NICKNAME/S: Gibbo

BIO: Adam Gibson was born in Launceston (TAS) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Launceston basketball program. Gibson received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2004. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Adam Gibson made his NBL debut with the Brisbane Bullets at 18 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

The 2006/07 season saw the Brisbane Bullets enter the year with heightened expectations after adding two NBL legends, Mark Bradtke and Lanard Copeland, who had both left the Melbourne Tigers following the retirements of Andrew and Lindsey Gaze. Bradtke, the league’s all-time leading rebounder, and Copeland, a proven scorer, joined a talented roster that already featured captain Sam Mackinnon and star guards Stephen Black and Derek Rucker. With head coach Joey Wright at the helm, the Bullets aimed to build on their previous campaign and re-establish themselves as championship contenders.

Brisbane also made several roster changes in the offseason, moving on from last season’s high-scoring import Kevin Freeman, as well as veterans Simon Kerle and Ben Castle. These moves paved the way for younger players like Adam Gibson to earn a role in the team’s rotation. Gibson, a rookie guard, provided depth off the bench and gained valuable experience throughout the season.

Despite some inconsistent stretches, Brisbane put together a strong campaign, finishing with a 17-15 record and securing sixth place on the ladder. The team’s balanced offense was led by Stephen Black (18.5 points and 6.0 assists), Derek Rucker (16.8 points and 6.7 assists), and Bobby Brannen (16.3 points and 8.9 rebounds). Mackinnon was instrumental on both ends of the floor, averaging 13.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and a team-high 1.5 steals per game. Meanwhile, Bradtke made an immediate impact, averaging 15.2 points and 8.9 rebounds while anchoring the Bullets in the paint.

For Gibson, his rookie season saw him appear in 29 games, averaging 3.0 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.1 assists per game. While his role was limited, he provided steady minutes off the bench and showed glimpses of the defensive tenacity that would later define his career. He played behind experienced guards like Black and Rucker but gained crucial experience competing in a playoff-bound team.

Brisbane’s season came to an abrupt end in the Elimination Finals, where they hosted the seventh-seeded Perth Wildcats in a sudden-death matchup. In front of 3,996 home fans, the Bullets fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 91-86. Bradtke led the way with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, while Black and Mackinnon also contributed. However, Perth’s Matt Shanahan (22 points) and Tony Ronaldson (20 points and 8 rebounds) proved too much to overcome, ending Brisbane’s season.

Although the Bullets’ playoff run was brief, the season served as an important stepping stone for Gibson, who gained valuable minutes under coach Joey Wright. With Brisbane looking to continue its rise, Gibson’s development as a young guard set the foundation for what would become a long and successful NBL career.

2006/07
The 2006/07 season saw Adam Gibson and the Brisbane Bullets cement their place in NBL history, delivering one of the most dominant campaigns the league has ever seen. After a strong season in 2005/06, Brisbane reloaded in the offseason, adding star guard CJ Bruton from Sydney while parting ways with longtime import duo Derek Rucker and Bobby Brannen. The team also signed Ebi Ere, Bruton’s backcourt partner from Sydney’s 2004 championship squad, and versatile forward Dusty Rychart from Adelaide. Additionally, defensive specialist Dillon Boucher was brought in after the Bullets’ front office identified him as a key factor in their elimination by Perth in the previous season.

Brisbane’s dominance was evident from the outset, as they won the NBL Preseason Blitz in Coffs Harbour, with Bruton earning tournament MVP honors. Despite a slow start to the regular season (3-3), the Bullets steadily built momentum, reaching the midway point at 10-5. At that stage, reigning champions Melbourne (11-4) sat atop the ladder, though Brisbane had already claimed a convincing 98-85 win over them. From that point, Brisbane reached a level few teams in league history have matched, going on an 18-game winning streak to close the regular season. Seven of those victories came by 30 points or more, including a dominant stretch against Adelaide, New Zealand, and Singapore, where they won by 32, 34, and 32 points, respectively.

Sam MacKinnon delivered a historic season, averaging 18.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, becoming the first player in NBL history to win both the MVP and Best Defensive Player awards in the same season. Alongside MacKinnon, Brisbane had multiple players capable of taking over games, including Ebi Ere (17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists), Dusty Rychart (15.1 points, 8.1 rebounds), CJ Bruton (14 points, 4.5 assists), Stephen Black (13.9 points, 3.8 assists), and Mark Bradtke (10.2 points, 6.5 rebounds).

For Gibson, his second NBL season saw him establish himself as a valuable contributor in Brisbane’s deep rotation. Appearing in all 39 games, he averaged 6.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His defensive effort and ability to play multiple backcourt roles made him an asset off the bench as the Bullets continued their dominance.

Brisbane entered the playoffs as overwhelming favorites after finishing with a 28-5 record and an NBL-record 21-game winning streak. In the semifinals, they took on the Sydney Kings, winning Game 1 at home (91-84), with Ere leading the scoring with 22 points. In Game 2, Ere once again top-scored with 23 points, but it was CJ Bruton who stole the show, scoring 16 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter to eliminate his former team (93-86) and send Brisbane to their first Grand Final since 1990.

The Grand Final series saw Brisbane face Melbourne, who had finished second with a 25-8 record and swept Cairns in the semifinals. Playing at home, Brisbane extended their winning streak to 21 games with a thrilling 98-95 victory in Game 1. Stephen Black (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the way, while MacKinnon (18 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 blocks) came close to a triple-double. Melbourne responded in Game 2, ending Brisbane’s streak with a 105-91 win behind Chris Anstey’s dominant 31-point, 8-rebound performance.

Returning to Brisbane for Game 3, the Bullets were determined to regain control of the series. Their defensive focus was clear, holding Anstey to just 9 points on 4-of-15 shooting, with MacKinnon, Bradtke, and Rychart shutting him down inside. Black (22 points) again led all scorers, while MacKinnon (19 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals) filled every column of the stat sheet, guiding Brisbane to a commanding 113-93 victory.

Brisbane closed out the series in Game 4 with a 103-94 win, defying the odds despite Melbourne shooting better percentages from the field, beyond the arc, and winning the rebound battle. The real difference was turnovers, with Brisbane forcing 26 while committing just 14. Bruton (22 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Rychart (21 points) were instrumental at both ends, while MacKinnon (13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals) was awarded Finals MVP despite a quieter offensive performance.

MacKinnon made history by becoming the first player to win MVP, Finals MVP, Best Defensive Player, and a championship in the same season—a feat only matched by Chris Anstey the following year.

2007/08
The 2007/08 season saw Brisbane enter the year as defending champions, but off-court financial struggles and key roster changes made it a turbulent campaign. The biggest change was the retirement of veteran big man Mark Bradtke, who had been a crucial piece of Brisbane’s championship-winning squad. To replace him, the team signed promising New Zealand born forward Craig Bradshaw. Outside of that move, the Bullets retained the core of their championship team, including Sam Mackinnon, CJ Bruton, Ebi Ere, Dusty Rychart, and Adam Gibson.

However, Mackinnon, who had delivered an MVP season the year prior, struggled with injuries and missed more than half the season, managing just 14.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 15 games. With his production dipping, Ere stepped up in a major way, seeing his scoring jump from 17.3 points per game in 2006/07 to a league-leading 26.0 points per game while also contributing 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per contest.

Bruton (19.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals) also took on a larger offensive role, his play earning him a spot on the All-NBL Second Team. Dusty Rychart (16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds) and new addition Craig Bradshaw (13.5 points and 5.7 rebounds) among the other major contributors for the season.

For Gibson, the 2007/08 season marked a significant leap in his development. With increased responsibilities in the backcourt, he became a key contributor, averaging 11.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 33 games. His ability to run the offense, play strong perimeter defense, and provide a scoring punch off the dribble cemented his role as one of the league’s rising young guards.

Brisbane put together another strong regular season, finishing third on the ladder with a 20-10 record. Their postseason began with a dominant 106-89 victory over the New Zealand Breakers in the Elimination Finals, with Ere and Bruton leading the charge. This set up a semifinal showdown with the Melbourne Tigers, the same team Brisbane had defeated in the previous year’s Grand Final.

Game 1 of the semifinals saw Melbourne deliver a commanding 116-98 victory, led by Chris Anstey’s 26 points. The Bullets returned home for Game 2 and put up a much stronger fight, but despite big performances from Ere (19 points) and Bradshaw (19 points), they fell just short in a 115-112 loss, bringing their championship defense to an end.

What should have been an opportunity to regroup and rebuild for another run in 2008/09 instead became the end of an era. Financial struggles began to catch up with the club, as owner Eddy Groves, who had made his fortune through ABC Learning Centres, ran into major financial trouble. He announced his intent to sell the team, and while Logan businessman David Kemp was initially named as the new owner in April 2008, the sale ultimately fell through. With no new buyer stepping in, the Bullets’ license was officially returned to the NBL on June 30, 2008, marking the end of the franchise.

SOUTH DRAGONS
2008/09
The 2008/09 season saw Adam Gibson join the South Dragons following the collapse of the Brisbane Bullets. Under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Brian Goorjian, the Dragons revamped their roster with a mix of established stars and emerging talent, positioning themselves as championship contenders. Alongside Gibson, the team added import Tremmell Darden, physical forward Mika Vukona, and former West Sydney Razorback Rhys Carter. The departure of the Sydney Kings also saw Goorjian leave Sydney and take over the Dragons, replacing Shane Heal. With his defensive reputation and championship pedigree, Goorjian was the perfect fit to lead a squad hungry for success.

The season began with mixed results, as the Dragons opened with a 2-2 record before finding their rhythm with an eight-game winning streak. However, adversity struck when key import Cortez Groves suffered a season-ending injury, forcing the team to release him. Looking for an impact replacement, the Dragons signed former NBA and CBA player Donta Smith, who had been waived by his Chinese club Shanxi Zhongyu. Though Smith started quietly, he gradually found his role within the team, contributing across multiple facets of the game. The Dragons finished the regular season atop the ladder with a 22-8 record, securing the club’s first-ever minor premiership.

Gibson played a crucial role in the team’s success, establishing himself as one of the league’s elite perimeter defenders. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while providing lockdown defense against some of the NBL’s top guards. His efforts earned him the NBL’s Best Defensive Player award, highlighting his rise as one of the league’s premier backcourt talents. Meanwhile, the Dragons’ core contributors delivered impressive performances throughout the season. Mark Worthington led the team in scoring and rebounding (16.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals), while Smith became the team’s second-leading scorer and primary playmaker (15 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals). The defensive-minded Vukona provided toughness inside, while Nick Horvath contributed as a key frontcourt piece.

The Dragons received a first-round bye in the playoffs before facing the Townsville Crocodiles in the semifinals. In Game 1, they dominated at home, securing a 94-81 victory, followed by a tough road loss in Game 2. Returning to their home court for Game 3, the Dragons overwhelmed Townsville 101-78, advancing to their first-ever NBL Grand Final. On the other side of the bracket, the Melbourne Tigers defeated the New Zealand Breakers in two straight games, setting up an all-Melbourne Grand Final.

In Game 1, the Dragons made a statement by holding Melbourne to just 36 points in the second half, winning 93-81. Mark Worthington led the way with 23 points, while Chris Anstey paced the Tigers with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Game 2 saw the Tigers respond, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the final quarter to win 88-83 on their home floor. David Barlow (26 points) and Anstey (21 points and 9 rebounds) led Melbourne, while Smith top-scored for the Dragons with 18 points.

Game 3 became front-page news after a fiery clash between Anstey and Dragons backup point guard Rhys Carter. Anstey was charged with ‘striking – with elbow’ after the altercation and was subsequently ejected, along with Mika Vukona, who was involved in the ensuing melee.

Without Anstey, the Tigers collapsed, allowing the Dragons to secure an emphatic 84-67 victory. Smith led the way with 18 points, including 10 in the final quarter.

Despite calls for suspensions, the NBL tribunal ruled that all players were eligible for Game 4. Carter responded with a 17-point performance, but Anstey countered with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists, propelling the Tigers to a 108-95 victory and forcing a deciding Game 5.

In front of a packed crowd of 9,000 at Hisense Arena, the Dragons delivered a dominant performance, winning 102-81 to claim their first-ever NBL championship. Tremmell Darden exploded for 31 points, including 21 in the final quarter, while Smith nearly recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Worthington and Vukona effectively neutralized Anstey, holding him to just 12 points and 3 rebounds, while Gibson and the Dragons’ defense stifled Melbourne’s offensive flow. Donta Smith was named Finals MVP after averaging 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over the five-game series.

Although the Dragons had assembled a championship-caliber squad, their time at the top was short-lived. Just two months after winning the title, the club shocked the basketball world by withdrawing from the NBL. Co-owner Mark Cowan cited the league’s instability and financial struggles as key reasons for shutting down the team.

“The Dragons’ board of directors believe that more time is required to develop the league as a commercially viable entity,” said Cowan at the time. “The Dragons aspire to play at the highest level, to the highest standards, in a fully professional league. This is a sad day for our club, but in many ways, it’s the only way forward for a sport which needs some time to reinvent itself.”

Despite the sudden collapse of the club, Gibson had solidified his place among the league’s best guards, with his defensive prowess and ability to contribute across the board marking him as a key player heading into the next chapter of his career.

GOLD COAST BLAZE
2009/10
After winning the 2009 NBL championship, the South Dragons unexpectedly exited the league, leaving Adam Gibson without a club. Seeking stability and an opportunity to continue his development, he joined the Gold Coast Blaze for the 2009/10 season. Under head coach Joey Wright, the Blaze built a competitive roster, blending experienced veterans with rising stars.

The Blaze entered the season with high expectations but made early adjustments to their lineup. Initially, they signed American forward Michael Joiner (10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds) to provide versatility in the frontcourt. However, after just two games, the team opted to make a change. Joiner was released, and the Blaze quickly brought in Ayinde Ubaka as his replacement. The addition of Ubaka proved to be a turning point, as he became the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, averaging 16.3 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Other key contributors included James Harvey (14.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1 assist), Erron Maxey (13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.7 assists), and Anthony Petrie (11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists). Petrie’s impressive play throughout the season earned him the NBL’s Most Improved Player award, while Maxey was named the league’s Best Sixth Man. Gibson, alongside teammates Petrie and Ubaka, was also selected to the All-NBL Second Team, recognizing his strong all-around contributions.

By January 2010, Gold Coast had briefly climbed to second place on the ladder, but fierce competition from Perth and Townsville kept the standings tight. A crucial loss to the Crocs (100-89) temporarily set them back, but the Blaze bounced back with a commanding 79-66 win over Cairns the following night. Despite fluctuations in form, the team maintained a strong position and finished the regular season with a 16-12 record. Due to a three-way tie between the Blaze, Townsville, and Wollongong, Gold Coast was ultimately seeded fourth after the NBL’s tiebreaker system.

Gibson quickly established himself as a key contributor, averaging 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 27 games. His ability to impact both ends of the floor solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders, making him an integral part of the Blaze’s playoff push.

2010/11
In 2010, following the dual retirements of Chris Anstey and Sam MacKinnon, the Melbourne Tigers undertook a significant roster overhaul, creating an opportunity for Mark Worthington to sign with the Gold Coast Blaze.

Worthington (16.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) delivered another strong individual campaign despite missing eight games due to injury. His absence prompted the Blaze to sign Ater Majok (2.8 points, 2.3 rebounds) on a short-term injury replacement deal, just one month after Majok had been released from a similar role with the Perth Wildcats. Majok later departed before the end of the season, seeking opportunities in the United States ahead of the 2011 NBA Draft.

Injuries significantly impacted the Blaze throughout the season. Anthony Petrie (15 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) was sidelined for the remainder of the year after only three games, while team captain James Harvey (14.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) missed almost half the season, appearing in just 18 games. These setbacks severely disrupted team chemistry and continuity.

Around this time, the team also added Worthington’s former Tigers, Kings, and college teammate Luke Kendall. Kendall initially began the season with the resurrected Sydney Kings, playing just one game in November before parting ways with the team. After an extended period without a club, Kendall joined the Blaze in February 2011, though he struggled to find consistent playing time, averaging modest numbers (1.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) across eight appearances.

Gold Coast had initially hoped for a boost from their import duo of Ira Clark and James Maye. Clark (17.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists) quickly became a fan favourite with his electrifying, above-the-rim play, while Maye battled injuries and was released after appearing in only two games.

Despite these disruptions, the Blaze remained competitive, anchored by the consistent play of Clark and team captain Adam Gibson (13 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists), who both earned All-NBL First Team honours. Additionally, Chris Goulding (11.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists) emerged as a promising young talent for the team.

Gold Coast maintained sixth position for much of the season, staying within reach of playoff contention until late in the campaign. However, their postseason hopes faded down the stretch, as they managed only two victories from their final five games. They finished the season with a 13-15 record, narrowly missing the playoffs.

In 2011, Gold Coast head coach Joey Wright and team captain Adam Gibson led a squad determined to contend for a championship. Despite high aspirations, the Blaze struggled early, sitting at the bottom of the ladder with a 1-3 record by Round 5. However, the team steadily improved as the season progressed, finding their rhythm and climbing the standings. With five rounds remaining in the regular season, the Blaze surged into third place, where they ultimately finished with a 17-11 record.

Key contributors throughout the season included import guard Adris De León (16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists), who led the team in scoring. Mark Worthington (14.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) provided strong all-around play, while Anthony Petrie (10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds) and Will Hudson (9.5 points, 6.0 rebounds) anchored the Blaze’s frontcourt. Gibson (11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) remained a steady presence at both ends of the floor. His leadership and defensive tenacity helped set the tone for the Blaze’s midseason turnaround.

The Blaze entered the NBL playoffs as the third seed and faced the Perth Wildcats in the semifinals. Game 1 in Perth saw the Wildcats take control, securing an 85-70 victory despite a strong defensive effort from the Blaze. In Game 2, Gold Coast fought back in front of their home crowd, grinding out a 72-70 win to force a decisive Game 3. However, the Blaze’s championship hopes came to an end in Perth, as the Wildcats dominated the series decider with an 88-67 victory, eliminating Gold Coast from the playoffs.

Following the season, Adris De León was named the Blaze’s Club MVP in recognition of his stellar performances throughout the year. Meanwhile, Gibson’s leadership and two-way impact continued to solidify his reputation as one of the league’s premier guards.

Despite their on-court success, the Blaze faced significant financial troubles. In May 2012, the club entered voluntary administration and later joined forces with the Gold Coast Basketball Association in an attempt to transition to a community-based model. The team reportedly received a $500,000 cash injection from a mystery supporter, briefly providing hope for a potential recovery.

However, on July 17, 2012, the Blaze were officially withdrawn from the NBL by owners Owen and Ben Tomlinson. Basketball Australia required the team to post a $1 million bank guarantee to maintain their license for the 2012/13 season. Despite earlier assurances that they had secured the necessary finances, the Tomlinsons were informed that their submission would not be approved. Given a deadline to provide “irrefutable evidence” of their financial stability, the owners instead chose to withdraw from the league, dissolving the franchise and bringing an end to the Gold Coast Blaze.

With the team’s collapse, Gibson was once again left without a club, setting the stage for the next chapter of his NBL career.

ADELAIDE 36ERS
2012/13 – 2015/16
Gibson joined the Adelaide 36ers in 2012 and quickly became a leader. In his first season, he averaged 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, though the 36ers struggled, finishing last. However, with the arrival of coach Joey Wright in 2013, Adelaide turned things around, finishing second in 2013/14 and making it to the Grand Final. Gibson played a key role, averaging 12.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists that season.

Gibson continued to be a steady contributor, averaging 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 2015/16, his final season with Adelaide, before moving on to Brisbane.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2016/17 – 2018/19
Returning to the Brisbane Bullets in 2016, Gibson provided veteran leadership and consistency. In 2018/19, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while reaching a significant milestone, playing his 400th NBL game. Brisbane finished the season with a 14-14 record and advanced to the playoffs, where they were eliminated by Perth in the semifinals.

SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE PHOENIX
2019/20 – 2020/21
Gibson joined the South East Melbourne Phoenix for their inaugural season in 2019. Despite injuries limiting his time on the court, he contributed 6.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 22 games in 2019/20. He saw less playing time in 2020/21, averaging 3.3 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists as the Phoenix reached the NBL playoffs for the first time, ultimately losing to Melbourne United in the semifinals.

Gibson’s long and successful NBL career has been defined by his defensive tenacity, leadership, and steady playmaking, making him one of the league’s most respected veterans.

Adam Gibson played sixteen seasons across five NBL teams. This included the Brisbane Bullets, South Dragons, Gold Coast Blaze, Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix. He averaged 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 460 NBL games.

CAREER RANKINGS:
– 27th in total games played.
– 16th in total assists
– 49th in total steals

Dan Boyce (832 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.