NBL EXPERIENCE

Wade Kirchmeyer made his NBL debut with the Canberra Cannons at 21 years of age. He scored 24 points in his first game.

The 1983 season marked the beginning of a new era for the Canberra Cannons, with Bob Turner (via Newcastle) signing a three-year deal to become the team’s new head coach. Turner quickly put his stamp on the squad by building around three American imports—Wade Kirchmeyer, Dave Nelson, and Herb McEachin—and assembling a disciplined, defensively focused team capable of challenging the league’s best.

Canberra had a strong regular season, finishing with a 16–6 record—good for fourth overall and second in the NBL’s Western Division behind Geelong (18–4). Kirchmeyer (20.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) led the team in scoring and was a consistent interior force, while Nelson (19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists) offered scoring versatility. McEachin (15.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks) brought a valuable two-way presence on the wing.

Australian Boomers point guard Phil Smyth (14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.6 steals) anchored the backcourt, led the league in steals, and earned All-NBL First Team honours for his elite defensive play and leadership.

The 1983 NBL Finals series introduced a controversial structure—a divisional round-robin format for the top eight teams—before reverting to a traditional semifinal and Grand Final format. Despite the confusion, Canberra thrived. The Cannons defeated Nunawading (89–81), Geelong (86–81), and St. Kilda (104–85), going 3–0 in the round-robin phase and advancing to the semifinals as one of the league’s in-form teams.

In the semifinals, Canberra faced the Coburg Giants and secured a hard-fought 80–75 victory at Kilsyth Stadium. Wade Kirchmeyer (17 points) continued his strong postseason form, while Dave Nelson (18 points) and Herb McEachin (18 points) were efficient on both ends, each shooting 50% from the field and perfect from the free throw line. Smyth (20 points) was pivotal in the closing stages, calmly sinking all eight of his free throw attempts. Les Hurst added a spark off the bench with 5 points. Canberra’s composure at the stripe—20-of-22 free throws (91%)—proved decisive against a balanced Coburg team led by Benny Lewis (22 points) and Wayne Carroll (12 points).

The win propelled the Cannons into the Grand Final, where they faced the defending champion West Adelaide Bearcats. In a tense and tightly contested decider, Canberra edged out the Bearcats 75–73 to claim their first NBL championship. McEachin (18 points) led all Cannons scorers, with Kirchmeyer (17 points), Smyth (16 points), and Nelson (10 points) rounding out a well-balanced attack. Despite strong efforts from Leroy Loggins (23 points) and Al Green (18 points), West Adelaide couldn’t break through Canberra’s discipline and depth.

The 1983 title established the Cannons as an NBL powerhouse and cemented Bob Turner’s status as one of the league’s elite coaches—delivering a championship in his first season at the helm.

Wade Kirchmeyer played one season in the NBL. He averaged 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 27 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (837 Posts)

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.