About the Club
36ers History
One of the most successful clubs in the National Basketball League, the Adelaide 36ers tally of four championships is equal with the Perth Wildcats as the most by any team in the competition's history.
History of Adelaide Pura Milk 36ERS
Known as the Adelaide City Eagles when they joined the NBL in 1982, the club changed its name to the Adelaide 36ers in 1983 with the nickname reflecting the city's settlement in 1836.
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 (1986, 1998, 1999, 2002), reached the Grand Final on two other occasions.
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.
In 1992, the club moved from it’s original home in Apollo Stadium into the larger and purpose-built Powerhouse (now The Distinctive Homes Dome). Despite the increased capacity to 7800 seats, the 36ers continue to play in front of sell-out crowds, giving the team an enviable and intimidating home court advantage.
2002 Championship – Team celebrations.
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.
Davis holds the 36ers all-time records for games played (482), points (8752), blocks (301), steals (481), and rebounds (5200), with his prowess in the latter earning him the nickname "Chairman of the Boards".
An import from the USA when he first played in 1985, Davis spent the next 15 years competing for Adelaide and played eight games for Australia after becoming a naturalized citizen.
Davis was the NBL's all-time leading rebounder, a member of the NBL 20th Season Team, a three-time championship winner, and a five-time selection to the All-NBL First Team.
Current team captain Brett Maher, a veteran of 11 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.
Maher is second only to Davis in terms of games played and points scored for the 36ers, and has also won three NBL Championships.
The 36ers have also been blessed with some of the League's best coaches, including the colourful Ken Cole and Mike Dunlap.
Current head coach 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.
| 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 |
