McKay (13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals), Smyth (10.8 points, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals), Maher (8.3 points) and Blakemore (5.7 points and 4.9 rebounds) rounded out the main rotation, with Blakemore named NBL Rookie of the Year.

On July 31, Ninnis (31 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) produced his second-highest scoring game of the season as Adelaide edged North Melbourne 106-105 at the Clipsal Powerhouse.

Against his former team on September 18, Ninnis (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) made five three-pointers and kept Adelaide within reach before South East Melbourne held on for an 86-84 win.

Adelaide ended the regular season on September 25 with a 100-90 road win over Sydney, where Ninnis (13 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped the 36ers finish seventh with a 14-12 record and return to the playoffs.

The quarterfinal series opened at the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Ninnis (9 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists), Davis (23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists), Robinson (21 points and 6 rebounds) and McKay (18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Adelaide, while Tony Ronaldson (30 points and 6 rebounds), Robert Rose (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Bruce Bolden (18 points and 9 rebounds) and Darren Lucas (14 points and 6 rebounds) carried defending champions South East Melbourne to a 99-93 win.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Ninnis (12 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals), Davis (28 points and 17 rebounds) and Robinson (20 points and 9 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Ronaldson (23 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals), Bolden (21 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks), David Graham (15 points and 5 rebounds), Andrew Parkinson (14 points) and Rose (12 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks) led South East Melbourne to a 102-87 win.

1994
David Robinson was not retained after Adelaide’s quarterfinal exit, while Don Monson left the coaching role after one season, leaving captain Mark Davis, Scott Ninnis, Mike McKay, Phil Smyth, Brett Maher, Chris Blakemore and Willie Simmons as the main returning players.

New coach Mike Dunlap strengthened the roster with reigning NBL MVP Robert Rose (via South East Melbourne) and Andrew Svaldenis (via Hobart) as Adelaide chased its first Grand Final appearance since 1986.

The Sixers also suffered an off-court setback when they received a record fine over alleged salary-cap breaches, but remained focused on returning to championship contention.

Adelaide opened the season at Carrara on April 8, where the returning guard (17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers and the captain (11 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks) controlled the glass, but Gold Coast held on for a 95-92 win.

Ninnis (12.6 points and 1.4 steals) played all 33 games and remained a dangerous perimeter scorer as his production dropped from the career-best season he delivered the previous year.

Rose (22.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.6 steals) became Adelaide’s leading scorer, while Davis (20.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) anchored the frontcourt, finished second in the NBL in rebounding and led the league in offensive rebounds.

Blakemore (13.3 points and 6.6 rebounds), Maher (13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals), McKay (8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds), Smyth (6.6 points and 1.2 steals) and Svaldenis (4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds) formed the main support, with Smyth recording career lows in points and rebounds but continuing to provide experience in the backcourt.

Rose won Adelaide’s club MVP award, ending Davis’ run of winning every award from 1985 through 1993, but was overlooked for the NBL All-Star Game, while Blakemore earned NBL Most Improved Player honours and Davis and Rose were selected to the All-NBL Second Team.

His best game came at the Powerhouse on June 10, when Ninnis (29 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) delivered his season-high as Adelaide edged Geelong 95-94.

On July 1, Ninnis (26 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals) combined scoring and playmaking as the 36ers defeated Townsville 112-83.

Ninnis (25 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) then shot 9-of-14 from the field and 5-of-5 at the free-throw line on August 20, helping Adelaide defeat Brisbane 113-102.

Adelaide closed the regular season on September 24, where Ninnis (1 point, 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 1 steal) helped the 36ers secure fourth place with an 18-8 record, while Rose (26 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 steals), Blakemore (22 points and 12 rebounds) and Davis (19 points, 21 rebounds, and 5 steals) led a 107-76 win over Canberra.

The quarterfinals opened in Brisbane, where Ninnis (7 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) provided scoring off the bench as Rose (34 points) helped Adelaide build a 99-92 lead inside the final two minutes, but Shane Heal (42 points) hit the three-pointer that forced overtime and Leroy Loggins (30 points) helped the Bullets recover for a 116-105 win.

Game two moved to the Powerhouse, where Ninnis (12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 block), Davis (37 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Rose (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Adelaide, while Loggins (29 points and 9 rebounds) and Andre Moore (17 points and 13 rebounds) were Brisbane’s best as the 36ers levelled the series with a 99-91 win.

Ninnis (7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 2 steals), Davis (26 points and 18 rebounds), Rose (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Maher (17 points) led Adelaide in the decider, while Heal (20 points and 6 rebounds) and David Colbert (18 points) were Brisbane’s best as the 36ers won 101-84 and advanced to the semifinals.

Adelaide opened the semifinals at the Powerhouse with a 101-88 win over defending champions Melbourne, where Ninnis (13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) provided a balanced performance and Davis (13 points and 10 rebounds) helped the 36ers take control before Dave Simmons (4 assists) collected his right arm as he attempted a long outlet pass during the third period, dislocating his shoulder, but Rose (18 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and McKay (17 points) carried Adelaide home while Andrew Gaze (30 points) and Mark Bradtke (19 points) led the Tigers.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Ninnis (15 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Rose (21 points) and Blakemore (19 points) led Adelaide with the captain sidelined, while Lanard Copeland (25 points) and Simmons (18 points) were strongest for Melbourne as the 36ers won 110-101 and completed the sweep.

The Grand Final opened at the Powerhouse, where Ninnis (4 points) played 12 minutes, Davis (13 points and 6 rebounds) returned despite the shoulder injury and Rose (33 points) led Adelaide back from 14 points down in the final period, while Paul Rees (17 points and 5 rebounds) and Darryl McDonald (18 points and 10 assists) led North Melbourne before McDonald hit the game-winning shot in a 95-93 overtime victory.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Ninnis (7 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) contributed from the bench as Davis (0 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) was limited to 16 minutes and Rose (31 points and 7 rebounds) led Adelaide, while Paul Maley (21 points and 10 rebounds) and Rees (20 points and 7 rebounds) powered North Melbourne to a 117-97 win and a 2-0 sweep, with Rees named Grand Final MVP after shooting 7-of-7 from the field.

1995
Adelaide moved on from veteran Phil Smyth (to Sydney) after its 1994 Grand Final appearance, with coach Mike Dunlap beginning his second season around captain Mark Davis, Robert Rose, Brett Maher, Chris Blakemore, Brett Wheeler, Mike McKay and Scott Ninnis.

Adelaide opened the season in Newcastle on April 22, where the veteran guard (8 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists) made two three-pointers to provide scoring from the bench, but the Falcons claimed a 98-91 win.

Ninnis (5.6 points) appeared in all 31 games and remained part of Dunlap’s backcourt rotation, although his playing time and scoring decreased from the previous two seasons.

Away from the NBL, he won the Woollacott Medal and helped South Adelaide claim the state league championship.

Once the captain was classified as a local player, Dunlap used Adelaide’s second import position on former Chicago Bulls guard Jo Jo English (via Chicago), adding another scorer to the backcourt during the season.

On May 12, Ninnis (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) made three three-pointers and provided his first double-figure scoring game of the season as Adelaide defeated Geelong 91-81.

His best game came against Sydney on June 2, when Ninnis (13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) shot 5-of-8 from the field and helped Adelaide defeat the Kings 105-96.

Ninnis (12 points, 1 assist, and 1 steal) produced another efficient performance in Canberra on August 12, shooting 3-of-5 from the field and 5-of-6 at the free-throw line as the 36ers defeated the Cannons 122-104.

Adelaide completed the regular season against Illawarra on September 15, where Ninnis (11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 3 steals) delivered his strongest defensive game of the year and helped the 36ers win 84-74 for their ninth straight victory, securing fourth place with a 17-9 record.

Rose (26.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 steals) led Adelaide in scoring and earned All-NBL First Team honours, while Davis (17.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals) remained the team’s leading rebounder and was selected to the NBL All-Star Game for the eighth straight season.

English (14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals), Maher (14.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 steals), Blakemore (10.1 points and 5.9 rebounds), Wheeler (8 points and 6.2 rebounds) and McKay (7.1 points) completed Dunlap’s main rotation.

Before the NBL season, Davis, Maher, Wheeler and Blakemore also made their Boomers debuts against the touring Magic Johnson All-Stars in March.

Adelaide opened the quarterfinals in Newcastle, where Ninnis (5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) contributed from the bench and Maher (13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals), Rose (23 points), English (17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals), Blakemore (16 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Davis (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Tonny Jensen (35 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks), Butch Hays (23 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Reggie Smith (14 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks) carried Newcastle to a 101-93 win.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Ninnis (6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) provided scoring from the bench as Rose (46 points and 5 rebounds), Maher (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Davis (13 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals) led Adelaide to a 94-84 win, while Jensen (21 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Hays (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists) were Newcastle’s best.

Adelaide completed the series comeback two nights later, with Ninnis (4 points and 2 rebounds) contributing as Rose (28 points), Davis (20 points), English (18 points), Blakemore (13 points) and Maher (11 points) led the 36ers, while Jensen (21 points), Hays (18 points) and Smith (17 points) were best for Newcastle in a 99-92 win.

The semifinals opened in Adelaide, where Ninnis (12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal), Rose (27 points and 7 rebounds), Davis (13 points and 12 rebounds) and Maher (9 points and 4 assists) led the 36ers, while Scott Fisher (27 points and 7 rebounds), Martin Cattalini (16 points and 9 rebounds) and Ricky Grace (16 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks) carried eventual champions Perth to a 94-78 win.

The game became national news when Blakemore (4 points) elbowed Cattalini, leaving the Perth forward with a cut to his mouth that required 15 stitches, almost starting a brawl and earning Blakemore a suspension for game two.

Rose requested a pay rise after the season, but Adelaide rejected it amid a belief that the 31-year-old had already played his best basketball and was not worth the additional money.

The semifinal incident later contributed to an end-of-season altercation between Blakemore and Dunlap, after which Blakemore (to Canberra) followed Rose (to Canberra), while McKay (to Brisbane) departed and Ninnis (to Newcastle) was cut as Dunlap continued building around a younger roster.

Game two moved to Perth, where Ninnis (0 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) was held scoreless, Fisher (26 points and 9 rebounds) again led the Wildcats, while Rose (22 points) and English (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) were Adelaide’s best in an 85-76 loss that ended the 36ers’ season against Perth for the fourth time in eight years (1987, 1989, 1991 and 1995).

NEWCASTLE FALCONS
1996
After reaching the playoffs the previous year, Newcastle lost leading scorer Tonny Jensen (to North Melbourne), Reggie Smith, Michael Johnson, Grant Kruger (to Townsville), Matthew Alexander (to Townsville) and Craig Adams (to Hobart), leaving Butch Hays and Martin McLean as the main returning scorers.

Coach Tom Wisman rebuilt the Falcons with Scott Ninnis (via Adelaide), who had been cut by Mike Dunlap following Adelaide’s 1995 semifinal exit, import David Van Dyke, Matthew Reece (via Melbourne), Lachlan Armfield (via Canberra) and young big men Scott McGregor, Ben Pepper and Ben Melmeth.

Newcastle opened the season at Geelong Arena on April 13, where the former 36er (20 points, 1 assist, and 2 steals) shot 9-of-15 from the field and helped the Falcons defeat Geelong 89-81, immediately giving Wisman another scoring option in the backcourt.

Ninnis (13.1 points) became Newcastle’s third-leading scorer and a regular ball-handler in the Falcons’ rotation, appearing in 24 games and lifting his scoring considerably from his final season in Adelaide.

On May 24, Ninnis (22 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) shot 7-of-10 from the field and made two three-pointers as Newcastle defeated Hobart 95-85 at the Derwent Entertainment Centre, giving him his first 20-point game since opening night.

His best game came at Melbourne Park on August 9, when Ninnis (25 points, 2 steals, and 1 block) shot 10-of-18 from the field and 4-of-4 at the free-throw line, keeping Newcastle within reach of the league-leading Tigers before Melbourne won 98-93.

Van Dyke (22.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 4.3 blocks) led Newcastle in scoring and rebounding, topped the NBL in blocked shots and earned All-NBL Second Team honours, while Hays (18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 steals) remained the Falcons’ main playmaker and was selected to the All-NBL Third Team.

McGregor (10.7 points and 8.0 rebounds) won NBL Rookie of the Year, while Melmeth (12.2 points and 9.7 rebounds across 6 games), Reece (9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds), Armfield (8.2 points) and McLean (5.2 points) formed the main support as Newcastle struggled to replace the depth and production lost from the previous season.

Ninnis (to Adelaide) spent only one season with Newcastle before returning to the 36ers in 1997 after Dunlap was replaced by Dave Claxton.

Newcastle closed the season at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on September 27, where Ninnis (24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) made three three-pointers and helped the Falcons defeat Melbourne 126-108, leaving Newcastle ninth with an 11-15 record.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
1997
Import guard Rick Brunson returned to the United States after Adelaide’s 1996 semifinal exit, while Mike Dunlap left the coaching role, leaving Brett Maher, Leon Trimmingham, John Rillie, Mark Davis, Brett Wheeler and Martin Cattalini as the main returning players.

Dunlap’s assistant and former Gold Coast Rollers coach Dave Claxton was promoted to replace him, bringing Scott Ninnis (via Newcastle) back to Adelaide one year after Dunlap had cut him, while Rupert Sapwell (via Geelong) and import big man Jeff Brown were also added to the roster.

Maher (18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.9 steals) was handed the captaincy from Davis (9.4 points and 6 rebounds), beginning a role he held until his retirement in 2009.

Adelaide opened the season at the Clipsal Powerhouse on April 13, where the returning guard (1 assist and 1 block) played 2:43 in his first game back with the 36ers as defending champions South East Melbourne held on for an 85-83 win.

Ninnis (4.2 points) appeared in 27 games and settled into a reserve role during his return to Adelaide, while also winning his fourth State League championship with South Adelaide.

On May 3, Ninnis (12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) shot 5-of-6 from the field in 17 minutes and provided a scoring lift from the bench, but North Melbourne defeated Adelaide 99-92 at the Powerhouse.

The plan had been for Brown (7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds) to play alongside Trimmingham (19.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals) and Davis, forming the type of dominant frontcourt that had delivered recent championships for Perth.

Six games into the season, it was clear Brown wasn’t the player Adelaide needed and he was released, with 35-year-old Willie Simmons (5.6 points and 4 rebounds) returning after not playing in the NBL since 1994.

Ninnis (11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) reached double figures again on August 2, providing an efficient scoring contribution as Adelaide defeated Illawarra 112-82 at home.

His best game came in Perth on September 6, when Ninnis (16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) shot 6-of-9 from the field and made two three-pointers as Adelaide defeated the Wildcats 107-101.

Trimmingham and Maher became Adelaide’s two leading scorers, while Rillie (13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals), Wheeler (12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds), Cattalini (8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds) and Brad McKinnon (5.8 points) formed the main support.

Maher won Adelaide’s club MVP award, was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and played in the NBL All-Star Game, while Trimmingham was also voted into the All-Star Game by fans despite spending much of the season in the second unit.

Adelaide closed the season at the Powerhouse on September 27, where Cattalini (30 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) delivered his best game of the year and Ninnis (2 rebounds and 2 assists) appeared for nine minutes as Melbourne won 110-104, leaving the 36ers seventh with a 14-16 record and outside the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

1998
Following Adelaide’s first missed playoff appearance since 1992, Leon Trimmingham, Brett Wheeler (to South East Melbourne), Brad McKinnon and Willie Simmons departed, while Dave Claxton’s one-season appointment ended, leaving captain Brett Maher, John Rillie, Mark Davis, Martin Cattalini, Scott Ninnis and Rupert Sapwell as the main returning players.

Former player Phil Smyth was hired as a rookie head coach despite having no previous head-coaching experience, with his only coaching background coming as a specialist coach at the Australian Institute of Sport during his playing days in Canberra, while the captain rejected serious interest from Sydney and Adelaide added Paul Rees (via North Melbourne), Darnell Mee (via France), Kevin Brooks and rookie Dean Brogan (via AIS).

The former Canberra guard recommended his former teammate to Adelaide, and although the former NBA forward’s unusual shooting release from behind his head left teammates wondering whether he would last a week after his first training session, he signed a two-year deal and quickly proved he could score at NBL level.

Adelaide opened the season at the Clipsal Powerhouse on January 31, where the veteran guard (7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) provided productive minutes from the bench as the 36ers gave their rookie coach a 125-86 win over Townsville in his first game.

Ninnis (5.4 points) appeared in 30 games during his final NBL season, continuing in a reserve role behind Adelaide’s deep collection of guards and providing short bursts of scoring throughout the championship campaign.

On March 20, Ninnis (10 points and 2 assists) played 20 minutes and recorded his first double-figure scoring game of the season, but Melbourne defeated Adelaide 121-89 at Melbourne Park.

Ninnis (12 points and 1 steal) then produced 12 points in only 4:28 on May 10, shooting 4-of-6 from the field, making both three-point attempts and converting both free throws as Adelaide overwhelmed Sydney 147-121.

His best game came against Canberra on May 23, when Ninnis (13 points, 5 assists, and 1 steal) shot 6-of-8 from the field and provided his strongest scoring and playmaking performance of the season as Adelaide defeated the Cannons 118-85.

Adelaide closed the regular season in Brisbane on June 7, where Ninnis (6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) played a season-high 21:30 in a 101-89 loss that left the 36ers second with a 19-11 record and their highest win total since 1988.

Brooks (19.4 points and 6.7 rebounds) led Adelaide in scoring, with Maher (17.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals), Cattalini (15.8 points and 6.7 rebounds) and Mee (14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks) giving the 36ers four major offensive weapons.

Rillie (9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds), Davis (9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds), Rees (7.4 points and 5.1 rebounds) and Sapwell (6.1 points) completed a deep rotation as Smyth’s playing experience translated immediately into coaching success.

The campaign became the end of Ninnis’s playing career, with Smyth later offering him either another one-year contract or an assistant-coaching position after the championship run, and Ninnis chose to retire and join the coaching staff.

The semifinals opened at Challenge Stadium, where Ninnis (4 points in 3 minutes) provided immediate scoring from the bench as Maher (36 points and 6 assists) shot 74 percent from the field and made 7-of-11 three-pointers, while Mee (16 points and 14 rebounds) controlled the glass and terrorised Perth’s backcourt in a 114-97 win, despite Ricky Grace scoring eight straight points during the Wildcats’ third-quarter comeback and Scott Fisher cutting the margin to six with a three-pointer.

Game two moved to the Clipsal Powerhouse, where Ninnis did not take the court as Adelaide defeated Perth 117-110 to complete the 2-0 sweep and advance to the Grand Final against regular-season champions South East Melbourne.

The Grand Final opened in Adelaide, where Ninnis (0 points in 3:37) appeared briefly as Brooks (24 points and 8 rebounds) shot 10-of-18 from the field and led the 36ers, while Clint McDaniel hit a late three-pointer to pull the Magic within three before Adelaide held on for a 100-93 win, only its second victory over South East Melbourne since the Magic were formed in 1992.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Brooks (21 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) and Cattalini (20 points and 6 rebounds) led Adelaide, while the former 36er (12 points) and Tony Ronaldson (11 points) were best for the Magic as the 36ers held South East Melbourne below 15 points in three quarters, forced 26 turnovers to their own 14 and shot 25-of-33 from the free-throw line compared with the Magic’s 6-of-8 in a 90-62 win that completed the sweep, delivered Adelaide its first championship since 1986, gave Ninnis (0 points in 2:54) his third NBL title and closed the league’s final winter season, with Brooks named Grand Final MVP.

Scott Ninnis played thirteen seasons in the NBL. He averaged 9.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 318 NBL games.