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 two years year there and played for the program’s state league team (2014, 2015).

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 finishing fifth with a 15-13 record and missing the playoffs the previous season, Brisbane reshaped its roster under coach Andrej Lemanis. Cam Gliddon (to South East Melbourne), Lamar Patterson (to New Zealand), Reuben Te Rangi (to South East Melbourne), Will Magnay (to New Orleans), Mika Vukona (to Southern Districts), Taylor Braun (to Israel) and EJ Singler (to NZNBL) departed, while Anthony Drmic and Harry Froling (both via Adelaide), Tanner Krebs (via St Mary’s), Tamuri Wigness and imports Vic Law (via Orlando) and Orlando Johnson (via Russia) were added.

Krebs signed a two-year deal with Brisbane in July after completing four seasons at St Mary’s. His college season had ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Krebs had been close to joining Melbourne United before Gliddon’s departure created a greater opportunity for playing time in Brisbane. “I felt like Brisbane gave me the best opportunity to play and have an impact immediately,” Krebs said.

Brisbane opened the season against The Hawks at Nissan Arena on January 16, where Krebs (4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block) made his NBL debut in 16 minutes off the bench. Sobey (19 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Law (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 block) led Brisbane, while Sam Froling (19 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the Hawks to a 90-84 win.

Krebs (4.9 points across 24 games) averaged 15.2 minutes during his rookie season and made 13 starts, earning an extended run in the starting five from February through the end of March. He played in 24 of Brisbane’s 36 games, with his early non-appearances coming as he moved in and out of the rotation rather than through a reported injury.

Krebs started during Brisbane’s NBL Cup win over Illawarra on February 26, finishing with 2 points and 3 rebounds as Law (29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) and Sobey (18 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the Bullets, while Justinian Jessup (26 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) was Illawarra’s best in a 97-91 Brisbane win.

Brisbane then defeated defending champion Perth 95-92 on March 5, with Krebs (3 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) again starting as Sobey (31 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Law (23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) combined for 54 points, while Bryce Cotton (29 points and 4 assists) led Perth.

Two days later Krebs (9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) helped Brisbane defeat top-of-the-table Melbourne 96-88. Hodgson (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) produced his best scoring game of the season and Law (10 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) recorded his best rebounding performance, while Chris Goulding (21 points) led Melbourne.

Brisbane changed imports in mid-March, releasing Orlando Johnson (6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds across 15 games) and bringing Patterson (13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 23 games between New Zealand and Brisbane) back (via New Zealand). Patterson was still recovering from the MCL injury he had suffered with the Breakers and had not returned to the court when Law (18.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 16 games) suffered an ankle injury following Brisbane’s March 20 win over New Zealand. Further testing revealed Law had torn a tendon which required surgery and ended his season. Brisbane had been 9-7 when Law made his final appearance but lost six of its next seven games to fall to 10-13, while BJ Johnson (10 points and 3.7 rebounds across 11 games) was later added (via Long Island).

With Law and Patterson unavailable and Hodgson ruled out during warm-ups, Krebs received a season-high 33 minutes against New Zealand on March 27 and finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Drmic (25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) and Sobey (23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Brisbane, while Tai Webster (27 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) led New Zealand to an 81-76 overtime win.

Krebs’ best game of the season came two days later against Illawarra at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where he matched his season-high with 11 points, made three three-pointers and added 7 rebounds and 1 assist. Cadee (17 points and 2 steals) and Froling (12 points and 8 rebounds) led Brisbane, while Tyler Harvey (28 points) was Illawarra’s leading scorer as the Hawks defeated the Bullets 96-72.

Krebs was then ruled out of Brisbane’s April 3 game against Sydney as the team’s injury toll grew and remained unavailable against Illawarra four days later. No specific diagnosis was announced for Krebs, and he returned against Melbourne on April 12. No injury was reported for his other non-appearances, which came as his role moved in and out of the rotation, and after his minutes reduced late in the season he did not play in Brisbane’s final five games.

Brisbane’s lowest point came against South East Melbourne on May 22, where Krebs (4 points and 3 rebounds) played 11 minutes as the Bullets were held to a season-low 66 points. Drmic (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Patterson (11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) were Brisbane’s only double-figure scorers, while Yannick Wetzell (18 points and 9 rebounds) led the Phoenix to a 95-66 win.

Sobey (21.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 36 games) produced the best season of his career and carried much of Brisbane’s offence, while Drmic (10.1 points and 3.1 rebounds across 34 games), Hodgson (10.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 32 games), Cadee (9.5 points and 4 assists across 36 games), Froling (8 points and 4.9 rebounds across 36 games) and Harrison (5.2 points and 5.9 rebounds across 36 games) were the other major contributors. Brisbane finished third in offensive rebounding and second in defensive rebounds, but scored 89 points per game while conceding a league-high 90.9, with three consecutive victories its longest winning streak of the season.

Sobey was named to the All-NBL First Team and won Brisbane’s Leroy Loggins MVP and Members MVP awards, Cadee received the Players Player Award, Hodgson was named Defensive Player of the Year and Wigness (2.9 points across 27 games) received the Young Player of the Year award. Lemanis also departed after five seasons as Brisbane coach, with James Duncan appointed as his replacement.

Brisbane won four of its final five games but had left its run too late to reach the postseason. Krebs did not play in the season finale against South East Melbourne at Nissan Arena on June 8, where Patterson (19 points and 3 assists) and Sobey (16 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane, while Mitchell Creek (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) was the Phoenix’s best as the Bullets won 94-84 and finished sixth with an 18-18 record.

2021/22
After finishing sixth with an 18-18 record and missing the playoffs, Brisbane entered the season with Andrej Lemanis leaving after five years as head coach. The Bullets considered promoting assistant coach and former player CJ Bruton before appointing former Sydney Kings assistant James Duncan.

Vic Law (to Perth), Matt Hodgson (to Perth), Harry Froling (to Illawarra), Callum Dalton (to Melbourne) and BJ Johnson (to Orlando) departed, while Lamar Patterson returned and Tyrell Harrison and Jason Cadee signed two-year deals. Brisbane added Robert Franks (via Lakeland Magic), Isaiah Moss (via Otago), Jack Salt (via Canterbury), Deng Deng (via Illawarra), Chuanxing Liu (via China), Next Star Tom Digbeu (via Lithuania) and development player Taane Samuel.

Krebs entered the second season of the two-year deal he signed with Brisbane in 2020 after averaging 26 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists for USC Rip City during the NBL1 North season. Having recovered from the injury problems that affected his rookie year, he said, “Brisbane is home to me and in my basketball journey and the places it’s taken me, Brisbane is my favourite place I’ve been to.”

Brisbane opened the season against league newcomer Tasmania at MyState Bank Arena on December 3, where Krebs (5 points and 2 rebounds) played 18 minutes off the bench, while Sobey (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Franks (19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Bullets, but Adams (20 points) helped the JackJumpers win their first NBL game 83-74 in overtime.

Krebs (4.4 points across 28 games) appeared in every game, started seven and averaged 13.9 minutes. He remained available throughout the campaign and did not miss a game through injury, illness or selection, providing Brisbane with wing depth and perimeter shooting as injuries disrupted the team’s rotation.

Krebs (5 points and 1 steal) made a three-pointer with eight seconds remaining against New Zealand at Cairns Convention Centre on March 24, cutting Brisbane’s overtime deficit to 100-98 before Deng (16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block) stole the inbounds pass and found Drmic (15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) for the game-winning three-pointer as time expired, while Wetzell (23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) led the Breakers in Brisbane’s 101-100 win.

Brisbane reached the halfway point with a 5-9 record before injuries further disrupted Duncan’s rotation. Franks (18.2 points and 8.9 rebounds across 27 games) finished fifth in the NBL in scoring, while Patterson (16.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 27 games), Sobey (16.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 12 games), Cadee (10.4 points and 5 assists across 28 games), Drmic (7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds across 26 games), Deng (6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds across 28 games) and Harrison (6.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 17 games) were the team’s other major contributors. Sobey missed 16 games with a knee injury and Harrison missed 11 with an elbow injury, while Brisbane finished as the league’s worst defensive team at 89.3 points conceded per game and led the NBL with 14.6 turnovers per game.

Franks received the Leroy Loggins MVP Award and Members’ MVP, Salt (2.9 points across 21 games) was named Players’ Player, Deng received Defensive Player of the Year and Liu (2.9 points across 23 games) won Young Player of the Year.

Krebs’ best scoring game came in Brisbane’s season finale at Cairns Convention Centre on April 23, where he made 9-of-19 shots and finished with a career-high 20 points in his seventh start. With only seven players available, Franks (30 points, 15 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Drmic (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) also contributed, while McCall (42 points, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block) produced the first 40-point, 10-assist game of the NBL’s 40-minute era as Cairns won 112-98 and Brisbane finished eighth with a 10-18 record.

2022/23
After finishing eighth with a 10-18 record during James Duncan’s first season as coach, Brisbane moved on from Robert Franks (to Adelaide), Anthony Drmic (to Adelaide), Deng Deng (to Illawarra), and Chuanxing Liu (to the Bay Area Dragons), while Lamar Patterson, Isaiah Moss, Jack Salt, and Tom Digbeu were not retained. Aron Baynes (via Toronto), Tyler Johnson (via San Antonio), Devondrick Walker (via Rockingham), Harry Froling (via Illawarra), Gorjok Gak (via Nymburk), DJ Mitchell (via Gold Coast), and Kody Stattmann (via Virginia) joined returning players Nathan Sobey, Jason Cadee, Tyrell Harrison, and Tanner Krebs.

The Tasmanian wing re-signed with Brisbane on a one-year deal after producing a career-high 20 points in the final game of the previous season and delivering a strong NBL1 campaign with the Gold Coast Rollers. He was also selected by his teammates as part of Brisbane’s three-man leadership group alongside Baynes and Cadee. “Every team wants a guy like Tanner. He works hard, competes every day and is well respected by his peers,” General Manager Sam Mackinnon said.

Brisbane opened the season at RAC Arena on October 2, where the returning starter (9 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 21 minutes, but Perth defeated the Bullets 87-73. Walker (16 points and 5 rebounds) and Johnson (13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane, while Cotton (23 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 6 steals) starred for the Wildcats.

Krebs (8.3 points and 3 rebounds across 16 games) started 15 times and produced the most productive season of his first three years in the NBL, increasing his scoring while providing perimeter shooting, size, and defensive versatility. Johnson (15.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), Sobey (15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists), Baynes (11.7 points and 7.8 rebounds), and Cadee (11.5 points and 4.1 assists) carried most of Brisbane’s production.

The Bullets lost their opening six games before winning three consecutive games against Illawarra twice and Tasmania. The improvement did not stabilise the club, with Walker (9 points across 5 games) released and Andrew White (via Büyükçekmece) signed as his replacement. Duncan and Brisbane then mutually parted ways with the Bullets holding a 3-6 record, Mackinnon became interim coach for three games, and assistant coach Greg Vanderjagt took control for the remainder of the season amid reports of internal tension and an untenable working relationship between Mackinnon and CEO Peter McLennan.

Krebs’ best scoring game came at Spark Arena on November 27, where he made seven of his 13 field-goal attempts and finished with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Sobey (14 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and 1 steal) and Johnson (12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) were Brisbane’s other leading players, but Brantley (29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led New Zealand to a 116-79 victory in Mackinnon’s first game as coach.

Four days later, Krebs (18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) helped Brisbane defeat Perth 106-95 in overtime at Nissan Arena. Sobey (28 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Johnson (18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) supported Krebs, while Cotton (30 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led Perth before Brisbane outscored the Wildcats 14-3 during overtime. Krebs rolled his ankle late in the fourth quarter and had to be helped from the court, with Mackinnon saying, “It’s just heartbreaking to see something like that… starting to get the reward.”

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

The ankle injury forced Krebs to miss Brisbane’s next five games before he returned against Perth at Nissan Arena on December 27. Krebs (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist), Sobey (30 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal), and Baynes (12 points and 10 rebounds) led the Bullets, while Cotton (30 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) carried Perth before Brisbane won 97-93 in overtime and collected its first victory under Vanderjagt.

Krebs remained in Brisbane’s starting line-up for another five appearances, but an ankle problem then ended his season and ruled him out of the final seven games. The five games missed immediately after his December injury and the final seven games of the campaign accounted for all 12 of his absences.

Sobey received the Leroy Loggins Trophy as Brisbane’s Most Valuable Player, while Johnson was named Members MVP and Players’ Player and finished as a finalist for the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Baynes received the Defensive Player of the Year award, Cadee earned the St Genevieve Partners’ Choice Award, and development player Matt Johns was named Youth Player of the Year. Three of Brisbane’s eight victories came against an Illawarra team that recorded the worst season in club history.

After his one-year contract expired, Krebs (to Melbourne) signed a three-year contract with a player option for the final season. “Tanner is hitting his prime and has shown impressive growth in the league… We think he’s a valuable two-way player,” Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said.

Without Krebs, Brisbane closed its season against New Zealand at Nissan Arena on February 4, where Baynes (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Johnson (15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) pushed the Breakers into overtime, but Brantley (19 points and 5 rebounds) and McDowell-White (15 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) helped New Zealand win 80-75 as Brisbane finished ninth with an 8-20 record.

MELBOURNE UNITED
2023/24
Melbourne won 11 of its final 14 games in NBL23 but finished seventh at 15-13 and missed the postseason on percentage. Isaac Humphries (to Adelaide), Mason Peatling (to Illawarra), David Okwera (to Perth), Makuach Maluach (to Sydney), Marcus Lee (to Tasmania), Rayjon Tucker (to Italy), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (to Turkey), Lachlan Barker (to Tasmania) and David Barlow (retired) departed. Coach Dean Vickerman brought Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (via China) and Matthew Dellavedova (via Sacramento) back to Melbourne, while Luke Travers (via Perth), Ian Clark (via Adelaide), Tanner Krebs (via Brisbane), Flynn Cameron (via UC Riverside) and Kyle Bowen (via Saint Mary’s) joined the roster. A wrist injury to Lual-Acuil Jr before the season led to Rob Loe (via New Zealand) signing as an injury replacement while Ariel Hukporti moved into the starting line-up.

The Tasmanian wing signed a three-year deal with a player option for the third season after spending his first three NBL campaigns with Brisbane.

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.”

Melbourne opened the season against South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena on September 28, where Krebs (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist) contributed from the bench as United defeated the Phoenix 82-67. Travers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Dellavedova (17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led Melbourne, while Ben Ayre (17 points) was South East Melbourne’s leading scorer.

Krebs (5.3 points across 36 games) appeared in every game, starting three times and providing shooting, positional size and defensive versatility from the bench. His role increased when injuries affected United’s backcourt, but he returned to a shorter reserve role once the regular rotation became available.

With Clark and Dellavedova unavailable against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on October 29, Krebs (14 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal) made his first start for United and helped Melbourne recover from a 10-point first-half deficit to win 96-84. Goulding (33 points and 3 rebounds) and Ili (17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led United to its sixth consecutive victory, while Gary Clark (24 points and 2 steals) was Illawarra’s best.

Krebs’ best scoring game came at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on January 6, where Krebs (23 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block) made 9-of-12 field goals and four three-pointers in only 19:46. Goulding (13 points) and Ili (12 points) provided support, but Dejan Vasiljevic (30 points) led Adelaide to a 100-96 victory.

Goulding (16.9 points across 36 games) led Melbourne in scoring, with Lual-Acuil Jr (14.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 29 games), Clark (13.6 points across 30 games), Dellavedova (12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 30 games), Travers (12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 33 games) and Ili (10.7 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) forming United’s main group. Hukporti (7.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks across 36 games) and Loe (5.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across 8 games) provided frontcourt depth.

Goulding earned All-NBL First Team honours, Lual-Acuil Jr was selected to the All-NBL Second Team, Ili won Defensive Player of the Year, Clark received Best Sixth Man and Vickerman was named Coach of the Year.

Melbourne closed the regular season against Illawarra at John Cain Arena on February 18, where Krebs (3 points) made his only shot during 4:22 as United won 92-87. Goulding (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Dellavedova (17 points and 5 assists) led Melbourne, while Justin Robinson (14 points and 5 assists) was Illawarra’s best. United finished first with a 20-8 record, three wins clear of the competition.

Melbourne opened the semifinals at John Cain Arena and recovered from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Illawarra 115-106 in overtime. Dellavedova (30 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, and 4 steals), Travers (24 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) and Goulding (18 points) led United, while Froling (26 points and 5 rebounds), Gary Clark (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (15 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals) were Illawarra’s best. Krebs played 2:34 without scoring.

Game two moved to the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Gary Clark (31 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists), Harvey (23 points), Froling (19 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Hickey (18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) led Illawarra to a 113-108 overtime victory. Dellavedova (20 points and 8 assists), Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points and 7 rebounds) and Clark (17 points) led Melbourne, while Krebs (2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) played 12:41.

The series returned to John Cain Arena for game three, where Ili (22 points), Travers (15 points and 11 rebounds), Clark (14 points) and Goulding (14 points) led Melbourne to a 100-94 win. Froling (23 points), Robinson (19 points and 7 assists) and Gary Clark (14 points and 6 rebounds) led Illawarra, while Krebs (3 points and 2 rebounds) played 8:07 as United advanced to the Grand Final series.

The Grand Final series opened at John Cain Arena, where Goulding (22 points), Lual-Acuil Jr (20 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Clark (18 points and 6 rebounds) led Melbourne to a 104-81 victory. Drmic (18 points), Doyle (16 points and 8 rebounds) and McVeigh (13 points and 7 rebounds) were Tasmania’s best, while Krebs (4 points and 2 rebounds) played eight minutes off the bench.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where McVeigh (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists), Doyle (13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists), Crawford (13 points and 4 assists) and Macdonald (13 points) led Tasmania to an 82-77 win. Ili (20 points), Goulding (19 points and 2 steals) and Lual-Acuil Jr (9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led United, while Krebs (3 rebounds and 1 assist) played 5:04.

Game three returned to Melbourne, where Dellavedova (21 points and 8 assists), Goulding (17 points) and Travers (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks) led United. McVeigh (18 points and 12 rebounds), Deng (15 points), Doyle (14 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Crawford (14 points) kept Tasmania close before Doyle saved a deflected inbound pass and McVeigh made a long three-pointer at the buzzer to give the JackJumpers a 93-91 win. Krebs (1 rebound) played 3:34.

Game four remained at MyState Bank Arena, where Clark (18 points and 4 rebounds), Travers (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists), Goulding (17 points) and Dellavedova (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Melbourne to an 88-86 win. McVeigh (28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals), Doyle (14 points and 6 rebounds), Macdonald (14 points) and Crawford (14 points) led Tasmania, while Krebs played 1:18 without scoring as United forced a deciding game.

Game five returned to John Cain Arena, where Crawford (32 points and 6 rebounds) scored 19 points during the opening quarter and received support from McVeigh (14 points and 8 rebounds), Magnay (11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Doyle (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals) as Tasmania won 83-81 and secured its first championship. Lual-Acuil Jr (14 points and 6 rebounds), Travers (13 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks), Dellavedova (13 points and 7 assists), Goulding (13 points and 2 steals) and Ili (11 points and 4 rebounds) led United, with McVeigh named Grand Final MVP. Krebs (1 rebound) played 3:11 in the loss.

2024/25
After falling one win short of the championship the previous season, Melbourne entered NBL25 without Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (to Libya), Luke Travers (to Cleveland), Ariel Hukporti (to New York), Brad Newley (retired) and Zac Triplett (to Illawarra). Tanner Krebs returned alongside captain Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Ian Clark, Flynn Cameron, Kyle Bowen and Rob Loe, while coach Dean Vickerman added Jack White (via Memphis), Marcus Lee (via Tasmania), Akech Aliir (via Adelaide) and development player Joel Foxwell.

Melbourne opened the season at HoopsFest with an 88-79 win over defending champion Tasmania, where Matthew Dellavedova (21 points and 7 assists), Ili (14 points and 2 steals) and White (14 points and 7 rebounds) led United, while the returning wing scored 6 points off the bench.

Krebs (5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds across 29 games) played every regular-season game and remained part of Vickerman’s second unit, providing perimeter shooting, size and defensive versatility across the wing positions.

One of his strongest early performances came against New Zealand on 4 November, where Krebs (10 points) was one of Melbourne’s few productive scorers as the Breakers handed United a 113-79 defeat at John Cain Arena.

With Goulding unavailable for Melbourne’s road meeting with New Zealand on 5 December, Krebs (9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) moved into the starting lineup and made three three-pointers as United responded with a 97-70 victory. Loe (25 points), White (16 points and 10 rebounds), Dellavedova (10 points and 7 assists) and Ili (10 points and 6 assists) also contributed as Melbourne held the Breakers to seven points during the third quarter.

Krebs produced another productive scoring game against Adelaide on 4 January, finishing with 13 points and three three-pointers during a 100-81 loss to the 36ers.

His shooting improved late in the regular season, including three three-pointers in Melbourne’s loss to Illawarra and another three from outside in a 115-88 road win over Brisbane. Against the Bullets, his long-range shooting formed part of a second unit that helped United build a 21-point halftime lead.

His best game of the season came in the final regular-season Throwdown against South East Melbourne, where Krebs (16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block) made six of his eight field-goal attempts and four three-pointers in less than 20 minutes. After putting Melbourne ahead with a three-pointer on the opening possession of the fourth quarter, he continued to punish the Phoenix from outside as United pulled away for a 103-93 win.

The performance equalled his career-high for made three-pointers and completed a regular season where he established career-best marks of 1.2 three-pointers per game and 37.2 per cent shooting from outside.

Melbourne closed the regular season with four consecutive wins over Perth, Brisbane, Tasmania and South East Melbourne, finishing second with a 19-10 record and earning direct entry into the semifinals.

Goulding (18.4 points) led United offensively, with White (13.8 points and 9.4 rebounds), Clark (12.7 points), Ili (11.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals), Dellavedova (10.9 points and 7.1 assists) and Loe (10.0 points and 5.7 rebounds) forming the main rotation. Goulding was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and received Melbourne’s club MVP award, while Ili won the Damian Martin Trophy as Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Melbourne opened its semifinal series against Perth at John Cain Arena with a 105-93 win. Goulding (41 points) made 10 three-pointers, while Clark (22 points), White (13 points and 10 rebounds) and Lee (10 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) provided support. Keanu Pinder (24 points and 11 rebounds), Bryce Cotton (22 points and 6 assists) and Kristian Doolittle (22 points and 9 rebounds) led Perth, while Krebs (3 points and 2 steals) played seven minutes off the bench.

Game two moved to Perth, where the Wildcats recovered from a 20-point deficit to win 96-89. Dylan Windler (27 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks), Cotton (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Doolittle (17 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) powered Perth, while Goulding (15 points), Dellavedova (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists), White (13 points and 6 rebounds) and Clark (13 points) led Melbourne. Krebs added 5 points and 3 rebounds.

The deciding third game returned to Melbourne and required overtime, with Clark (38 points) and Goulding (30 points) leading United to a 113-112 victory alongside White (15 points and 9 rebounds) and Dellavedova (10 points and 11 assists). Doolittle (37 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists), Cotton (33 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Pinder (15 points and 5 rebounds) led Perth, while Krebs contributed 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist as Melbourne advanced to a second consecutive Championship Series.

The Championship Series opened in Wollongong, where Melbourne recovered from a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat Illawarra 96-88. Dellavedova (18 points and 7 assists), Goulding (15 points), Lee (14 points and 15 rebounds), Clark (13 points) and Ili (13 points) led United, while Sam Froling (16 points and 7 rebounds), Will Hickey (14 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists), Todd Blanchfield (13 points) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (11 points) led Illawarra. Krebs added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist off the bench.

Game two moved to Melbourne, where Illawarra tied the series with a 102-100 win. Clark (31 points) scored 16 points during the fourth quarter, but Tyler Harvey (24 points) answered with the game-winning three-pointer. Froling (23 points and 5 rebounds), Trey Kell III (18 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals) and Swaka Lo Buluk (12 points) led the Hawks, while Goulding (17 points), Dellavedova (14 points and 5 assists) and Krebs (12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) supported Clark.

Game three returned to Wollongong, where Melbourne erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit with a 20-4 run to win 83-77. White (20 points and 5 rebounds), Clark (16 points), Dellavedova (16 points and 11 assists) and Goulding (14 points) led United, while Hyunjung Lee (12 points), Hickey (12 points), Darius Days (11 points) and Kell III (10 points and 8 rebounds) led Illawarra. Krebs finished with 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Illawarra kept the series alive in game four with an 80-71 win at John Cain Arena. Hickey (22 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals), Lachlan Olbrich (13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Harvey (12 points and 4 rebounds) led the Hawks, while Dellavedova (17 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists), Goulding (17 points) and Clark (16 points) were Melbourne’s best. Krebs added 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block.

The final game returned to Wollongong, where Illawarra defeated Melbourne 114-104 to win the championship. Kell III (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists), Hickey (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists), Harvey (16 points and 7 rebounds) and Swaka Lo Buluk (16 points) led the Hawks, while Goulding (21 points), Ili (20 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals), White (17 points and 7 rebounds) and Clark (15 points and 4 rebounds) led Melbourne, with Krebs finishing with 3 points in five minutes.

2025/26
Melbourne came into NBL26 after back-to-back Grand Final defeats, keeping Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs and Kyle Bowen from its core. Matthew Dellavedova (to Sydney), Flynn Cameron (to Adelaide), Akech Aliir (to South East Melbourne), Rob Loe (to New Zealand), Marcus Lee (to Cairns), Jack White (to Turkey), Ian Clark and Joel Foxwell (to NCAA) exited, while coach Dean Vickerman added Milton Doyle (via Tasmania), Finn Delany (via Japan), Fabijan Krslovic (via Tasmania), Tyson Walker (via Texas Legends), Jesse Edwards (via Iowa Wolves), Tom Wilson (via Melbourne Tigers) and Next Star Dash Daniels (via Centre of Excellence).

Melbourne opened the season in Hobart on September 18, where Krebs (6 points and 2 rebounds) started as United defeated Tasmania 88-84, with Doyle (22 points and 3 assists) and Walker (14 points and 3 steals) leading the scoring, while Bryce Hamilton (24 points) was Tasmania’s best.

Krebs (7.9 points and 3.3 rebounds across 35 games) played every game and produced his best season with Melbourne, lifting his perimeter shooting and remaining part of Vickerman’s wing rotation as United opened the season 9-0.

One of his strongest early performances came against New Zealand on October 19, where Krebs (17 points and 3 rebounds) made five three-pointers as Melbourne defeated the Breakers 104-88, with Goulding (23 points and 3 assists) and Walker (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) providing support, while Izaiah Brockington (25 points) led New Zealand.

Krebs’ best scoring game came at RAC Arena on December 4, where Krebs (29 points) scored 25 first-half points and made 12 of 14 shots from the field as Melbourne lost to Perth 96-84, with Edwards (17 points and 9 rebounds) and Doyle (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) the next best United scorers, while Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Perth.

Krebs delivered another strong game against Illawarra on December 18, finishing with 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals as Melbourne defeated the Hawks 97-75, with Walker (21 points and 10 assists) and Delany (18 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists) leading United, while JaVale McGee (18 points and 10 rebounds) and Tyler Harvey (18 points) were Illawarra’s best.

Doyle (16 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) led Melbourne in scoring, while Walker (14.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals) gave United another scoring and defensive point-of-attack option. Edwards (13.3 points and 8.4 rebounds) anchored the interior and won the club MVP award, Goulding (12.8 points) remained the team’s main shooter when healthy, while Delany (11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds) and Ili (7.3 points and 3.1 assists) rounded out the main contributors.

Melbourne’s unbeaten start gave way to a difficult December and January stretch, but United closed the regular season against South East Melbourne on February 19, where Krebs (5 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 steal) helped Melbourne defeat the Phoenix 95-91, with Doyle (25 points) and Walker (23 points and 5 assists) leading the scoring, while Nathan Sobey (29 points and 7 rebounds) was South East Melbourne’s best as United finished fifth with a 20-13 record.

Melbourne hosted Tasmania in the Play-In Qualifier at John Cain Arena, where Krebs (11 points) made three three-pointers as United defeated the JackJumpers 82-68, with Delany (33 points and 6 rebounds) and Doyle (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) leading Melbourne, while Nick Marshall (20 points and 6 rebounds), Josh Bannan (16 points and 5 rebounds) and David Johnson (16 points) led Tasmania.

The Play-In Game moved to RAC Arena, where Perth ended Melbourne’s season 95-77 behind Lual-Acuil Jr (28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks), Kristian Doolittle (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Dylan Windler (18 points and 9 rebounds), while Doyle (13 points), Edwards (12 points and 8 rebounds) and Walker (12 points) led United, and Krebs (5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) played 17:38 in the 95-77 loss.

Tanner Krebs currently plays for the Melbourne United and has played 168 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists since entering the league in 2021.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Melbourne United – 2 Year Deal (2026-28)