NICKNAME/S: Glidds

BIO: Cameron Gliddon was born in Bunbury (WA) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Bunbury basketball program. where he attended 94. Gliddon received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2007. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Cameron Gliddon made his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans at 23 years of age. He scored nine points in his first game.

In his debut NBL season with the Cairns Taipans, Cameron Gliddon showcased his all-around game, averaging 7.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His performances earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year Award, highlighting his potential as a key player for the future. Despite Gliddon’s efforts, the Taipans finished the season in sixth place with an 11-17 record.

2013/14
Gliddon took a significant step forward in his second season, improving his scoring and establishing himself as a reliable contributor in the Taipans’ rotation. He averaged 12.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while playing an integral role for Cairns. The team showed slight improvement from the previous year, finishing in fifth place with a 12-16 record.

2014/15
The 2014/15 season was a historic one for the Taipans, as they became the first regional team since Geelong in 1984 to finish the regular season in first place with a 21-7 record. Under coach Aaron Fearne, Cairns made history by using the same starting five—Scottie Wilbekin, Cameron Gliddon, Stephen Weigh, Alex Loughton, and Matt Burston—for all 28 games of the season.

Gliddon played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing 10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Despite mid-season roster changes, including the elevation of Nathan Sobey to cover injuries, Cairns remained dominant throughout the season.

In the semifinals, the Taipans faced the fourth-seeded Perth Wildcats. Scottie Wilbekin delivered standout performances, including 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists in game one (71-64) and a near triple-double in game two (16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) as Cairns swept the series to advance to the Grand Final.

The Grand Final series saw the Taipans face the New Zealand Breakers. Despite home-court advantage, Cairns lost game one (86-71). In game two, the series ended heartbreakingly for Cairns with Ekene Ibekwe hitting a buzzer-beater to clinch an 83-81 win for the Breakers. Wilbekin led Cairns in scoring and assists during the season (15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) and was named the club’s MVP.

2015/16
In the 2015/16 season, Gliddon became a focal point for the Taipans, averaging 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Despite his strong individual performances, Cairns struggled to replicate their success from the previous year and finished in sixth place with a 12-16 record.

2016/17
The Taipans rebounded in the 2016/17 season, finishing in second place with a 15-13 record. Gliddon remained a consistent contributor, averaging 10.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. His ability to impact games on both ends of the floor made him an invaluable part of Cairns’ strong regular-season campaign.

2017/18
Gliddon continued to deliver solid performances in the 2017/18 season, averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Despite his contributions, the Taipans finished the regular season in sixth place with an 11-17 record, missing out on the playoffs.

BRISBANE BULLETS
2018/19
After finishing last in the 2017/18 season, the Brisbane Bullets underwent a significant rebuild to strengthen their roster. The team bid farewell to Adam Gibson (to South East Melbourne), Shaun Bruce (to Sydney), and Anthony Petrie (retired). Key signings included Boomers sharpshooter Cameron Gliddon (via Cairns), Jason Cadee (via Sydney), Matt Hodgson (via Adelaide), Tom Jervis (via Perth), and Mika Vukona (via New Zealand). Additionally, Cam Bairstow returned from a knee reconstruction, while Japanese guard Makoto Hiejima joined under the NBL’s Asian Player rule, becoming the league’s first Japanese player. To round out the roster, Brisbane added NBA veteran Alonzo Gee (via Puerto Rico) as an import.

Brisbane’s revamped lineup faced a tough schedule to start the season, with 12 of their first 15 games against top-four playoff teams from the previous season. Despite high expectations, the Bullets endured early roster instability. Four games into the season, Alonzo Gee (7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) requested to leave for personal reasons and was released. The team replaced him with Lamar Patterson (via China), whose impact revitalized the Bullets’ offense. Stephen Holt (7.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), dissatisfied with limited minutes, also departed in November, paving the way for Jeremy Kendle (6.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) to join the team.

Brisbane faced challenges throughout the season, including a crushing 29-point loss to Cairns that left them with a 9-9 record by January. During this period, injury replacement Nnanna Egwu (0 points, 2.3 rebounds) appeared in three games. Kendle’s contract was extended for the remainder of the season, while rarely used Makoto Hiejima was replaced by import AJ Davis (4.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.3 assists), son of NBA legend Antonio Davis.

Cameron Gliddon played a pivotal role throughout the season, delivering consistent scoring and clutch performances. He averaged 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals while starting most games. One of his standout moments came against the Adelaide 36ers (4 Nov 2018), where he scored a career-high 30 points, along with 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals, including the game-winning three-pointer in a thrilling 93–90 victory. Other highlights included a 27-point, 4-rebound performance against New Zealand (11 Oct 2018) and a 24-point, 4-rebound, 5-assist effort against Illawarra (27 Oct 2018), where he nailed an impressive 8 three-pointers.

Gliddon was supported by key contributors like Reuben Te Rangi (9.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists), who earned the league’s Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards, Cam Bairstow (11.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), and Lamar Patterson (17.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.3 steals), who was named to the All-NBL First Team. Despite a season marked by ups and downs, Brisbane finished the regular season tied with Adelaide at 14-14. Thanks to a higher points percentage, the Bullets claimed fourth place and advanced to the playoffs.

In the semi-finals, Brisbane faced the top-seeded Perth Wildcats. Game 1 saw Bryce Cotton (19 points, 2 rebounds, and 10 assists) and Terrico White (24 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) lead Perth to a dominant 89–59 victory. Cameron Gliddon was Brisbane’s top scorer with 18 points, adding 4 rebounds and 2 assists.

In Game 2, Brisbane fought valiantly but fell short in a narrow 84–79 loss. Terrico White (24 points and 3 rebounds) and Bryce Cotton (19 points, 10 assists, and 3 rebounds) once again led Perth. For Brisbane, Lamar Patterson (19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) and Matthew Hodgson (15 points and 2 blocks) delivered strong performances. Gliddon contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in Brisbane’s final game of the season, as Perth advanced to the Grand Final.

2019/20
In the 2019/20 season, Cameron Gliddon continued as a key rotation player for the Bullets. He averaged 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, helping Brisbane finish fifth with a 15-13 record.

2020/21
South East Melbourne Phoenix entered their second NBL season aiming to improve upon their inaugural campaign. Head coach Simon Mitchell focused on bolstering the roster around franchise player Mitch Creek. Cam Gliddon and Reuben Te Rangi (both from Brisbane) were signed to add perimeter scoring and floor spacing, while Kiwi rookies Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’afa and Mike Karena joined as development players.

The team initially celebrated the acquisition of Yanni Wetzell, a standout from the University of San Diego State. However, Wetzell exercised a European out clause and signed with German team Riesen Ludwigsburg. Despite this setback, the Phoenix brought in imports Ben Moore and Keifer Sykes to complete the roster. Complications due to COVID-19 and passport delays ultimately brought Wetzell back to the Phoenix roster.

Wetzell (11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists) quickly established himself as a top young big man, complementing Mitch Creek (18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists), who led the team in scoring and rebounding. South East Melbourne became the league’s highest-scoring team, receiving significant contributions from Sykes (14.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists), Kyle Adnam (12.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists), Cam Gliddon (10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals), and Ben Moore (10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists). Each played a critical role, topping the team’s scoring on different occasions.

Midway through the season, the Phoenix added Australian Boomers forward Ryan Broekhoff (7.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 steals) as an injury replacement for Dane Pineau. Broekhoff’s arrival pushed development player Mike Karena out of the rotation, but he provided solid contributions over 19 games. The Phoenix finished the regular season in fourth place (19-17), securing their first playoff appearance.

In the semifinals, South East Melbourne faced Melbourne United (28-8). COVID-19 restrictions forced the series to begin at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, with no fans in attendance. The teams split the first two games, with Creek (26 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists) leading the Phoenix to a win in Game 2. The decider returned to Melbourne, where the Phoenix built a 15-point lead (32-15) in the second quarter but collapsed under a 30-point turnaround, losing 84-74. Their rebounding struggles (second-last in the league) and a season-high performance by Jock Landale (27 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) sealed their fate. Creek (19 points) and Te Rangi (22 points, a season-high) led the team in the loss.

2021/22
Following their maiden Finals appearance, the Phoenix sought to go further. They re-signed coach Simon Mitchell to a one-year deal and retained core players Mitch Creek, Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, and Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’afa. Departures included Keifer Sykes (to the NBA) and Yanni Wetzell (to New Zealand). The team brought in Tohi Smith-Milner (via Melbourne), Chinese national team member Zhou Qi, and imports Zach Hankins and Xavier Munford.

The Phoenix started strong, winning three of their first four games. Qi (11.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks) dominated defensively, while Munford (16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists) proved a capable replacement for Sykes. Injuries to Qi and Hankins prompted the team to sign Brandon Ashley (8.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) as a temporary replacement for Hankins.

Mitch Creek (20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists) led the team, while South East Melbourne remained among the league’s highest-scoring teams (87.7 points per game). However, a 28-day COVID-19-induced hiatus disrupted their rhythm. They returned with a blowout loss to Brisbane (84-100) but quickly recovered, winning eight of their next 11 games to climb to second place (11-5) by midseason.

Their fortunes reversed in the second half of the season, marked by a four-game losing streak against Illawarra, Sydney, and Melbourne. Ryan Broekhoff’s season-ending shoulder injury (11.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals) compounded their struggles. Despite a favorable schedule, losses to Adelaide, Cairns, and Melbourne ended their playoff hopes. The lone bright spot was a thrilling overtime victory over Perth (102-100), snapping the Wildcats’ 35-year playoff streak.

Cam Gliddon played 22 games, averaging 4.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists. South East Melbourne finished sixth (15-13), falling short of expectations in a disappointing season.

NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
2022/23
With Dan Shamir stepping down as head coach, assistant Mody Maor was promoted to lead the New Zealand Breakers in their first full season playing regular home games since the pandemic disrupted prior campaigns. The Breakers underwent significant roster changes, losing six of their top eight players from the previous season, including Yanni Wetzell, Hugo Besson, Peyton Siva, Finn Delany, Ousmane Dieng, and Chasson Randle. Returning players included Thomas Abercrombie, Robert Loe, and William McDowell-White. To rebuild, the Breakers signed Tom Vodanovich, Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa, and Cam Gliddon, while imports Dererk Pardon, Jarrell Brantley, and Barry Brown Jr. joined the squad. French NBA prospect Rayan Rupert was also added under the NBL Next Star program.

Despite missing Abercrombie in the first month due to a torn retina, the Breakers made an impressive start. After a rocky opening loss to Melbourne, they quickly found their defensive identity, matching their total wins from the previous season within four rounds. By round five, they delivered a 99-70 thrashing of Adelaide behind standout performances from Brown Jr. and Brantley, followed by a 94-62 dismantling of Tasmania, marking their biggest win at Spark Arena and securing the top spot on the ladder. By mid-December, the Breakers had won 11 of their first 13 games.

The Breakers experienced a mid-season slump, including a four-game losing streak that featured a heartbreaking 78-76 loss to Illawarra on a half-court buzzer-beater from Tyler Harvey. They rebounded by defeating Sydney 93-88 with a clutch three-pointer from Brantley and secured a playoff berth with an 80-74 win over Melbourne, where Brantley again led the team with 18 points.

New Zealand finished the regular season second on the ladder with an 18-10 record, returning to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Barry Brown Jr. averaged 19.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, earning All-NBL Second Team honors and the league’s Best Sixth Man award. Dererk Pardon also made the All-NBL Second Team, while Brantley was named the team MVP with averages of 16.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.

The Breakers faced Tasmania in the semifinals. In game one, New Zealand dominated from start to finish, securing an 88-68 win. The Breakers built a 16-point first-half lead and exploded with a 49-31 second half. Pardon posted 15 points and 9 rebounds, McDowell-White contributed 13 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Rashard Kelly led Tasmania with 12 points.

Tasmania responded in game two with an 89-78 victory. Milton Doyle was instrumental, scoring 23 points, including key baskets in the third and fourth quarters. Jack McVeigh added 16 points for the JackJumpers, while Pardon recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Breakers. Brantley also contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds.

In game three, New Zealand punched their ticket to the Championship Series with a gritty 92-77 victory. Barry Brown Jr. stole the show with 32 points, shooting 10-of-16 from the field and 2-of-2 from deep, while adding three steals. Pardon was a force inside, delivering 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Brantley chipped in with 14 points and 7 rebounds. The win marked the Breakers’ return to the Championship Series for the first time since 2016.

In game one of the Championship Series against Sydney, the Breakers stunned the Kings with a 95-87 road victory in front of 13,145 fans. McDowell-White came close to a triple-double with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Brown Jr. added 19 points off the bench, and Brantley contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds. Sydney’s Justin Simon led his team with 18 points and 6 steals, but the Kings’ top scorer Derrick Walton Jr. exited the game with an injury in the fourth quarter.

Game two saw the Kings bounce back with an 81-74 win at Spark Arena. Despite missing Xavier Cooks and limited contributions from Walton Jr., Sydney’s depth shone through as Simon and the Kings’ bench stepped up to steal a crucial road win. The Breakers struggled to capitalize on their home-court advantage.

In game three, Sydney took a 2-1 series lead with a dominant 91-68 victory at Qudos Bank Arena in front of a record-breaking 18,049 fans. Walton Jr. shook off his injury concerns to tally 12 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Cooks, who had just signed with the Washington Wizards, added 10 points and 8 rebounds. McDowell-White led the Breakers with 11 points.

Game four saw the Breakers extend the series with an 80-70 win in Auckland. Brantley was instrumental, scoring 23 points, while McDowell-White added 19 points, and Brown Jr. contributed 20 points off the bench. Walton Jr. led Sydney with 18 points, while Angus Glover added 12.

In the decisive game five, the Breakers built multiple double-digit leads but were undone by a 14-0 Sydney run late in the fourth quarter. The Kings secured a 77-69 victory in front of 18,124 fans, breaking their own attendance record set earlier in the series. Walton Jr. led Sydney with 21 points and 6 assists, earning Finals MVP honors, while Cooks added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Brown Jr. led the Breakers with 22 points off the bench.

The Championship Series drew a record 67,811 fans, underscoring the magnitude of the competition.

2023/24
The Breakers’ primary focus during the off-season was securing promising guard William McDowell-White on a two-year deal. After a stellar NBL23 campaign, McDowell-White chose to remain with the Breakers under coach Mody Maor, viewing it as the best opportunity to further elevate his game. Finn Delany also returned to the team on a two-year deal after spending the previous season in Germany. The Breakers retained much of their core group, including Cameron Gliddon, Izayah Mauriohooho-Le’Afa, and captain Thomas Abercrombie. Complementary pieces Mangok Mathiang, Dane Pineau, and Lithuanian prospect Mantas Rubstavicius, signed under the NBL Next Star Program, were added to bolster the roster. To replace outgoing imports Barry Brown Jr., Jarrell Brantley, and Dererk Pardon, the Breakers brought in Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Zylan Cheatham, and Justinian Jessup, the latter returning to the NBL after a stint in the G-League.

New Zealand began their season with a 98–87 victory over Cairns but suffered a narrow loss to Brisbane (84–89) before heading to the USA to participate in the NBLxNBA exhibition against the Phoenix Suns. With injuries impacting the roster, former NBA forward Anthony Lamb joined the team. Despite being heavy underdogs, the Breakers pushed the Suns to the limit, cutting the lead to four points in the final minute before falling 91–86. Corey Webster led New Zealand offensively with 27 points and 7 assists, while Tai Wesley added 15 points and 7 rebounds. Deandre Ayton (21 points and 15 rebounds) and Trevor Ariza (16 points and 6 assists) were pivotal for Phoenix.

Upon returning from the USA, the Breakers’ inconsistency became apparent as injuries and roster changes disrupted their rhythm. They extended their losing streak to five games before securing a 91–81 win over Cairns. Injuries took a toll on the roster, with Delany missing 11 games, Cheatham 11 games, McDowell-White 6 games, and Rubstavicius 5 games. Jessup was released mid-season after failing to recover from a pelvis injury. By January, New Zealand had fallen to the bottom of the ladder with an 8–12 record following three consecutive losses. However, they rallied late in the season, winning five of their last seven games to finish with a 13–15 record. Due to points percentage, New Zealand (sixth) and Sydney (fifth) advanced to the play-in tournament, while Brisbane (seventh) was eliminated.

Cameron Gliddon had his least productive season, averaging 3.3 points, 1 rebound, and 0.4 assists per game. His standout performances included a 12-point outing in a loss to Sydney on January 14, 2024, a 10-point effort in a win against Illawarra on November 19, 2023, and a 9-point game during the Grand Final against Perth on January 7, 2024.

The Breakers were led offensively by Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who averaged 20.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. Anthony Lamb contributed 19.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, while Cheatham added 15.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Rubstavicius and McDowell-White provided consistent support, averaging 9.4 points and 9.2 points per game, respectively.

In the play-in tournament, New Zealand faced Sydney in a high-stakes matchup. Jackson-Cartwright delivered a standout performance with 34 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, while Mangok Mathiang added 10 points and 9 rebounds to secure an 83–76 victory. Advancing to the second play-in game, New Zealand faced Illawarra. Jackson-Cartwright and Cheatham continued their strong play with 19 points and 9 assists and 12 points and 9 rebounds, respectively. However, the Breakers’ season-long inconsistency reemerged as they fell short in a tight 85–88 loss, missing out on an NBL semifinal berth.

Cameron Gliddon played twelve seasons across four NBL teams. This included the Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets, South East Melbourne Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers. He averaged 9.1 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 339 NBL games.

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Dan Boyce (817 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.