BIO: Woodberry played as a point guard, shooting guard and small forward.

Born in Wichita, Kansas he attended Wichita South High School.

He played on two state title team’s and was named Kansas Naismith Player of the Year as a senior in 1990.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Steve Woodberry made his NBL debut with the Gold Coast Rollers at 23 years of age. He scored 22 points in his first game.

By 1995 the Gold Coast Rollers had been struggling financially for some time. The team would lose a good chunk of its roster to various exits which included Andre LaFleur (quit), Mike Mitchell (Brisbane), Steve Key (knee injury), Matt Reece (Melbourne), Andrew Goodwin (Brisbane). Coach Dave Claxton was able to retain Peter Hill, Tony DeAmbrosis, John Szigeti and added Perth veteran Trevor Torrance, who had seen diminished playing oppourtunies over the past few seasons and replaced long time import duo Mike Mitchell and Andre LaFleur with Fred Herzog (Canberra) and Tony Massop.

Massop failed to live up to expectations and was cut prior to the season starting. The team replacing him with Kansas University product Steve Woodberry.

Woodberry averaged 24.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists before a severe knee injury ended his debut season after only 16 games. Woodberry returned to Kansas University for his rehabiliation and during the next 8 months underwent four knee surgeries.

The trio of Woodberry, Herzog (20 points per game) and Torrance (15.2 points) failed to deliver the success or excitement the ‘ Mitchell and LaFleur’ team’s had brought to the Carrara Indoor Stadium previously.

The Rollers roster, which was primarily made up of aging veterans and cheap state league talent struggled to say the least, and managed only five wins for the season.

BRISBANE BULLETS
1996
In 1996, the Brisbane Bullets re-loaded by adding veterans Mike McKay (via Adelaide) and Mark Dalton (via Sydney), as well star import Steve Woodberry (23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists), who was coming off a major injury, led the team in scoring, and was selected to the All-NBL second team. McKay (17.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists) was impressive during his first season in Brisbane while the legendary Loggins (16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) delivered his worst season ever, recording career lows in points, rebounds, assists and steals, prompting many to think he may retire at seasons end.

During a extremely tight season where Brisbane, Sydney, North Melbourne, South East Melbourne and Melbourne all tasted the league’s leadership at some point, the Bullets finished up in eighth place (14-12) under first-year head coach David Ingham. Loggins (16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) who averaged career lows in points, rebounds, assists and steals, prompting many to think he may retire at season’s end.

1997
After finishing eighth with a 14-12 record and losing its 1996 quarterfinal series to Melbourne in three games, Brisbane moved on from Mike Mitchell (to North Melbourne), Andrew Goodwin (to North Melbourne), Luke Gribble, Ryan Stolberg and Shaun Guy, while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Mike McKay, Rodger Smith, Mark Dalton, Robert Sibley and Aaron Honeyman returned under second-year head coach David Ingham. John Szigeti (via Gold Coast), Toby Zaremba (via Gold Coast), Andrew Ramsay (via Geelong), rookie Ben Thompson (via AIS) and import Leonard White were added, although Ramsay did not appear in an NBL game.

Brisbane opened the season at the Brisbane Convention Centre on April 11, where Woodberry (28 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals), McKay (24 points and 7 rebounds) and White (23 points and 13 rebounds) led the Bullets to a 111-105 win over Melbourne, while Andrew Gaze (33 points) led the Tigers.

Woodberry (21.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2 steals across 32 games) appeared in every game for Brisbane, playing all 30 regular-season games and both playoff games. Before returning to the Bullets he had also spent the Australian off-season playing with the Quad City Thunder in the CBA, appearing in 30 games before beginning his second season in Brisbane.

White (16.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals across 3 games) was cut after Brisbane’s opening three games, with Dwayne McClain (via Gold Coast) brought in as his replacement. McClain (16.8 points, 8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.8 steals across 21 games) had finished the previous season playing the final six games for the financially troubled Gold Coast Rollers before the club folded and gave Brisbane another experienced scorer alongside Woodberry and Loggins.

On May 24, Woodberry (33 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) made 13-of-19 shots as Brisbane defeated Illawarra 110-92, with McClain (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Loggins (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) providing support, while Clayton Ritter (27 points) and Bryan Edwards (23 points) were best for the Hawks.

Woodberry produced another big scoring game against Newcastle on June 15, finishing with 36 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals while making all four of his three-point attempts as Brisbane won 116-108. Smith (23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) and Loggins (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks) provided support, while Tonny Jensen (37 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) led Newcastle.

One of Woodberry’s best all-round performances came against North Melbourne on September 20, when he recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. Loggins (24 points and 6 rebounds), Thompson (16 points) and Szigeti (15 points and 5 assists) kept Brisbane close, but Pat Reidy (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) led the Giants to a 92-90 win at the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Centre.

Woodberry’s season-high scoring performance came in Brisbane’s final regular-season game against Melbourne on September 29, where he finished with 40 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, making 13-of-22 shots and 13-of-14 free throws. Loggins (27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and Smith (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support, but Melbourne won 116-107 as Brisbane completed the regular season in fifth place with a 15-15 record.

Loggins (21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 steals across 32 games) bounced back from the worst statistical season of his career to finish only 0.1 points behind Woodberry in scoring, with both selected to the All-NBL Second Team. McKay (18.6 points and 5 rebounds across 7 games) was productive before appearing in only seven games, while Smith (9.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals across 32 games), Dalton (8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds across 32 games) and Thompson (6.9 points across 29 games) provided the other major contributions. McClain suffered an injury against Townsville in September and missed Brisbane’s final four regular-season games and both playoff games, while Bruce Hamilton (via Brisbane – state league) was elevated late in the season and appeared in two games.

Brisbane opened its quarterfinal series at the Perth Entertainment Centre on October 4, where Loggins (32 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks) and Woodberry (23 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) pushed the Wildcats throughout, but Ricky Grace (18 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals), Todd Lichti (15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Andrew Vlahov (14 points and 12 rebounds) led Perth to an 81-79 win.

Game two moved to the Brisbane Convention Centre, where Woodberry (21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 1 block), Dalton (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Loggins (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Brisbane, but Grace (25 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Vlahov (21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) and David Van Dyke (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Perth to an 88-71 win and completed the two-game sweep.

1998
After four consecutive first-round playoff exits, Brisbane released head coach David Ingham and brought Brian Kerle back to the club after he had previously coached the Bullets to championships in 1985 and 1987. Mike McKay (to Canberra), Dwayne McClain, Mark Dalton (to Wollongong), Robert Sibley and Leonard White departed, while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Rodger Smith, John Szigeti and Aaron Honeyman returned. Kerle rebuilt the frontcourt with import Chuck Kornegay and Mark Nash, while CJ Bruton (via Indian Hills CC), Ben Thompson, Ryan Stolberg and Ben Castle were also added.

The high cost of playing home games at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, combined with falling attendances, also forced the Bullets to move into the smaller 4,000-seat Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from the beginning of the season.

Brisbane opened the season at its new home against defending champion Melbourne on January 30, defeating the Tigers 105-97. Loggins (27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 block) led Brisbane, while Bruton (14 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals) made an immediate impact in his return to the NBL.

Woodberry (26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals across 34 games) appeared in every Brisbane game and produced the highest-scoring season of his NBL career to that point, lifting his average by almost five points from the previous year while again leading the Bullets in scoring. He also led the NBL in free-throw percentage at 92.2 percent and was selected to the All-NBL First Team for the first time.

One of Brisbane’s most important regular-season victories came against South East Melbourne on February 28, when the Bullets defeated the Magic 81-76 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and handed the eventual minor premiers one of only four regular-season losses. Bruton (15 points and 2 steals) made four of five three-pointers and Loggins (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided further support.

Brisbane relied heavily on its perimeter scoring throughout the season, with Woodberry combining with Loggins (17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 26 games) and Bruton (15.4 points, 4 assists, and 1.8 steals across 34 games) to form one of the league’s most effective backcourts. Kornegay (16.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks across 34 games) gave Kerle a major interior presence, while Nash (9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds across 34 games) and Thompson (6.3 points across 13 games) provided additional depth.

Brisbane closed the regular season with a 101-89 victory over Adelaide at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on June 7, with Bruton (15 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals) helping the Bullets finish fourth with a 16-14 record. Melbourne also finished 16-14, but Brisbane claimed fourth place and home-court advantage through the head-to-head tie-breaker.

The elimination finals opened in Brisbane, where the Bullets defeated defending champion Melbourne 93-80 to take control of the series. Loggins (14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Bruton (11 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) provided key contributions as Brisbane moved within one victory of finally advancing beyond the opening round.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Brisbane overwhelmed the Tigers 114-81. Loggins (27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made four three-pointers and Bruton (14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) added support as the Bullets completed the sweep and advanced beyond the first round for the first time since 1993.

Woodberry’s best game and highest-scoring performance of the season came in the opening game of the semifinals against South East Melbourne at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Woodberry (46 points and 12 rebounds) carried the Bullets offensively and produced the highest-scoring game of his NBL career, but Ronaldson (26 points and 4 rebounds), Kelly (25 points) and McDaniel (19 points) led the Magic to a 106-98 victory. The performance included Woodberry repeatedly creating second-chance opportunities and drawing defensive attention before finding teammates as Brisbane pushed the league’s dominant regular-season team deep into the game.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park, where Woodberry (28 points and 8 rebounds) again led Brisbane, while Loggins (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Bruton (15 points and 5 assists) provided support. Mackinnon (30 points and 10 rebounds) and Ronaldson (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led South East Melbourne to a 90-84 victory, completing the semifinal sweep and ending Brisbane’s season one round short of the Grand Final.

1998/99
After reaching the semifinals the previous season, Brisbane entered the 1998/99 season looking to build on its first playoff series victory since 1993. The Bullets lost Chuck Kornegay, CJ Bruton (to Wollongong), Ben Thompson (to West Sydney) and John Szigeti (retired), while captain Leroy Loggins, Steve Woodberry, Mark Nash and Rodger Smith returned under head coach Brian Kerle. With the NBL moving from a winter to a summer schedule, Kerle signed import Thaddeous Delaney to replace Kornegay in the frontcourt, while Ben Knight and Matthew Shanahan joined after being squeezed out of the North Melbourne Giants and South East Melbourne Magic merger that formed the Victoria Titans. Phil Doherty (via Perth) was also added after leaving the Wildcats in search of more playing time.

Brisbane opened the season against Canberra at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 9, where Woodberry (33 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) made five three-pointers and led the Bullets to a convincing 110-78 victory. Loggins (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Doherty (14 points and 11 rebounds) provided support, while former Bullet Mike McKay (16 points and 6 rebounds) led Canberra.

Woodberry (27.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals across 28 games) produced the best season of his NBL career, improving on his scoring, assists and steals from the previous year while again leading Brisbane’s offence. He appeared in all 26 regular-season games and both playoff games, regularly carrying the team’s scoring responsibilities while also providing rebounding and playmaking from the perimeter. Having earned All-NBL First Team honours for the first time in 1998, Woodberry continued to establish himself among the competition’s elite players as Brisbane became increasingly reliant on his offensive production. His ability to play multiple positions remained an important part of his game, with Woodberry later recalling the experience of running the triangle offence during his time with the Bullets.

The following night Brisbane travelled to Townsville, where Woodberry (31 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) made another five three-pointers, but the Bullets fell 91-84 to the Crocodiles. Loggins (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Delaney (13 points and 8 rebounds) provided support, while Sam Mackinnon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) and David Pennisi (18 points and 5 rebounds) led Townsville.

On October 31, Woodberry (33 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) made five of six three-pointers as Brisbane defeated West Sydney 95-80 at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Smith (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) provided support, while Delaney (10 points and 20 rebounds) dominated the glass with a season-high rebounding performance. Simon Dwight (24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) was the Razorbacks’ best, but Brisbane’s perimeter scoring and rebounding proved decisive.

Woodberry’s best overall game and highest-scoring performance of the season came against Perth at the Perth Entertainment Centre on November 15, where he exploded for 41 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. He made an outstanding 17-of-22 shots from the field, including three three-pointers, as Brisbane defeated the Wildcats 97-77. Loggins (20 points and 5 rebounds) and Doherty (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) provided support, while Paul Rogers (19 points and 7 rebounds) led Perth. The performance was Woodberry’s highest-scoring game of the season and one of the most efficient offensive displays of his NBL career, helping Brisbane begin a four-game winning streak.

Brisbane continued that winning run against defending champion Adelaide on November 21, where Woodberry (27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists) narrowly missed a triple-double as the Bullets defeated the 36ers 112-96 at Adelaide Arena. Loggins (31 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) delivered his season-high scoring performance, making four three-pointers and all nine free throws, while Nash (16 points and 8 rebounds) also contributed. Kevin Brooks (25 points) was Adelaide’s leading scorer as Brisbane handed the defending champions a convincing home defeat.

Woodberry produced another outstanding all-round performance against Sydney at the Brisbane Convention Centre on December 12, recording 38 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block while playing all 53 minutes of an overtime contest. Smith (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Delaney (12 points and 11 rebounds) provided support, but Acie Earl (33 points and 12 rebounds) led the Kings to a 103-95 victory. Despite making 18-of-31 field goals, Woodberry was unable to overcome Sydney’s stronger offensive contributions, with Kelsey Weems (22 points) and Aaron Trahair (21 points) also productive for the visitors.

Against Melbourne at Melbourne Park on December 27, Woodberry (22 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) recorded another double-double, while Loggins (29 points) made 12-of-17 shots from the field and five of six three-pointers. Delaney (8 points and 14 rebounds) provided a strong presence on the glass, but Andrew Gaze (37 points) led the Tigers to a 102-91 victory. The result further highlighted Brisbane’s reliance on its veteran scoring combination against the league’s stronger teams.

Brisbane responded with a 98-82 victory over Newcastle at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 9, where Woodberry (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) contributed across both ends of the floor. Loggins (24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) led the scoring, while Delaney (14 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) produced one of his strongest all-round games. David Simmons (20 points and 8 rebounds) was Newcastle’s leading scorer.

One of Woodberry’s most complete individual performances came against Melbourne at the Brisbane Convention Centre on January 16, when he finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal while playing 53 minutes. Delaney (22 points and 15 rebounds) provided considerable support inside, while Loggins (14 points) also reached double figures. However, Gaze (45 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) made ten three-pointers as Melbourne defeated Brisbane 118-104 in overtime, with Marcus Timmons (27 points and 10 rebounds) also recording a double-double for the Tigers.

Brisbane’s offence continued to revolve around Woodberry and Loggins (18.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games), who remained the Bullets’ starting small forward and second-leading scorer despite turning 41 during the season. The veteran captain continued to provide scoring and defensive pressure and was also selected to the NBL’s 20th Anniversary Team, recognising his place among the greatest players in league history.

Outside its two leading scorers, Brisbane struggled to find consistent offensive production. Delaney (11.6 points and 10.6 rebounds across 28 games) provided rebounding and interior defence but never developed into the dominant replacement the Bullets had hoped for following Kornegay’s departure. Nash (8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds across 28 games) remained a reliable frontcourt contributor, while Doherty (8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds across 22 games), Knight (6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds across 28 games), Smith (6.5 points across 26 games), Shanahan (6.2 points across 27 games) and Peter Harvey (4.5 points across 17 games) rounded out Kerle’s main rotation. Shanahan provided valuable outside shooting, making 38 of his 79 three-point attempts at 48.1 percent, while Smith remained an important defensive presence. However, Brisbane’s lack of consistent scoring depth meant it often required a major performance from Woodberry or Loggins just to remain competitive.

Brisbane entered the final weeks battling to secure a playoff position after struggling to maintain the consistency shown during its four-game winning streak earlier in the season. In the final regular-season game against Canberra at AIS Arena on March 13, Woodberry (30 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 5 steals) narrowly missed another triple-double as Brisbane defeated the Cannons 107-97. Loggins (17 points and 7 rebounds) and Shanahan (12 points and 3 steals) provided support, while Melvin Thomas (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists) led Canberra. The victory completed a 13-13 regular season, giving Brisbane fifth place on the ladder and a qualifying finals matchup against Melbourne, which the Bullets had swept from the playoffs the previous season.

Despite Brisbane finishing with an even record, Woodberry’s individual performances were recognised when he was awarded the 1999 NBL Most Valuable Player award, becoming the third different Bullets player to win the honour after Leroy Loggins and Derek Rucker, and delivering the franchise’s fifth league MVP award. His victory also ended Andrew Gaze’s run of eight consecutive MVP awards, despite the Tigers star again leading the NBL in scoring at 33.5 points per game. Woodberry was also selected to the All-NBL First Team for the second consecutive season, alongside Gaze, Lanard Copeland, Kevin Brooks and Mark Bradtke. It was a remarkable achievement for a player whose first NBL season with the Gold Coast Rollers had been cut short by a serious knee injury requiring four surgeries, completing his rise from an injury-interrupted beginning in Australia to the league’s highest individual honour.

It's just a game. have fun with it!! @SteveWoodberry @nblhistory @BrisbaneBullets @NBL pic.twitter.com/KzmWa1rPDG— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 17, 2023

Brisbane opened its qualifying finals series against Melbourne at the Brisbane Convention Centre on March 20, looking to repeat its playoff victory over the Tigers from the previous season. Woodberry (29 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) made 12-of-21 field goals and again carried the Bullets offensively, while Loggins (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) connected on five three-pointers. Nash (8 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Delaney (4 points and 12 rebounds) provided support on the glass, but Timmons (36 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists), Copeland (28 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Bradtke (19 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 blocks) led Melbourne to a 100-85 victory and a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Melbourne Park on March 26, where Woodberry (35 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) produced another outstanding performance, making 12-of-26 shots and all 11 free throws. Loggins (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Shanahan (17 points) provided the main offensive support, while Nash (10 points and 12 rebounds) recorded a double-double. However, Copeland (30 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists), Daniel Egan (23 points and 11 rebounds) and Bradtke (10 points and 18 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 98-92 victory, completing the two-game sweep and eliminating Brisbane from the playoffs in the opening round.

SYDNEY KINGS
1999/00
During the 2000 season, Woodberry averaged 7.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists and was a part of the Kings squad which finished in a seventh place with a record of 11-17.

Steve Woodberry played six seasons across three NBL teams. This included the Gold Coast Rollers, Brisbane Bullets and Sydney Kings. He averaged 24.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 143 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:

– 47th in points per game.

HIGHLIGHTS: