About the Club
About the Club
As one of the most successful NBL clubs, the Adelaide 36ers are a key part of the National Basketball League in Australia.
OUR HISTORY
Known as the Adelaide City Eagles when they joined the NBL in 1982, the club changed its name to the Adelaide 36ers in 1983 reflecting the city's settlement in 1836.
The Adelaide 36ers have been the most successful club in the NBL's history.
In 2003, the 36ers were the defending NBL Champions having defeated the West Sydney Razorbacks 2-1 in the best-of-three 2002 Grand Final series, and as of that year had won three of the last six titles.
Players, coaches and support staff celebrate the 2002 Championship. In the photo are Steve Breheny, David Stiff, Scott Ninnis (squashed), Jacob Holmes, Oscar Forman, Blake Truslove, Paul Rees, Willie Farley, Mark Nash, Matt Garrison, Matt Illman, Brett Maher, Rupert Sapwell, Phil Smyth, Jason Williams and David Rehn
Overall, the 36ers have reached the playoffs in almost every one of their seasons, and on top of their four championships in 1986, back-to-back in1998, 1999 and followed by an exceptional championship win in 2002, the Adelaide 36ers also reached the Grand Finals in 1985 and 1994.
2002 Championship – Willie Farley, Jason Williams and Mark Nash celebrate.
After winning the 1999 NBL Championship, the 36ers were invited to participate in the World Club Championships in Milan. Their opponents included many of Europe, Asia and America's best teams, and were highlighted by the participation of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.
Many of the NBL's greatest players have worn 36ers colours during their career and include the likes of rebounding-champion Mark Davis, current captain and Sydney 2000 Olympian Brett Maher, three-time NBL Best Defensive Player Darnell Mee, and dynamic guards Mike McKay, Al Green and Darryl Pearce.
Brett Maher, a veteran of 17 NBL seasons, has proven to be the inspirational captain of the 36ers in their last three championships, and competed for Australia at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, as well as the 1998 World Championships.
2002 Championship – Team celebrations.
The 36ers have also been blessed with some of the League's best coaches, including the colourful Ken Cole and Mike Dunlap.
Phil Smyth was inducted into the NBL Hall of Fame as a player in 2000, and his combined six championships (three as a player, and three as coach of the 36ers) is more than any other player or coach in the league's history.
The Adelaide 36ers New Head Coach is past-36ers Player and Assistant Coach, Scott Ninnis who's long involvement with the club and his dedication to the sport of Basketball in South Australia is testament to his character and for driving the 36ers to the top of the NBL
OUR COMMUNITY
The Adelaide 36ers have access to the entire basketball community in South Australia through a close working relationship with Basketball SA who are also based at the Distinctive Homes Dome offering an ideal opportunity to work closely together every day.
This association provides access to all registered players throughout the State, boasting:
- 37,301 participants state-wide
- 23,284 in the metropolitan area and
- 14,017 in the country regions.
In addition to these registered players, the Adelaide 36ers have access to signage and promotional opportunities at eight (7) stadiums throughout the metropolitan area with foot traffic in excess of 300,000 annually.
| Year | W | L | Pos | Playoffs | Coach | Captain | MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 |
15 |
11 |
7th | did not qualify | Mike Osborne | Chris Stirling | not awarded |
| 1983 |
11 |
11 |
6th | did not qualify | Mike Osborne | David Winslow | not awarded |
| 1984 |
16 |
7 |
3rd | lost Eliminations | Mike Osborne | Dean Kinsman | not awarded |
| 1985 |
20 |
6 |
2nd | lost Grand Final | Ken Cole | Peter Ali | Mark Davis |
| 1986 |
24 |
2 |
1st | CHAMPIONS | Ken Cole | Bill Jones | Mark Davis |
| 1987 |
21 |
5 |
1st | lost Semis | Gary Fox | Bill Jones | Mark Davis |
| 1988 |
19 |
5 |
1st | lost Semis |
Gary Fox |
Pearce/Ali | Mark Davis |
| 1989 |
15 |
9 |
6th | lost Eliminations | Gary Fox | Darryl Pearce | Mark Davis |
| 1990 |
11 |
15 |
9th | did not qualify | Don Shipway | Mark Davis | Mark Davis |
| 1991 |
16 |
10 |
4th | lost Semis | Don Shipway | Mark Davis | Mark Davis |
| 1992 |
11 |
13 |
9th | did not qualify | Don Shipway | Mark Davis | Mark Davis |
| 1993 |
14 |
12 |
7th | lost Quarters | Don Monson | Mark Davis | Mark Davis |
| 1994 |
18 |
8 |
4th | lost Grand Final | Mike Dunlap | Mark Davis | Robert Rose |
| 1995 |
17 |
9 |
4th | lost Semis | Mike Dunlap | Mark Davis | Robert Rose |
| 1996 |
16 |
10 |
6th | lost Semis | Mike Dunlap | Mark Davis | Rick Brunson |
| 1997 |
14 |
16 |
7th | did not qualify | Dave Claxton | Brett Maher | Brett Maher |
| 1998 |
19 |
11 |
2nd | CHAMPIONS | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Maher/Mee |
| 98/99 |
18 |
8 |
1st | CHAMPIONS | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Kevin Brooks |
| 99/00 |
22 |
6 |
1st | lost Semis | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Martin Cattalini |
| 00/01 |
16 |
12 |
6th | lost Semis | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Darnell Mee |
| 01/02 |
17 |
13 |
3rd | CHAMPIONS | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Brett Maher |
| 02/03 |
16 |
14 |
5th | Lost Elim. Finals | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Brett Maher |
| 03/04 |
14 |
19 |
8th | Lost Elim. Finals | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Martin Cattalini |
| 04/05 |
19 |
13 |
5th | Lost Quarters | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Willie Farley |
| 05/06 |
19 |
13 |
4th | Lost Quarters | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Brett Maher |
| 06/07 |
11 |
22 |
11th | did not qualify | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Brett Maher |
| 07/08 |
14 |
16 |
9th | did not qualify | Phil Smyth | Brett Maher | Adam Ballinger |
