Tanner Krebs on United’s hot start, his difficult season with the Bullets and why the first three seasons are the hardest in the NBL
November 18, 2023
Tanner Krebs
- Nationality: AUS
- Date of Birth: 4/01/96
- Place of Birth: Hobart (TAS)
- Position: GRD
- Height (CM): 198
- Weight (KG): 94
- Junior Assoc: TAS - South East Basketball Association
- College: Saint Mary's (2016–2020)
- NBL DEBUT: 16/01/21
- AGE AT DEBUT: 25
- LAST NBL GAME: 8/02/25
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 29
- NBL History: Brisbane 2021-23 | Melbourne 2024-25
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Tanner Krebs was born in Hobart (TAS) where his father Dan played as a import for the Devils in 1990, and then grew up in nearby Dodges Ferry. He later started playing basketball with the South East Basketball Association as a junior. Krebs received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2014. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.
FAMILY: Tanner Krebs is the son of Dan Krebs who played 27 games in the NBL. Son of Teresa Spinks, he also has a sister Morgan.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Tanner Krebs made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 25 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.
After re-entering the NBL, Brisbane struggled to establish a consistent foundation and culture in their fourth year back. The Bullets released key players, including Cam Gliddon (to South East Melbourne), Lamar Patterson (to New Zealand), and Will Magnay, who signed with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans.
In their place, Brisbane welcomed rookie Tanner Krebs, along with Anthony Drmic and Harry Froling from Adelaide, as well as import players Vic Law and Orlando Johnson. The Bullets’ lineup was high-scoring, led by Law (18.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks, 47% FG) and captain Nathan Sobey (21.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, 46% FG), both ranking among the league’s top five scorers. They also featured a strong local frontcourt with Matthew Hodgson (10.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks), Froling (8.0 points, 4.9 rebounds), and Tyrell Harrison (5.2 points, 5.8 rebounds), securing the Bullets’ position as one of the top rebounding teams, finishing third in offensive and second in defensive rebounds.
Memorable performances included a victory over Illawarra (97-91), with Law scoring 29 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, and Sobey adding 18 points and seven assists. The Bullets also defeated league leaders Melbourne (96-88), with Law contributing 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Hodgson scoring a season-high 24 points. Another highlight was their win over Perth (95-92), where Law (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Sobey (31 points and 4 assists) combined for over half the team’s total score.
Despite strong individual stats, Brisbane hovered around .500, with a record of 8-8. Mid-March saw the release of Orlando Johnson (6.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists) after 15 games, a move that coincided with New Zealand releasing Lamar Patterson, who returned to Brisbane and helped them push for the playoffs. However, Law’s knee injury in his first game back ruled him out for the season. With a 10-8 record and missing Law, the Bullets struggled, losing five of their next seven games, conceding an average of 90 points while scoring just 80. They signed BJ Johnson (10.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists) mid-season to help offset their struggles, leading to an 8-10 finish.
Brisbane’s lowest point was a loss to South East Melbourne (95-66) in Round 19. Without Sobey, Brisbane managed just 66 points, with only Drmic (20 points) and Patterson (11 points) scoring more than six points. Although the Bullets showed flashes of potential, they ultimately finished sixth with an 18-18 record, missing the playoffs.
In his first NBL season, Tanner Krebs averaged over 15 minutes per game, posting 4.9 points and 2.0 rebounds, showing promise as a reliable option off the bench.
2021/22
Following a sixth-place finish, head coach Andrej Lemanis stepped down after five years, and James Duncan, former Sydney Kings assistant, took the helm. The Bullets also saw significant roster changes, re-signing Lamar Patterson while losing Vic Law (to Perth) and BJ Johnson (NBA). Local talents Matt Hodgson (to Perth), Harry Froling (to Illawarra), and Callum Dalton (to Melbourne) also left.
Brisbane re-signed Tyrell Harrison and Jason Cadee on two-year deals and added international depth with Chuanxing Liu (China), Jack Salt (New Zealand), Deng Deng (South Sudan), Next Star Tom Digbeu (France), and Robert Franks (USA).
The Bullets started the season with a narrow loss to Tasmania (74-83) in overtime, setting the tone for a season marked by single-digit losses against top teams. By mid-season, Brisbane was 5-9 and dealing with injuries to Harrison (elbow) and Sobey (knee), who missed 11 and 16 games, respectively.
Franks (18.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists) led the team in scoring in 13 games and was the top vote-getter for the Leroy Loggins MVP Award. He shot 50% from the field and 76% from the line, ranking fifth in points per game. Patterson (16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals), Sobey (16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists), and Cadee (10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists) also scored in double digits.
Head coach Duncan aimed to strengthen the team’s defense, but Brisbane ultimately finished last in defensive rating (89.3 points per game) and led the league in turnovers (14.6 per game). Despite some bright spots, Brisbane missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year, finishing eighth with a 10-18 record.
Krebs played all 28 games, averaging 4.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.6 assists, including a career-high 20-point game against Cairns in the season finale.
2022/23
Following a near-bottom finish, Brisbane added Boomers big man Aron Baynes and veteran guard Tyler Johnson, both former NBA teammates with Phoenix. Devondrick Walker (via NBL1), Harry Froling (via Illawarra), Gorjok Gak (via Europe), and DJ Mitchell (via NBL1) joined the squad, complementing returning players Cadee, Harrison, Krebs, and Sobey.
The Bullets were expected to contend for a top-four finish, but questions lingered about Sobey’s knee recovery and Baynes’ return after a neck injury. Six games in, Brisbane was winless, with Baynes (11.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists) and Sobey (15.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists) recording their lowest numbers in recent seasons.
They found some momentum with back-to-back wins over Illawarra, first winning 82-56 with Baynes contributing 17 points and 14 rebounds, and then an 86-61 victory led by Sobey’s career-high 14 first-quarter points and 22 points by halftime. They extended this run with a close win over Tasmania (74-72), but soon after released Walker (9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists) and dismissed head coach Duncan.
Interim head coach Sam Mackinnon’s tenure lasted three games before assistant Greg Vanderjagt took over, but tensions within the club were apparent. Brisbane finished second last again (8-20), with Sobey and Johnson among the team’s few standout performers. In a season of underperformance, Krebs posted a notable 18-point performance in an overtime win over Perth, before an ankle injury cut his season short. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 16 games.
MELBOURNE UNITED
2023/24
Upon signing with Melbourne, head coach Dean Vickerman expressed his excitement about working with Krebs.
“Tanner is hitting his prime and has shown impressive growth in the league,” Vickerman said. “We’re excited about his shooting and see him as a strong stretch option. He’s got a bit of grit and wants those tough matchups. We think he’s a valuable two-way player.”
Krebs contributed off the bench in United’s first nine games, stepping into the starting five during Ian Clark and Matthew Dellavedova’s absence. He seized the opportunity, scoring 14 points, dishing out four assists, and recording a steal in a strong performance, setting the tone for another United victory.
Tanner Krebs currently plays for the Melbourne United and has played 133 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 5.3 points, 2 rebounds, and 0.6 assists since entering the league in 2021.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 29 | Melbourne | 19-10 (2) | 29 | 345.0 | 153 | 56 | 8 | 40 | 16 | 11 | 3 | 15 | 21 | 56 | 143 | 39% | 35 | 94 | 37% | 6 | 9 | 67% | 52% | 51% | 16 |
| 2023-24 | 28 | Melbourne | 20-8 (1) | 36 | 465.0 | 189 | 69 | 21 | 13 | 56 | 12 | 6 | 12 | 37 | 65 | 159 | 41% | 30 | 91 | 33% | 29 | 38 | 76% | 53% | 50% | 23 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | Brisbane | 8-20 (9) | 16 | 354.0 | 133 | 48 | 18 | 8 | 40 | 7 | 3 | 19 | 30 | 48 | 124 | 39% | 18 | 52 | 35% | 19 | 21 | 90% | 50% | 46% | 19 |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Brisbane | 10-18 (8) | 28 | 389.0 | 122 | 57 | 19 | 9 | 48 | 9 | 3 | 24 | 39 | 48 | 120 | 40% | 17 | 55 | 31% | 9 | 15 | 60% | 48% | 47% | 20 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | Brisbane | 18-18 (6) | 24 | 365.0 | 118 | 47 | 22 | 14 | 33 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 23 | 45 | 109 | 41% | 14 | 51 | 27% | 14 | 17 | 82% | 50% | 48% | 11 | Totals | 133 | 1918 | 715 | 277 | 88 | 84 | 193 | 41 | 17 | 77 | 150 | 262 | 655 | 40.0% | 114 | 343 | 33.2% | 77 | 100 | 77.0% | 51% | 49% | 23 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 29 | Melbourne | 19-10 (2) | 29 | 11.9 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 4.9 | 39% | 1.2 | 3.2 | 37% | 0.2 | 0.3 | 67% | 52% | 51% | 16 |
| 2023-24 | 28 | Melbourne | 20-8 (1) | 36 | 12.9 | 5.3 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 4.4 | 41% | 0.8 | 2.5 | 33% | 0.8 | 1.1 | 76% | 53% | 50% | 23 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | Brisbane | 8-20 (9) | 16 | 22.1 | 8.3 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 3.0 | 7.8 | 39% | 1.1 | 3.3 | 35% | 1.2 | 1.3 | 90% | 50% | 46% | 19 |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Brisbane | 10-18 (8) | 28 | 13.9 | 4.4 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 4.3 | 40% | 0.6 | 2.0 | 31% | 0.3 | 0.5 | 60% | 48% | 47% | 20 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | Brisbane | 18-18 (6) | 24 | 15.2 | 4.9 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.9 | 4.5 | 41% | 0.6 | 2.1 | 27% | 0.6 | 0.7 | 82% | 50% | 48% | 11 | Total | 133 | 14.4 | 5.4 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 2.0 | 4.9 | 40.0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 33.2% | 0.9 | 2.6 | 77.0% | 51% | 49% | 23 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 23 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- AIS 2014-15 | Rip City 2021 | Gold Coast 2022 | Sandringham 2024
FIBA EXPERIENCE
He participated at 2014 Australia Junior Championships where he averaged 18.3 points and 8.0.
A member of the Australian squad that participated in the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championships and averaged 17.0 minutes and 7.9 points per game. He scored 31 points on 12-of-17 shooting and 5-of-7 from beyond the 3-point arc in 28 minutes against Spain
He also played for Australia at the 2014 FIBA U19 Oceania Championships, averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game to lead the Emus in scoring and finishing sixth among all players at the tournament
Represented Australia in the 2013 FIBA Oceania Pacific U18 Championships.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 49% | 45% | 45% | 54% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 23 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||||||
| Total | 262 | 655 | 40.0% | 114 | 343 | 33.2% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 29 | Melbourne | 12-7 (2) | 19 | 23.0 | 89 | 29 | 4 | 18 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 11 | 15 | 32 | 95 | 34% | 20 | 63 | 32% | 5 | 7 | 71% | 45% | 44% | 10 |
| 2023-24 | 28 | Melbourne | 20-8 (1) | 36 | 465.0 | 189 | 69 | 21 | 13 | 56 | 12 | 6 | 12 | 37 | 65 | 159 | 41% | 30 | 91 | 33% | 29 | 38 | 76% | 53% | 50% | 23 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | Brisbane | 8-20 (9) | 16 | 354.0 | 133 | 48 | 18 | 8 | 40 | 7 | 3 | 19 | 30 | 48 | 124 | 39% | 18 | 52 | 35% | 19 | 21 | 90% | 50% | 46% | 19 |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Brisbane | 10-18 (8) | 28 | 389.0 | 122 | 57 | 19 | 9 | 48 | 9 | 3 | 24 | 39 | 48 | 120 | 40% | 17 | 55 | 31% | 9 | 15 | 60% | 48% | 47% | 20 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | Brisbane | 18-18 (6) | 24 | 365.0 | 118 | 47 | 22 | 14 | 33 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 23 | 45 | 109 | 41% | 14 | 51 | 27% | 14 | 17 | 82% | 50% | 48% | 11 | Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
COLLEGE
After representing Australia at junior levels, Krebs followed in the footsteps of some giants of Australian basketball by playing his College Basketball at the well-known Saint Marys.
He did not see any game action as a true freshman. As a redshirt freshman scored 12 points in the second of the NCAA Tournament versus Arizona.
As a redshirt sophomore recorded his first career start came at California where he played a career-high 38 minutes. He grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds at Cal before notching up a career-high 23 points versus Seattle.
As a redshirt junior he played in all 34 games while making 25 starts finishing third on team in scoring with 8.9 ppg. He led Gaels with 86.8 free-throw percentage (33-for-38) and finished sixth in the WCC in three-point percentage (39.8).
As a redshirt senior Krebs started 33 games and averaged 30.1 minutes per game. He was the team’s third highest scorer at 9.1 ppg. He led the team in free throw percentage (85%) and was second in rebounds (3.6 rpg).
Krebs finished his career at St Mary's playing in 135 games which is tied for second all-time in program history. Finished fifth all-time in 3-pointers for the Gaels with 198.Had the NCAA Tournament been played, would’ve been part of only the second class to play in three tournaments.
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