BIO: Terry Johnson was born in Wollongong (NSW) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Illawarra basketball program.

FAMILY: Terry’s brother, Rod Johnson also played 367 games in the NBL.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Terry Johnson made his NBL debut with the North Melbourne Giants at 22 years of age. He went scoreless in his first NBL game.

After finishing fourth with a 14-10 record and reaching the semifinals in 1992, North Melbourne entered 1993 amid major change. Long-term head coach Bruce Palmer was not re-signed after leading the Giants to the semifinals in five of his six seasons and to the 1989 championship, with Melbourne Tigers assistant Brett Brown appointed in what was viewed as a cost-saving move as the club began facing financial uncertainty. Reigning co-MVP Scott Fisher (to Perth), David Graham (to South East Melbourne) and Ray Borner (to Geelong) were among the major departures, while Paul Maley, Pat Reidy, Darryl Pearce, Rod Johnson and Mark Leader returned.

Brown initially trialled import Chuckie White as Fisher’s replacement before signing Jason Reese (via Canberra), while Paul Rees (via Brisbane) and Larry Sengstock (via Gold Coast) were also added and Leader replaced Fisher as captain. Terry had previously played with the Giants’ development team, the North East Melbourne Arrows, with North Melbourne’s interest in the younger Johnson forming part of the recruitment pitch that had brought his more established brother Rod from Illawarra to the Giants before the 1992 season. After spending 1992 with Grafton, Terry returned to North East Melbourne in 1993, helped the Arrows win the ABA national championship and was elevated to the Giants’ NBL roster for his rookie season.

Johnson made his NBL debut at the Townsville Entertainment Centre on April 30, going scoreless with 2 assists in 9:50. Maley (36 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Jason Reese (26 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led North Melbourne to a 100-96 victory over the expansion Suns.

Johnson (2.5 points across 17 games) saw limited playing opportunities during his rookie season, but Brown also used him as a way of challenging his older brother. Twice Terry replaced Rod in the starting lineup as a motivational move designed to get more production from the Giants’ regular guard.

His best game came against Hobart at the Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre on May 14 and also matched his season-high scoring mark. Johnson finished with 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 22:21, making both field-goal attempts and his only three-pointer. Jason Reese (28 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Maley (20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led the Giants, while Jim Havrilla (24 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block) was Hobart’s best as North Melbourne won 117-94.

The tactic was credited with helping spark Rod’s season-high performance against Perth on July 30. Terry scored 3 points in 3:43, while Rod (21 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Maley (19 points, 14 rebounds, and 1 assist) led North Melbourne, but Andrew Vlahov (30 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) carried Perth to a 111-99 victory. The defeat began a four-game Giants losing streak that continued through August 22.

Jason Reese (26.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 28 games) led North Melbourne in scoring, while Maley (22.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 28 games) led the team in rebounding. Reidy (16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2 steals across 29 games), Pearce (11.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 29 games) and Rod Johnson (6.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.6 steals across 29 games) provided the other major contributions. North Melbourne recovered from its midseason slide to finish eighth with a 13-13 record and claim the final playoff spot.

Johnson did not appear during the quarterfinal series against minor premiers Perth (21-5) and former Giant Fisher. North Melbourne won game one 105-101 at the Melbourne Sports & Entertainment Centre, Perth levelled the series with a 108-98 victory in game two, then eliminated the Giants 117-104 in game three to take the series 2-1.

ILLAWARRA HAWKS
1995
After a year without a spot in the NBL, Illawarra junior Terry Johnson returned to his hometown of Wollongong and signed to with the Hawks.

After three consecutive years of being eliminated in the first round of the NBL playoffs, head coach Alan Black knew his job was on the line if the team was unable to advance past the Quarterfinals. Black was able to re-sign star import Melvin Thomas and have veterans Chuck Harmison, Mick Corkeron and Dene MacDonald return but lost Butch Hays and Craig Adams, who both signed with Newcastle. Black bolstered his roster by replacing Hays with pass-first point guard Andre LaFleur, who had connected on more assists than any other player in the league over the prior three seasons, former Perth Wildcats star Kendal Pinder and young talent Glen Saville.

Five games into the season, offcourt issues arose surrounding Pinder (9.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), who was released from the team after facing criminal charges. However, with his absence, the Hawks witnessed the explosion of young point guard Terry Johnson. Johnson, who had failed to make a mark in the NBL with the Giants, was a key part of the team’s success this season. Forced to spend a year playing in the state league competition with no NBL team, making him a offer in 1994, he made sure every team regretted that decision in 1995. He tripled his 1993 numbers to finish with averages of 11.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and was a key part of Illawarra’s success. He finished as the competition’s leading three point shooter at 48 percent (34 of 71) and runner-up to Tonny Jensen (Newcastle) for the Most Improved Player award.

Melvin Thomas led the team in almost every category, posting 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks and formed quite the duo with LaFleur who finished with averages of 21.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.9 steals.

Illawarra (14-12) finished seventh and faced off against second-placed South East Melbourne in the Quarterfinals. In game one, the Hawks delivered a upset, defeating the Magic behind a 29 point outburst from 37 year old veteran Chuck Harmison (12.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists). The Hawk’s momentum was culled with the series moving to Melbourne, where the Magic claimed victory in both game two (92-89) and three (93-75) to hand the Hawks their fourth Quarterfinals exit in as many years.

At season’s end, Black was not re-signed by Illawarra and promptly took up a role with rival club Sydney for the 1996 season, taking Hawks star Melvin Thomas along with him.

1996
After losing both coach Alan Black and their leading scorer and rebounder from the past four seasons in Melvin Thomas the Hawks looked to rebuild in 1996. Although many felt the void left by Thomas and Black heading to NSW rivals Sydney would be difficult to replace, incoming coach Brendan Joyce had just the player in mind. New arrival Marcus Timmons surprised everyone by being one of the premier forwards in the competition, proving to be a more than adequate replacement for Thomas and led the team in points (21.9 ppg), rebounds, (12.3 rpg), steals (2.3 spg) and blocks (1.0 bpg). Alongside Timmons, Terry Johnson (16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) would produced the best numbers of his career, this included a career high 41 points in a win over rival club Sydney (145 def. 121).

The big numbers delivered by Timmons and Johnson were offset however by the decline of import point guard Andre LaFleur (18.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists) who had shown clear signs of slowing down in his sixth season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds and assists. Hawks legend Greg Hubbard also struggled to overcome a back injury which saw him average 6.0 points in 16 minutes per game (lowest minutes of career) and retire at the end of the season. As a result, the Hawks struggled to find wins during the year and finished in tenth place (9-17).

1997
After finishing tenth with a 9-17 record and missing the playoffs in 1996, Illawarra entered another rebuilding phase after losing leading scorer and rebounder Marcus Timmons (to Melbourne), who would help the Tigers win the championship, while Andre LaFleur (not re-signed), Greg Hubbard (retired) and Chuck Harmison (retired) also left the playing roster. Harmison moved into the Hawks’ general manager role, while new captain Matt Zauner, Glen Saville, Mat Campbell, Dene MacDonald and Marc Brandon returned under head coach Brendan Joyce. Eric Cooks (via Ballarat), Lachlan Armfield (via Newcastle), Jason Brettell (returning after a season out of the NBL) and young imports Bryan Edwards and Clayton Ritter were added.

Illawarra opened the season at Beaton Park on April 12, where Terry Johnson (23 points, 1 assist, and 2 steals) made 7-of-12 shots, including three three-pointers, and all six of his free throws, but Newcastle defeated the Hawks 112-96. Ritter (25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Saville (16 points and 5 rebounds) provided support, while David Simmons (22 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Newcastle.

Johnson (9.4 points and 3.4 rebounds across 30 games) appeared in every game and remained a regular part of Illawarra’s backcourt after entering the season as the Hawks’ reigning club MVP. His career-best 1996 season had included a 41-point, 13-assist performance against Sydney which later became known around the club as ‘The TJ Game’, but his offensive production reduced as Illawarra reshaped its roster around a younger group during 1997.

Johnson’s highest-scoring game of the season was a 31-point performance. Another of his strongest scoring games came against South East Melbourne at the Whitlam Centre on May 3, where Johnson (21 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) made 7-of-13 shots and three three-pointers. Ritter (33 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) and Zauner (14 points and 8 rebounds) also reached double figures, but Tony Ronaldson (22 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists) helped the Magic defeat Illawarra 123-106.

One of Johnson’s best all-round games came against Adelaide at Beaton Park on June 28, where Johnson (10 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) committed only one turnover in almost 42 minutes as Illawarra defeated the 36ers 105-92. Ritter (31 points and 11 rebounds) and Dylan Rigdon (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) led the Hawks offensively, while Brett Maher (22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) was Adelaide’s best.

Edwards (18.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.5 steals across 13 games) produced strong individual numbers but was not the fit Joyce needed at point guard and was replaced midway through the season by Rigdon (mid-season replacement). Rigdon (19.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists across 15 games) gave Illawarra another high-scoring playmaker for the second half of the season.

Ritter (23.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across 28 games) led Illawarra in scoring, produced two 40-point games and won the Hawks’ team MVP award, while Saville (13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 30 games) more than doubled his scoring from the previous season and earned selection for the NBL All-Star Game. Zauner (12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds across 30 games) led Illawarra in rebounding and was also selected for the All-Star Game, although a contract dispute between him and Joyce created further problems during the season. Cooks (8.9 points and 6.5 rebounds across 29 games) and Campbell (8.7 points across 30 games) provided the remaining support.

Illawarra missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season and finished 11th with a 7-23 record, closing the year at Beaton Park on September 27 with a 115-90 win over Brisbane.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS
1998
Newcastle’s 12-18 finish in 1997 prompted Shawn Dennis to reshape the Falcons, and Terry Johnson’s move from Illawarra came with the opportunity to change positions. Scott McGregor (to Sydney), Ben Pepper (to North Melbourne), Dave Simmons and Butch Hays departed, while Ben Melmeth, Tonny Jensen, Greg Blake, Damien Robertson and Mathew Low returned. Dennis added Johnson (via Illawarra), Marc Brandon (via Illawarra), imports Isaac Burton (via Sydney) and NBA-experienced centre Todd Mundt, along with Nathan Hawkes. Johnson had produced several solid seasons primarily as a shooting guard but believed he could run an NBL team at point guard. After being told by the Hawks that he was not a “point guard’s bootlace”, Newcastle gave him a season to prove otherwise.

Johnson began his Falcons career against South East Melbourne at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on January 30, finishing with 18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Burton (21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) and Jensen (18 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals) were Newcastle’s other leading performers, while Clinton McDaniel (19 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, and 5 steals) led the Magic to a 93-73 victory.

Johnson (10.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steals across 29 games) settled into the point guard role and became one of Newcastle’s main ball-handlers and defensive playmakers. His performances also earned him an opportunity at a Boomers selection camp. The Falcons struggled early, with the opening-night defeat followed by losses to Wollongong, Sydney and Brisbane to leave Newcastle 0-4.

The breakthrough came against Townsville on February 21, when Johnson produced 28 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal, shooting 9-of-13 from the field, making all four of his three-point attempts and all six free throws. Melmeth (25 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Mundt (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) provided the main support, overcoming Derek Rucker’s 39 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals as Newcastle secured its first win 110-96.

Against NSW rival Sydney on March 3, Johnson concentrated on creating for others, finishing with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals as Newcastle dismantled the Kings 112-85. Jensen erupted for 32 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals and former King Burton added 27 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block, while Shane Heal (21 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists) was Sydney’s leading scorer.

Johnson delivered his best and highest-scoring performance of the season against Melbourne on March 29. He finished with a season-high 31 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks, making 12-of-14 free throws in almost 45 minutes. Melmeth added 20 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals and Mundt had 16 points and 7 rebounds, but Andrew Gaze (35 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) carried Melbourne to a 104-101 win at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.

One of Newcastle’s best results came at Adelaide Arena on April 9, where Johnson contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists without committing a turnover as the Falcons thrashed the eventual champions 111-85. Jensen (27 points, 3 rebounds, and 11 assists) directed the offence and Melmeth (24 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 assists) controlled the glass, while Darnell Mee (21 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide. Newcastle shot 59 percent from the field in the 26-point road win.

By early May the Falcons had slipped into another four-game losing streak. That run culminated against Perth on May 9, when Johnson recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in a 97-90 loss at home. Jensen produced a season-high 29 points with 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals and Melmeth grabbed a season-high 20 rebounds alongside 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, while Ricky Grace (29 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) led the Wildcats.

Newcastle responded six days later with a 109-96 road win over Sydney. Johnson finished with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal, while Burton torched his former club for a season-high 38 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block and Melmeth added 24 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Heal (23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was Sydney’s best.

Melmeth (21.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 30 games) became Newcastle’s leading scorer and rebounder after lifting his production from 12.3 points and 8 rebounds the previous year, earning the NBL Most Improved Player award and All-NBL First Team honours. Burton (19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals across 29 games) gave Newcastle another major offensive weapon, with Jensen (18.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals across 30 games) remaining productive on the perimeter and Mundt (13.6 points and 6 rebounds across 28 games) providing another interior option. Newcastle’s biggest weakness was the drop-off beyond its starters, with the bench combining for around 12 points per game and Brandon (3.1 points across 28 games) its highest-scoring reserve, making it difficult for the Falcons to sustain their offence whenever the starting unit rested.

Johnson did not appear in Newcastle’s final game against Melbourne at Melbourne Park on June 7, his only non-appearance of the 30-game season. Melmeth produced a season-high 36 points with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks and Jensen added 23 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal, while Gaze (28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) led Melbourne to a 102-100 victory. Newcastle finished 11th with a 9-21 record, with North Melbourne taking tenth place after winning the head-to-head series 2-1, leaving the Falcons outside the playoffs.

1998/99
Entering the 1998/99 season, the Falcons were in dire financial trouble, but on the brink of the season starting, they secured funds from a group of investors from Albury. As a result, the Falcons were able to retain local talent Ben Melmeth, Terry Johnson and import Todd Mundt but were forced to build the rest of the team on a shoestring budget. Somewhat luckily, Newcastle benefitted from the merger of South East Melbourne and North Melbourne, which saw Pat Reidy and import Butch Hays both former Giants players, without a team. With few NBL team’s having any space on their rosters at this stage, the Falcons were able to sign both at budget prices. Dean Brogan (via Adelaide), Rod Johnson (via Canberra) and legendary shot blocker Willie Simmons was lured out of retirement to play another season.

While obvious favourites to finish on the bottom of the ladder, the Falcons surprised everyone by winning five of their first six games.

Shortly after, reports of players not being paid their salaries surfaced, and the focus, motivation and production among the players began to wane. Mundt exited the team as a result of not getting paid on time and was replaced with Simmons (14.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals) who after a season playing with Sydney was sitting at home after being unable to find another new deal.

The remainder of the season then saw Newcastle record three wins from their next nineteen games before finally beating Perth (113–111) in their final game of the year.

Pat Reidy (17.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals) led the team in scoring, Ben Melmeth (17.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals) led the team in rebounds while Terry Johnson (14.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals) delivered his best season at the point guard position and his brother Rod Johnson (11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) rounded out the team’s leading scorers.

After narrowly surviving the season before, this would prove to be the death knell for Newcastle, with the league stepping in to address their financial situation and its result being the removal of their NBL licence and the Falcons being forced out of the league.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
1999/00
After spending the previous two seasons with the Newcastle Falcons, Terry Johnson joined the expansion Cairns Taipans for their inaugural 1999/00 NBL campaign. Newcastle had struggled with financial difficulties throughout 1998/99 before the NBL revoked the club’s licence, forcing its players to find new teams. Johnson had established himself as a point guard during his time with the Falcons after previously playing primarily as a shooting guard with Illawarra. His move to Cairns also marked a return to a familiar basketball community, having played with Cairns in the 1994 state league season and earned Grand Final MVP honours. Head coach Rod Popp named Johnson captain of a new Taipans roster featuring imports Ricky Robinson and Rashamel Jones, veteran Andre Moore, Grant Kruger (via Newcastle), Aaron Grabau and several players with strong connections to Queensland basketball. Moore had gained Australian citizenship in 1999, allowing him to return to the NBL as a local player after several seasons in the state leagues.

Cairns made its NBL debut against the Melbourne Tigers at Melbourne Park on October 2, where Johnson produced 13 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals in a 98-71 defeat. Ricky Robinson led the Taipans with 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Andre Moore contributed 12 points and eight rebounds. Melbourne was led by Andrew Gaze, who recorded 33 points, five rebounds and 10 assists, as the Tigers comfortably defeated the NBL’s newest club.

Johnson (16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals across 23 games) became one of Cairns’ main offensive options and primary playmakers during the club’s difficult introduction to the national competition. Having averaged 14.9 points with Newcastle the previous season, he increased his scoring while taking on the additional responsibilities of captaincy. Robinson (18.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals across 13 games) led the team in scoring average, while Jones (17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 steals across 25 games) provided another perimeter scoring option. The transition from the Queensland state league proved difficult, with the Taipans attempting to compete against more experienced and established NBL clubs.

Cairns played its first home game at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 12, losing 104-78 to the Sydney Kings. Johnson contributed 23 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal, shooting 8-of-17 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. Robinson led the Taipans with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Jones added 10 points and five rebounds. Sydney was led by Matthew Nielsen, who recorded 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, as the Kings spoiled the club’s first appearance in front of its home supporters.

On October 23, Johnson came close to producing his highest-scoring game of the season when Cairns travelled to Adelaide Arena to face the 36ers. He finished with 29 points, five rebounds and six assists, shooting 10-of-21 from the field, connecting on five three-pointers and making all four of his free throws. Jones added 14 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Grabau contributed 13 points and six rebounds. Adelaide’s David Stiff delivered 17 points, six rebounds and three assists as the 36ers defeated Cairns 91-84, extending the Taipans’ winless start to four games.

Cairns’ introduction to the NBL also brought the beginning of its North Queensland rivalry with Townsville, with the first Reptile Rumble taking place at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 30. Johnson did not appear in the game, with Robinson contributing 18 points, four rebounds and three assists and Jones adding 17 points and seven rebounds. Townsville dominated behind Andrew Goodwin, who recorded 26 points, five rebounds and six assists, as the Crocodiles defeated Cairns 103-75. The Taipans subsequently lost to Melbourne and Canberra, extending their losing streak to seven games.

The Taipans finally recorded their first victory in franchise history on November 13, defeating the Sydney Kings 99-86 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Johnson delivered his best overall and highest-scoring performance of the season, producing 30 points, four rebounds and one steal in 47 minutes. He shot an efficient 11-of-15 from the field, connected on three of his four three-point attempts and added five free throws. Robinson provided 27 points, 14 rebounds and three assists, while Jones contributed 20 points and three steals. Sydney guard Drew Barry finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, but Johnson’s season-high performance helped Cairns secure its first NBL victory after seven consecutive defeats.

Cairns continued to struggle to find consistency following its breakthrough victory, although Johnson remained productive offensively. On December 3, the Taipans came agonisingly close to recording their second win when they hosted the Brisbane Bullets. Johnson finished with 22 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal, connecting on four three-pointers, while Robinson contributed 18 points, 16 rebounds and six assists and Jones added 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. Brisbane was led by Johnson’s older brother Rod, who scored 20 points and connected on all three of his three-point attempts, as the Bullets escaped with a 79-78 victory at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The Taipans underwent a change to their import rotation during December, with Robinson making his final NBL appearance against the Adelaide 36ers on December 18. Johnson contributed 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and one steal, connecting on four three-pointers, while Jones led Cairns with 26 points, four rebounds and three steals and Robinson added 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Adelaide was led by Martin Cattalini, who recorded 26 points and four rebounds, as the 36ers won 98-89 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Robinson was released after his final NBL game on December 18 and was replaced by Al Hamilton (17.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 12 games).

Without Robinson in the lineup, Cairns claimed its second victory of the season on December 27, defeating the Brisbane Bullets 84-79 at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Johnson contributed 15 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and making five free throws. Jones led the Taipans with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Moore added 16 points and 14 rebounds. Brisbane was led by Simon Kerle, who finished with 18 points and four rebounds, but the Taipans held on to secure the first road victory in franchise history and another milestone in their inaugural campaign.

Hamilton made his first appearance for Cairns on January 7 against the West Sydney Razorbacks, providing the Taipans with another scoring and rebounding option. Johnson contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Kruger (6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds across 28 games) led the Taipans with 20 points, six rebounds and five assists and Hamilton added 17 points and eight rebounds in his debut. West Sydney was led by Stephen Hoare, who scored 18 points on perfect 6-of-6 shooting from the field, as the Razorbacks defeated Cairns 94-67 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

On January 21, Johnson delivered another of his strongest performances when Cairns travelled to the WIN Entertainment Centre to face the Wollongong Hawks, one of his former clubs. He finished with 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals, shooting 8-of-16 from the field and making all eight of his free throws. Hamilton contributed 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while Grabau added 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Wollongong’s Melvin Thomas dominated inside with 26 points, 13 rebounds and three steals, as the Hawks defeated Cairns 94-86.

The Taipans continued to struggle through the second half of the season, with Moore (7.9 points and 5.4 rebounds across 27 games) providing experience and rebounding support alongside Hamilton. Grabau (7.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals across 28 games) and Kruger were the only players to appear in all 28 regular-season games, while Nik Mirich (4.4 points and 3.9 rebounds across 24 games), Aaron Fearne (5.0 points across 13 games) and Matthew Shanahan (4.3 points across 22 games) provided additional depth. Despite the contributions of the playing group, Cairns failed to win another game after its December victory over Brisbane.

Johnson made his final appearance of the season against the Victoria Giants at Melbourne Park on February 18. He finished with seven points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Jones produced his highest-scoring performance of the season with 34 points and five rebounds and Hamilton contributed 18 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Victoria was led by Darryl McDonald, who scored 27 points, as the Giants defeated Cairns 103-87. Johnson did not appear in the Taipans’ remaining four regular-season games, finishing his inaugural campaign with 23 appearances.

Cairns finished its first NBL regular season in last place with a 2-26 record, missing the playoffs after losing its final 13 games. The Taipans’ season ended against North Queensland rivals Townsville at the Cairns Convention Centre on March 10, with Johnson absent from the lineup. Jones led Cairns with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Moore contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds and Hamilton added 16 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Townsville was led by Andrew Goodwin, who finished with 21 points, three rebounds and six assists, as the Crocodiles defeated Cairns 99-87 to end the Taipans’ inaugural NBL season.

SYDNEY KINGS
2000/01
In 2000/01, Johnson averaged 8.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as the Kings finished with a record of 17-11 and in fifth place during the regular season.

2001/02
In 2001/02, Johnson averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds, and helped guide the Kings to a eighth place finish in the regular season with a 14-16 record.

Terry Johnson played nine seasons across five NBL teams. This included the North Melbourne Giants, Newcastle Falcons, Illawarra Hawks, Cairns Taipans and Sydney Kings. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 200 NBL games.