'Flush it': Perfect metaphor for woeful Bullets

• ‍Bullets finish 6–27, endure 11 straight losses to end disastrous NBL26 campaign
• Stu Lash resigns in December after mounting pressure and public scrutiny intensifies
• Darryl McDonald demands stability following injury-ravaged, chaotic season and roster churn

Former Bullets head coach Stu Lash infamously said, “You’ll always have probably two or three games that you want to flush away really quick and move on” after the Illawarra Hawks dismantled Brisbane by 27 points on October 15, 2025.

It’s the perfect metaphor for Brisbane’s whole NBL26 campaign.

Double-flush another season and move on — quickly.

Brisbane finished dead last, losing 11 straight in 2026 and finishing with a dismal 6-27 record. They suited up 19 players, and the squad missed almost 270 games combined. The Bullets were beaten by 20 or more 15 times; the worst being a 44-point demolition by the Tasmania JackJumpers, who finished sixth.

| Team               | Record | GP | Win % | P%    | HW | HL | AW | AL | P For | P Ag |
|--------------------|--------|----|-------|-------|----|----|----|----|-------|------|
| Brisbane Bullets   | 6–27   | 33 | 18.18 | 84.79 |  2 | 14 |  4 | 13 |  2710 |  3196 |

‍

Superstar Casey Prather played just 12 games before injuring his knee. Javon Freeman-Liberty (9) left and returned, but injured his hamstring. Lamar Patterson (9) suffered a season-ending knee injury; New Zealand big man Tyrell Harrison missed 8 games; Jaylen Adams was cut after just 13 games; Sam McDaniel missed 23 games; and skipper Mitch Norton missed 10.

| Name                  | POS | GP | PPG | FGA  | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% | APG | BPG | SPG | TPG | F   |
|-----------------------|-----|----|-----|------|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|
| Casey Prather         | G   | 12 | 24.4| 18.4 | 9.1 | 49  | 6.0 | 1.8 | 31  | 5.9 | 4.4 | 75  | 2.7 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| Hunter Maldonado      | G   | 10 | 17.0| 12.9 | 5.5 | 43  | 3.9 | 0.9 | 23  | 7.4 | 5.1 | 69  | 5.0 | 0.2 | 1.9 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Tyrell Harrison       | C   | 25 | 15.0| 9.7  | 6.2 | 64  | 0.1 | 0.0 | 33  | 4.1 | 2.5 | 61  | 1.8 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| Javon Freeman-Liberty | G   | 9  | 13.4| 13.1 | 5.0 | 38  | 4.2 | 1.1 | 26  | 2.9 | 2.3 | 81  | 3.4 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 1.8 |
| Jaylen Adams          | G   | 13 | 12.8| 10.2 | 4.2 | 41  | 3.1 | 0.9 | 30  | 4.6 | 3.5 | 75  | 5.3 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 3.3 | 2.2 |
| Terry Taylor          | F   | 17 | 12.0| 12.0 | 5.2 | 43  | 3.7 | 0.8 | 22  | 1.6 | 0.8 | 50  | 1.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 2.7 |
| Dakota Mathias        | G   | 8  | 11.8| 10.4 | 4.1 | 40  | 6.1 | 2.3 | 37  | 1.4 | 1.3 | 91  | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.8 | 2.4 |
| Lamar Patterson       | F   | 9  | 9.9 | 8.6  | 4.1 | 48  | 2.6 | 0.8 | 30  | 1.8 | 0.9 | 50  | 3.0 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| Jacob Holt            | F   | 22 | 9.3 | 6.5  | 3.4 | 52  | 1.5 | 0.4 | 27  | 3.0 | 2.0 | 67  | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| Alex Ducas            | G   | 30 | 8.5 | 8.9  | 3.2 | 36  | 5.4 | 1.5 | 28  | 0.8 | 0.7 | 80  | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.9 |
| Mitch Norton          | G   | 23 | 7.5 | 7.0  | 2.1 | 30  | 2.9 | 0.5 | 18  | 3.3 | 2.8 | 87  | 3.3 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 2.7 |
| Sam McDaniel          | G   | 10 | 6.8 | 5.5  | 2.7 | 49  | 2.1 | 0.9 | 43  | 1.1 | 0.5 | 45  | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.9 |
| Taine Murray          | G   | 28 | 5.9 | 5.7  | 2.3 | 39  | 3.0 | 1.0 | 32  | 0.8 | 0.5 | 62  | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.7 |
| Tristan Devers        | G   | 29 | 4.9 | 4.0  | 1.7 | 41  | 1.8 | 0.6 | 34  | 1.4 | 1.0 | 68  | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 1.7 |
| Tohi Smith-Milner     | F   | 28 | 4.0 | 3.5  | 1.3 | 37  | 2.2 | 0.5 | 24  | 1.1 | 0.8 | 72  | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.9 |
| Jack Purchase         | G   | 28 | 1.7 | 2.0  | 0.6 | 28  | 1.8 | 0.5 | 30  | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.7 |
| Callum Dalton         | C   | 16 | 1.3 | 1.0  | 0.6 | 56  | 0.3 | 0.1 | 25  | 0.1 | 0.1 | 50  | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.3 |
| Jensen Bradtke        | F   | 13 | 0.7 | 1.0  | 0.2 | 23  | 0.8 | 0.1 | 9   | 0.3 | 0.2 | 50  | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Tad Dufelmeier        | -   | 1  | 0.0 | 1.0  | 0.0 | -   | 1.0 | 0.0 | -   | 0.0 | 0.0 | -   | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 |

Interim head coach Darryl McDonald was forlorn in his last press conference just minutes after the Sydney Kings brutalised the Bullets, at home, 117-77.

“I’m struggling, man,” McDonald admitted.

“To be honest, I ain’t going to lie. For me, it’s only about winning. That’s the way I played. I only want to win. We just don’t have a team that can consistently do that. We can maybe stay in some games, but it was always going to be tough.

“There are some struggles, but I can take some things away from it. It’s hard to think about it now, but I’ll go back and reflect on the year. I know what we need moving forward. I told the guys in the locker room, you earn these jobs.

“There are a lot of guys out here who would love to be in your position. When you step on the floor, you’ve got to play every possession like it’s your last. You’ve got to earn playing time and earn getting on the floor.

“It’s tough. I look at my record, and I think we won one game. You go home, and you can’t sleep.

“I can’t sleep because I’m always overthinking the game and what I could have done better. I got the job on December 18, and I’ve had four actual training sessions with the team.

“Then you have guys who can’t train. There’s a lot that goes into it. I’ll go back and reflect, especially for myself, on where I could have been better and where I can get better, and then see what happens.”

It’s brutal to hear one of the NBL’s greatest players losing sleep, but that was McDonald’s weight to bear after he was thrust into the poisoned chalice interim role on December 17, 2025.

Seven weeks of sleepless torture, but in reality, the Bullets simply haven’t been great, nor good, since they rejoined the league. Brisbane's overall record since 2016-17 is 114-179 (38.9%).

Just 370 days ago, Brisbane sacked Justin Schueller with a year left on his deal after failing to make the postseason in NBL25, finishing in eighth with 12 wins from 29 games, missing the play-in by one game and percentage.

Two months later, Brisbane shocked basketball insiders and fans, knocking over the first domino in a 10-month NBL26 off-season, pre-season and season of dysfunction and injury-riddled disappointment.

Injury Table

| Name                 | GP | Games Missed |
|----------------------|----|--------------|
| Casey Prather        | 12 | 21           |
| Hunter Maldonado     | 10 | 23           |
| Tyrell Harrison      | 25 | 8            |
| Javon Freeman-Liberty| 9  | 24           |
| Jaylen Adams         | 13 | 20           |
| Terry Taylor         | 17 | 16           |
| Dakota Mathias       | 8  | 25           |
| Lamar Patterson      | 9  | 24           |
| Jacob Holt           | 22 | 11           |
| Alex Ducas           | 30 | 3            |
| Mitch Norton         | 23 | 10           |
| Sam McDaniel         | 10 | 23           |
| Taine Murray         | 28 | 5            |
| Tristan Devers       | 29 | 4            |
| Tohi Smith-Milner    | 28 | 5            |
| Jack Purchase        | 28 | 5            |
| Callum Dalton        | 16 | 17           |
| Jensen Bradtke       | 13 | 20           |

How it happened

April 3, 2025 – Bullets shock: Advisor Stu Lash appointed head coach

The Brisbane Bullets appointed senior basketball advisor Stu Lash as head coach.

• First professional head coaching role
• Signals organisational reset

"To be frank, I look at the success that guys like Justin Tatum, Mike Wells, and Coach Kopp (Petteri Koponen) had last year. None of these guys had head coaching experience on a professional level, either," Lash said.

"I think the role of the head coach has evolved over the last few years, with the way you have to treat professional athletes as grown men and understanding who they are as people, so you can really tap into them and get the best out of them.”

April 15, 2025 – Taine Murray signs

Taine Murray becomes one of Lash’s first recruits.

April 19, 2025 – Ownership changes hands

The NBL and Larry Kestelman exit ownership, with Ben Haan acquiring a substantial stake.

May 14, 2025 – Jacob Holt signs

Jacob Holt joins on a three-year deal.

July 13, 2025 – Jaylen Adams signs

Former MVP Jaylen Adams joins Brisbane.

August 2, 2025 – 'Can't skip steps': Stu Lash's Brisbane Bullets blueprint

Top-four ambition declared.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position now where the goal realistically is to compete for a top four spot every year,” Lash said.

“That’s how the top teams in this league work… Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, they put themselves in a position to be consistently competitive.

“You can’t skip steps.

"There are things that we’ve done over the last couple of years off the basketball court that I think have put us in a position to be at the table with big players.”

September 27, 2025 – Mark Worthington unloads on Bullets coach Stu Lash

NBL champion and four-time All-NBL First Team member Mark Worthington slammed Brisbane Bullets head coach Stu Lash, declaring, "he's not a coach"

"Red flags at the Bullets with Stu Lash," wrote on Twitter (X).

"Worldwide search for a (Head Coach). Gifted by his mate and co-owner, Jason) Levien. Basketball Resume: Scout & Video co-ordinator (02-06); (and) Director of play personnel (09-12).

"This team deserves better. He’s not a coach. Vandy & DMac are babysitting."

October 2, 2025 – Bullets boss 'Lashes' critics: circles wagons

Malcolm Watts defends Lash.

Watts responded to the criticism and defended Lash on Breakfast with Corey Parker and Ian Healy on SENQ ahead of the team's home opener against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday.

“I was waiting for it. I think our first loss, I think they were going to come for us," Watts said.

"I think part of that was just the way that we've gone about putting the organisation of the club together this year. It has been an unorthodox approach. I do unorthodox really well, so I think I'm very comfortable with the direction we've taken.

"I expected it to come up at some point."

October 9, 2025 – Freeman-Liberty departs

Javon Freeman-Liberty mutually parts ways citing homesickness.

October 15, 2025 – 'Flushed': Coach Stu taking his lashes in his first year on

Four straight losing press conferences without one of his players at his side, the latest was after getting hammered by the defending champion Illawarra Hawks, themselves struggling, 116-89 in Round 4.

"Over the course of a season, you’ll always have probably two or three games that you want to flush away really quick and move on," Lash said.

"This is probably one of them, just given where we’re at from a scheduling standpoint and with our bodies.

"But understanding there are a few key details that we need to improve on — and we will. We will address that.

"The schedule and the travel — there’s never a gripe from me. It’s a privilege to play professional basketball and coach professional basketball.

"There are people in this world dealing with real challenges, and there are people who work really hard jobs. The worst day in the NBL is still a pretty good day for a lot of people.”

November 9, 2025 – Norton returns

Mitch Norton helps defeat the Tasmania JackJumpers. Norton, 32, missed multiple games for the 5-7 Bullets after sustaining a tibial plateau contusion following a knee hyperextension at the start of the season. He led the Bullets to a big 83-81 win against the JackJumpers in Hobart.

November 13, 2025 – Prather ruled out

Casey Prather suffers a season-ending knee setback.

November 14, 2025 – Adams axed

Brisbane part ways with Jaylen Adams.

November 17, 2025 – Freeman-Liberty returns

Freeman-Liberty rejoins Brisbane.

December 1, 2025 – Terry Taylor signs

Terry Taylor signs for the remainder of NBL26.

• Previously with the Ningbo Rockets
• Adds frontcourt depth

December 10, 2025 – 'Right man for the job?' Bullets members put heat on Lash

Bullets are ninth at 5–11, and Lash was asked two pointed questions at a Brisbane Bullets fan town hall: Was he the right man for the job, and would he consider stepping aside?

“I understand the question, and as we said earlier, we as an organisation are evaluating everything right now,” Lash said.

“I have a deep care and love for this club, and I’m willing to do whatever needs to be done to put this club in a position to be successful.

“Those are conversations that are actively happening right now.

“I can’t get into all the granular details, but I understand the question and why it’s being asked.”

It's the first indication that Lash's coaching role is being evaluated within the organisation.

December 17, 2025 – Lash out: '(I) will continue to support the club'

“After a lot of thought and discussions, I’ve decided to step down as head coach of the Brisbane Bullets,” Lash said.

“We went into this season with excitement and expectations.

“I want nothing but success for the players, staff, fans and sponsors and will continue to support the club.”

Brisbane appointed assistant coach Darryl McDonald as the interim head coach.

December 31, 2025 – 'To whom it may concern': DMac drops hammer

Darryl McDonald publicly declares readiness to lead Brisbane.

As far as cover letters go for a job application, former NBL star and now Brisbane Bullets head coach Darryl McDonald's is straight fire.

The 61-year-old McDonald's would read like this: "They don’t need a coach – I’m right here, man.

"Stop bringing these coaches from the States. It hasn’t worked. What we're doing is overhauling people. You got a coach right here.

"I know what it takes to win in this league. I’ve won in this league as a player and as an assistant coach. If you feel the need to go get somebody, okay – but the club needs stability. That’s the one thing we haven’t had.

"I haven’t spoken to Jason (Levien) yet. I’m trying to get on a call with him. But I understand – there’s a contract on the table for a guy in the States, but he wouldn’t come until next year. So most likely I’ll finish the year.

"They think a big name’s gonna come in and change things. But you’ve already got somebody in the seat. If you give me the opportunity and give me what I want, I’ll win in this league. I know I can."

January 6, 2026 – Will Weaver emerges as Bullets’ top target

Former Sydney Kings head coach and Charlotte Hornets advisor Will Weaver emerges as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Brisbane Bullets.

The 42-year-old American is reported to be working through contractual details, with uncertainty around his arrival timeline given the NBA season is at its midway point and Brisbane is out of NBL26 playoff contention. Any appointment is expected to focus on preparation for NBL27 rather than an immediate takeover.

January 13, 2026 – Maldonado’s breakout sparks belief

Hunter Maldonado emerges as a bright spot under interim coach McDonald.

• Signed after release from South East Melbourne Phoenix
• Debuted January 4 after visa clearance
• Scored 31 points in 32 minutes against the Cairns Taipans on January 12
• Added six rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block
• Calls month “a lot of stop and go” amid travel and delays

January 28, 2026 – Seven ejected in Ignite Cup melee

Seven players were ejected in a 107–74 loss to the Adelaide 36ers.

• Dejan Vasiljevic labels Bullets “unprofessional”
• NBL review launched, with seven players fined or suspended.

Despite it all, McDonald remained defiant, a standard-bearer and more than open to becoming the permanent head coach as he sat in front of reporters for the last time.

“You get a head coach, and you give him what he wants,” McDonald said.

“That’s the main thing. It’s obvious what’s happened this year. It can’t happen again. For me, it’s about the fans, the members, the sponsors. A year like this just can’t happen again.”

McDonald was humbled by six-time NBL Coach of the Year Brian Goorjian’s post-game compliment about being “proud” of McDonald after the Kings ended Brisbane’s year with the 40-point beatdown.

“I don’t know if I’m proud of myself,” McDonald admitted.

“It’s more about the group. I love the players and the team we had. I know it’s not what we wanted, but those guys showed up every day, and anything I asked of them, they gave me.

“I enjoyed that part of it.

“There was one game where I didn’t think we competed, but since then, the guys have competed and played hard. It’s been tough, but I was given a job, and it’s my job to get up every day and do the work. Whatever happens after that happens.

“I still struggle with losing. When I first took over, we lost that South East game, then we came back and beat New Zealand. I thought we might have something. We had some close losses to Melbourne and others. As those losses piled up and we knew we couldn’t make the finals, you could just feel the air go out of it. You could hear it when we missed shots.

“That’s hard to deal with.

“When I first got the job, I told Mal I didn’t want to do it because I’d been in this situation before. But once I got it, the plan was always that if I could get these guys to play hard, we’d give ourselves a chance.

“Some guys do that regardless, some you’ve got to push. But if you can’t score in this league, it’s tough. Sydney put up 117, South East are putting up 120, Melbourne is in the hundreds, and we couldn’t get over 80. It was always going to be tough to win.

“The competitive side of these guys is what I loved about them. That’s all I asked for.

"But you can’t win if you can’t score.”

Brisbane Bullets

Interim Head Coach: Darryl McDonald (Replaces Stu Lash)

• ‍PG: Javon Freeman-Liberty (IP) | Mitch Norton‍
• SG: Hunter Maldonado (IP & IRP) | Taine Murray | Tristan Devers (DP) | Dakota Mathias‍
• SF: Terry Taylor | Alex Ducas | Sam McDaniel | Jack Purchase | Lamar Patterson (IRP)‍
• PF: Casey Prather (IP) | Lachlan Anderson (IRP) | Jacob Holt | Jensen Bradtke (DP) | Tohi Smith-Milner‍
• C: Tyrell Harrison | Callum Dalton (IRP)

Injuries

• Dakota Mathias: Fractured scapula (shoulder).
• Casey Prather: Knee injury. Out the rest of the season.
• Lamar Patterson: Hamstring. Out of the rest of the season
• Tyrell Harrison: Concussion. No timetable
• Javon Freeman Liberty: Hamstring. Not timetable

Incoming Players

• Import Player: Hunter Maldonado (South East Melbourne Phoenix)
• Import player: Javon Freeman-Liberty (back from the US)
• Import player: Terry Taylor (Sacramento Kings / Stockton Kings)
• Lachlan Anderson (injury replacement player from Brisbane. Brought in on November 14, 2025.
• Callum Dalton (Injury replacement player)
• Jaylen Adams (from Sydney Kings – Import)‍
• Alex Ducas (from Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA)‍
• Jack Purchase (from Melbourne Tigers - NBL1)‍
• Taine Murray (from University of Virginia – NCAA)‍
• Jacob Holt (from Sacramento State University – NCAA)‍
• Jensen Bradtke (from University of Montana – NCAA)‍
• Tad Dufelmeier (From Cairns Taipans and Knox Raiders)

Departed Players

• Jaylen Adams: Released.
• Isaac White (to Adelaide 36ers)‍
• James Batemon (to Hiopos Lleida – Spain)‍
• Josh Bannan (to Tasmania JackJumpers)‍
• Keandre Cook (to CB Breogán – Spain)‍
• Kye Savage
• Rocco Zikarsky (to Minnesota Timberwolves – NBA)

2025-26 NBL Season

• 27 total losses
• Total points lost by: 527
• Average loss margin: 19.5 points

Brisbane Bullets Losses — Worst to Best

1. Tasmania JackJumpers 114 Brisbane Bullets 70 (44 pts)
2. Sydney Kings 117 Brisbane Bullets 77 (40 pts)
3. Illawarra Hawks 113 Brisbane Bullets 75 (38 pts)
4. Sydney Kings 116 Brisbane Bullets 79 (37 pts)
5. Adelaide 36ers 107 Brisbane Bullets 74 (33 pts)
6. Melbourne United 98 Brisbane Bullets 66 (32 pts)
7. South East Melbourne Phoenix 107 Brisbane Bullets 78 (29 pts)
8. Brisbane Bullets 84 New Zealand Breakers 113 (29 pts)
9. Illawarra Hawks 116 Brisbane Bullets 89 (27 pts)
10. Brisbane Bullets 76 South East Melbourne Phoenix 103 (27 pts)
11. Adelaide 36ers 90 Brisbane Bullets 65 (25 pts)
12. Sydney Kings 95 Brisbane Bullets 70 (25 pts)
13. Brisbane Bullets 62 Perth Wildcats 86 (24 pts)
14. Brisbane Bullets 86 South East Melbourne Phoenix 109 (23 pts)
15. Perth Wildcats 95 Brisbane Bullets 75 (20 pts)
16. Perth Wildcats 94 Brisbane Bullets 75 (19 pts)
17. Sydney Kings 95 Brisbane Bullets 80 (15 pts)
18. Illawarra Hawks 100 Brisbane Bullets 85 (15 pts)
19. Brisbane Bullets 75 Perth Wildcats 95 (20 pts)
20. Brisbane Bullets 86 Melbourne United 95 (9 pts)
21. Brisbane Bullets 72 Cairns Taipans 81 (9 pts)
22. Adelaide 36ers 87 Brisbane Bullets 80 (7 pts)
23. Melbourne United 99 Brisbane Bullets 93 (6 pts)
24. Cairns Taipans 88 Brisbane Bullets 83 (5 pts)
25. Brisbane Bullets 87 Melbourne United 92 (5 pts)
26. Brisbane Bullets 82 Tasmania JackJumpers 84 (2 pts)
27. Cairns Taipans 83 Brisbane Bullets 82 (1 pt)

2024–25 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Justin Schueller
• Captain: Mitch Norton
• ‍Ladder: 8th
• Games: 29 │ Wins: 12 │ Losses: 17 │
• Pts For: 2,678 │ Pts Against: 2,838 │ Diff: –160
• Club MVP: Casey Prather

The 2024–25 season was a high-output but defensively compromised campaign for the Brisbane Bullets — one that finally delivered offensive firepower, yet again fell short of converting scoring into winning leverage.

Offensively, Brisbane produced 92.3 points per game, their best output since the early Lemanis era, built on strong shooting efficiency (.462 FG, .376 3PT, .767 FT). The Bullets generated offence from multiple sources, spaced the floor effectively, and leaned into modern perimeter volume without collapsing interior efficiency (.512 on two-pointers). This was the most balanced shot profile Brisbane had fielded in several seasons.

However, ball movement remained a limiting factor. Despite the scoring jump, assists fell to 444, and too many possessions still relied on individual shot creation rather than layered advantage. Turnovers (375) stayed manageable, but the offence often peaked at “good” rather than consistently “great.”

Defensively, the season was decisive. Opponents scored 160 more points across the season, shooting an alarming .501 from the field and .587 on two-pointers. Brisbane struggled to contain dribble penetration, protect the rim, and close defensive possessions, despite competitive rebounding numbers (1,153 total rebounds). The Bullets were frequently forced into shootouts — and while they could score, they could not consistently stop runs.

From a roster perspective, 2024–25 represented offensive clarity without defensive identity. The pieces fit better on one end of the floor than the other, and while roles were clearer than in previous seasons, the imbalance between scoring and stopping remained unresolved.

Casey Prather

Role: Primary scorer + offensive fulcrum

• 21.3 ppg (team-high)
• 30.8 mpg
• 16.3 FGA per game
• High efficiency: .473 FG, .399 3PT

Prather was the offensive centrepiece of the 2024–25 Bullets. He carried volume without sacrificing efficiency, punished mismatches, and gave Brisbane a legitimate go-to option on the wing. His scoring consistency underpinned the team’s offensive leap and set a clear hierarchy that had often been missing in previous seasons.

Keandre Cook

Role: Secondary scorer + perimeter spacer

• 16.7 ppg
• 31.1 mpg
• 7.1 3PA per game

Cook provided spacing gravity and shot volume, stretching defences and complementing Prather’s on-ball scoring. While streaky at times, his willingness to shoot and ability to score off movement were critical to Brisbane’s improved offensive profile.

Tyrell Harrison

Role: Interior finisher + glass presence

• 14.3 ppg
• 9.7 rpg
• Elite efficiency: .645 FG

Harrison was Brisbane’s most reliable interior presence, finishing at a high rate and controlling the defensive glass. His productivity anchored lineups that otherwise leaned heavily toward perimeter offence.

2023–24 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Justin Schueller
• Captain: Nathan Sobey
• ‍Ladder: 7th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 13 │ Losses: 15 │
• Pts For: 2,458 │ Pts Against: 2,534 │ Diff: –76
• Club MVP: Nathan Sobey

The 2023–24 season was a year of partial correction without breakthrough for the Brisbane Bullets — improved defensive effort and interior efficiency, but still short of the offensive cohesion and perimeter consistency required to climb the ladder.

Offensively, Brisbane averaged 87.8 points per game, but did so on sub-league-average efficiency (.443 FG, .307 3PT). While the Bullets remained solid finishing inside the arc (.505 on two-pointers) and generated consistent free-throw pressure (.750 FT), perimeter shooting continued to lag. The lack of three-point efficiency compressed spacing and limited the offence’s ceiling, particularly late in games.

Ball movement declined sharply. Assists dropped to 406 for the season, one of the lowest totals of the modern era, while turnovers (342) remained stubbornly high. Too many possessions relied on individual creation rather than advantage-based flow, placing strain on primary scorers and reducing lineup flexibility.

Defensively, there were clear signs of improvement. Brisbane increased physicality and activity — 173 steals, 109 blocks, and strong rebounding volume (1,134 total rebounds) — and narrowed the points differential compared to the previous season. However, opponents still shot better overall (.466 FG, .537 2PT), and Brisbane struggled to consistently contain penetration or protect the paint against stronger front courts.

From a roster perspective, 2023–24 was about re-stabilising the base. Roles were more defined than in 2022–23, effort levels were higher, and defensive intent improved — but offensive identity remained unresolved, particularly around spacing, shot creation hierarchy, and late-clock reliability.

Nathan Sobey

Role: Primary scorer + offensive driver

• 20.1 ppg (team-high)
• 30.1 mpg
• 15.5 FGA per game
• Elite foul pressure: 6.9 FTA, .859 FT

Sobey was once again Brisbane’s offensive engine, carrying the heaviest creation load and generating consistent rim pressure. While efficiency from the field fluctuated, his ability to score, draw fouls, and create late-clock offence kept Brisbane competitive across long stretches.

Tyler Johnson

Role: Secondary scorer + wing creator

• 15.8 ppg
• 28.6 mpg
• 11.8 FGA per game

Johnson provided a reliable secondary scoring option, capable of attacking mismatches and spacing the floor. However, the lack of consistent perimeter support around him limited the overall offensive leverage of Brisbane’s wing rotation.

Josh Bannan

Role: Interior scorer + rebounding presence

• 11.9 ppg
• 7.2 rpg
• 29.0 mpg

Bannan was a bright spot in the frontcourt, supplying physicality, rebounding, and interior finishing. His development helped stabilise lineups and contributed to Brisbane’s improved defensive effort, even as broader team issues persisted.

2022–23 NBL Season

• Head Coach: James Duncan I Sam Mackinnon I Greg Vanderjagt
• Captain: Aron Baynes
• ‍Ladder: 9th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 8 │ Losses: 20 │
• Pts For: 2,365 │ Pts Against: 2,600 │ Diff: –235
• Club MVP: Nathan Sobey

The 2022–23 season was a clear regression for the Brisbane Bullets, marked by declining efficiency, defensive slippage, and an inability to consistently control games at either end of the floor.

Offensively, Brisbane averaged 84.5 points per game, but did so with reduced efficiency (.439 FG, .325 3PT). While their two-point finishing remained solid (.512 on twos), perimeter shooting failed to provide enough spacing or scoring punch, and free-throw production (.763 FT) did not offset the lack of reliable half-court creation. Shot quality dipped, and too many possessions ended without a clear advantage generated.

Ball movement stalled relative to previous seasons. Assists fell to 481, while turnovers climbed to 440, reinforcing a pattern of high-effort offence without structural clarity. Brisbane often relied on individual shot-making rather than sustained offensive flow, particularly in close or late-game situations.

Defensively, the season was decisive in the wrong direction. Opponents scored 235 more points across the season, shot better from the field (.453 FG) and from two (.543 2PT), and consistently generated higher-quality looks. While rebounding volume was competitive, Brisbane struggled to protect the paint, finish possessions, and defend without fouling. The result was a defence that absorbed pressure rather than applying it.

From a roster perspective, 2022–23 reflected instability and misalignment. New personnel were integrated, but roles fluctuated, rotations shifted, and chemistry never settled. The Bullets were capable of strong individual performances, but those efforts rarely translated into sustained team success.

Tyler Johnson

Role: Primary scorer + late-clock option

• 15.8 ppg (team-high)
• 28.6 mpg
• 11.8 FGA per game
• Efficient scorer: .480 FG, .367 3PT, .785 FT

Johnson was Brisbane’s most reliable offensive presence. He provided scoring across all three levels, handled late-clock responsibility, and carried a steady usage load in an otherwise uneven offence. His efficiency stood out in a season where consistency was rare.

Nathan Sobey

Role: Lead guard + rim-pressure creator

• 15.3 ppg
• 32.0 mpg
• 4.7 assists per game

Sobey remained Brisbane’s primary initiator, generating downhill pressure and playmaking opportunities. However, defensive attention and limited spacing reduced his efficiency, and the burden placed on him highlighted the lack of secondary creation.

Aron Baynes

Role: Interior anchor + screen-setter

• 11.7 ppg
• 7.8 rebounds per game

Baynes provided physicality, rebounding, and interior scoring, but Brisbane struggled to consistently leverage his presence into defensive stability or sustained offensive advantage.

2021–22 NBL Season

• Head Coach: James Duncan
• Captain: Jason Cadee
• ‍Ladder: 8th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 10 │ Losses: 18 │
• Pts For: 2,379 │ Pts Against: 2,500 │ Diff: –121
• Club MVP: Robert Franks

The 2021–22 season marked a reset year for the Brisbane Bullets, both stylistically and structurally, following the turbulence of the hub-heavy 2020–21 campaign and the end of the Andrej Lemanis era.

Offensively, Brisbane took a step back in output, averaging 84.9 points per game, down sharply from the previous two seasons. Efficiency softened across the board (.447 FG, .323 3PT, .721 FT), and while the Bullets remained effective inside the arc (.525 on two-pointers), perimeter consistency and foul pressure declined. The offence leaned more heavily on half-court execution, without the same pace or spacing that had driven earlier scoring spikes.

Ball movement remained functional (496 assists), but the offence lacked rhythm and continuity. Turnovers crept back up (422 total), and too many possessions ended without a clear advantage created. Brisbane often relied on individual shot-making rather than systemic pressure, particularly late in games.

Defensively, the Bullets were competitive but ultimately overmatched. Opponents scored 121 more points across the season, shot slightly better from two and three, and forced Brisbane into difficult scoring exchanges. Rebounding volume was strong (1,168 total rebounds), but it did not translate into consistent control of tempo or scoreboard pressure.

From a roster perspective, 2021–22 was a season of recalibration. New pieces were integrated, roles shifted frequently, and lineups lacked the cohesion required to sustain winning stretches. The Bullets were capable of strong single-game performances, but consistency proved elusive.

Robert Franks

Role: Primary scorer + interior–perimeter hybrid

• 18.2 ppg (team-high)
• 33.0 mpg
• 13.2 FGA per game
• Efficient scoring: .497 FG, .391 3PT, .763 FT

Franks was the clear offensive focal point for Brisbane in 2021–22. He provided scoring at all three levels, rebounding presence, and physicality, often carrying the offence through difficult stretches. His versatility allowed Brisbane to toggle between small and big lineups, but the reliance on his shot-making also highlighted the lack of a consistent secondary creator.

Lamar Patterson

Role: Secondary creator + physical wing

• 16.1 ppg
• 29.1 mpg
• 14.4 FGA per game

Patterson remained a central offensive figure, operating as a downhill attacker and secondary organiser. While still productive, his efficiency dipped, and his burden reflected the broader offensive challenges Brisbane faced in generating clean looks.

Nathan Sobey

Role: Attacking guard + foul generator

• 16.1 ppg
• 29.1 mpg
• 5.0 FTA per game

Sobey’s season was truncated, but his presence was felt through rim pressure and free-throw generation. Without him available consistently, Brisbane struggled to maintain guard-driven advantage creation.

2020–21 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Andrej Lemanis
• Captain: Jason Cadee
• ‍Ladder: 6th
• Games: 36 │ Wins: 18 │ Losses: 18 │
• Pts For: 3,204 │ Pts Against: 3,274 │ Diff: –70
• Club MVP: Nathan Sobey

The 2020–21 season was the most volatile and disrupted campaign of the Brisbane Bullets’ post-return era, shaped heavily by hub conditions, roster churn, and availability instability.

On paper, Brisbane produced 91.0 points per game, maintaining a high-output offence built around pace, guard creation, and interior efficiency. Shooting numbers were respectable (.451 FG, .334 3PT), and finishing inside remained a strength (.521 on two-pointers). The Bullets continued to lean into a modern shot profile, with nearly 1,000 three-point attempts across the season.

However, this was the first season where offensive coherence clearly fractured. Despite solid raw scoring, efficiency fluctuated game to game, turnovers climbed (436 total), and lineups lacked continuity. Ball movement remained present (658 assists), but decision-making under pressure regressed relative to 2019–20.

Defensively, the profile slipped. Opponents out-shot Brisbane from three (.369 vs .334), forced more assists, and generated more steals. Rebounding volume increased, but it did not translate into consistent control of games. The statistical symmetry — points for and against finishing exactly equal — accurately reflected a team stuck between dangerous and unreliable.

From a roster perspective, 2020–21 marked the end of the Andrej Lemanis era in practice, if not formally. Core offensive pieces remained, but chemistry, clarity, and defensive identity all eroded under external pressures. Brisbane could still score with anyone on a given night — but sustaining form became increasingly difficult.

Nathan Sobey

Role: Primary scorer + lead guard

• 21.1 ppg (team-high)
• 34.1 mpg
• 15.8 FGA per game
• High efficiency for volume: .458 FG, .382 3PT, .887 FT

Sobey emerged as the clear offensive leader in 2020–21. He carried the heaviest creation load of his Bullets tenure, combining perimeter shooting, downhill pressure, and improved free-throw generation. While his usage was essential to Brisbane’s scoring viability, it also underscored how heavily the offence leaned on him in unstable lineups.

Vic Law

Role: Secondary scorer + physical wing

• 18.8 ppg
• 32.6 mpg
• 15.4 FGA per game

Law provided Brisbane with a reliable secondary scoring option, capable of attacking mismatches and contributing across multiple phases. His physicality and rebounding helped stabilise stretches of play, even as overall team consistency wavered.

Lamar Patterson

Role: Shot creator + transition scorer

• 14.2 ppg
• 12.6 FGA per game

Patterson’s role diminished relative to previous seasons, but he remained an important source of shot creation and experience. His reduced availability and shifting usage mirrored the broader instability of the season.

2019–20 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Andrej Lemanis
• Captain: Multiple
• ‍Ladder: 5th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 15 │ Losses: 13 │
• Pts For: 2,607 │ Pts Against: 2,557 │ Diff: +50
• Club MVP: Lamar Patterson

The 2019–20 season represented Brisbane’s most complete offensive season since returning to the NBL, and the clearest expression of the roster build that had been evolving since 2017.

The Bullets averaged 93.1 points per game, their highest output across the four-season stretch, driven by strong efficiency (.471 FG, .360 3PT) and elite finishing inside the arc (.546 on two-pointers). Brisbane generated offence at scale — 2,015 field-goal attempts and 806 three-point attempts — while maintaining balance rather than drifting into low-efficiency volume.

Ball movement reached its peak. Brisbane recorded 528 assists across the season, comfortably their best mark of the era, reflecting a team that could initiate offence from multiple positions and sustain advantage through second and third actions. Turnovers (346 total) remained controlled despite the increased pace and usage.

Defensively, the profile improved incrementally rather than dramatically. Rebounding climbed to 1,014 total rebounds, blocks rose to 98, and steals held steady. Brisbane were more physical and more active than in earlier seasons, but still relied on system defence rather than disruption, leaving limited margin when offensive rhythm dipped.

From a roster perspective, 2019–20 was the apex of Brisbane’s Andrej Lemanis-era identity: high-scoring, guard- and wing-driven, spacing-heavy, and offensively versatile. What remained elusive was the final step — converting offensive firepower into sustained ladder dominance and defensive reliability.

Lamar Patterson

Role: Primary scorer + possession driver

• 21.4 ppg (team-high)
• 29.6 mpg
• 16.6 FGA per game
• High usage: .461 FG, .338 3PT, .774 FT

Patterson was the undisputed offensive engine of the 2019–20 Bullets. He controlled possessions, absorbed defensive attention, and consistently generated offence both on and off the ball. His role expanded further from 2018–19, with Brisbane increasingly comfortable living with the results of Patterson-led possessions late in the clock.

Nathan Sobey

Role: Secondary scorer + attacking guard

• 16.5 ppg
• 14.1 FGA per game
• 3.4 assists per game

Sobey provided Brisbane with a second high-usage creator, complementing Patterson with pace, penetration, and transition pressure. While efficiency fluctuated, his ability to stress defences off the bounce was central to Brisbane’s scoring surge and overall offensive ceiling.

2018–19 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Andrej Lemanis
• Captain: Adam Gibson‍
• Ladder: 4th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 14 │ Losses: 14 │
• Pts For: 2,503 │ Pts Against: 2,480 │ Diff: +23
• Club MVP: Lamar Patterson

The 2018–19 season was the high-water mark of Brisbane’s post-return offensive output, even as the overall campaign remained frustratingly uneven.

Brisbane made a clear stylistic shift toward pace, spacing, and perimeter volume, averaging 88.9 points per game on .465 shooting from the field and an elite .391 from three. The Bullets attempted 744 threes across the season — a major jump from previous years — and leaned heavily into drive-and-kick offence and early-clock perimeter looks. Inside the arc, they remained efficient (.510 on twos), showing a genuinely modern shot profile.

This was also Brisbane’s most creator-driven offence of the Andrej Lemanis era. The ball moved more freely (527 assists), turnovers dropped again, and multiple players were capable of initiating offence rather than simply finishing it. Possessions were quicker, more decisive, and less reliant on grinding half-court execution.

Defensively, however, the gains were less convincing. While Brisbane generated more steals and maintained rebounding competitiveness, they remained vulnerable in physical matchups and struggled to consistently control fouling and rim protection. When shots weren’t falling, the Bullets lacked a reliable defensive lever to stabilise games.

From a roster perspective, this season represented maximum offensive upside without matching defensive certainty. Brisbane were dangerous on any given night and capable of outscoring quality opponents — but still lacked the balance and consistency required to translate scoring power into sustained success.

Lamar Patterson

Role: Primary scorer + offensive organiser

• 18.1 ppg (team-high)
• 28.4 mpg
• 13.8 FGA per game
• Multi-level scoring: .455 FG, .371 3PT, .819 FT

Patterson was the clear offensive hub of the 2018–19 Bullets. He combined volume scoring with physicality, foul drawing, and secondary playmaking, giving Brisbane its most complete offensive presence since re-entering the league. Unlike previous lead scorers, Patterson could both initiate and finish possessions, making him the team’s most reliable late-clock option.

Cameron Gliddon

Role: High-volume perimeter shooter + floor spacer

• 13.7 ppg
• 6.9 3PA per game
• .392 from three

Gliddon was the spacing engine of Brisbane’s offence. His willingness to shoot off movement and in transition stretched defensive coverages and unlocked driving lanes for others. While not a primary creator, his shooting gravity was central to the Bullets’ offensive spike.

2017–18 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Andrej Lemanis
• Captain: Adam Gibson‍
• Ladder: 8th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 9 │ Losses: 19 │
• Pts For: 2,347 │ Pts Against: 2,487 │ Diff: –140
• Club MVP: Travis Trice

The 2017–18 season represented a clear step forward for the Brisbane Bullets — not yet a contender, but no longer merely re-establishing credibility. Brisbane doubled its win total from the previous season and finished squarely mid-table, competitive on most nights and structurally more coherent at both ends of the floor.

Offensively, the Bullets were more productive and more efficient. They averaged 83.8 points per game, improving across every major shooting indicator (.475 FG, .363 3PT, .806 FT). Shot quality improved inside the arc in particular, with a .519 two-point percentage, reflecting better spacing, stronger interior finishing, and more reliable secondary scoring.

Unlike 2016–17, Brisbane now had a clear offensive engine. The offence flowed through Perrin Buford, whose combination of volume scoring, physicality, and foul drawing gave Brisbane a reliable possession-to-possession option. Ball movement improved, assist numbers climbed, and turnovers dropped sharply, signalling a more decisive offensive identity.

Defensively, Brisbane remained more disciplined than disruptive, but execution improved. Turnovers forced increased, fouls committed fell significantly, and the Bullets were better at finishing possessions despite still lacking elite rim protection. The net result was a rare statistical symmetry: points for and against finished exactly even, a fair reflection of a true .500 team.

From a roster perspective, this season marked Brisbane’s transition from foundation to functionality. Roles were clearer, import impact was stronger, and the margin between Brisbane and finals-level teams narrowed meaningfully — even if it had not yet disappeared.

Perrin Buford

Role: Primary scorer + physical two-way wing

• 16.2 ppg (team-high)
• 31.2 mpg
• 12.6 FGA per game
• Efficient across zones: .504 FG, .410 3PT, .706 FT

Buford was the offensive centre of gravity for Brisbane in 2017–18. He provided consistent shot creation, attacked mismatches, and absorbed defensive attention in ways the Bullets lacked the previous season. While not a pure organiser, his ability to score at all three levels stabilised the offence and gave Brisbane a late-clock option they could trust.

Daniel Kickert

Role: Interior scorer + pick-and-pop big

• 14.0 ppg
• 9.8 FGA
• High efficiency: .522 FG, .579 2PT, .922 FT

Kickert built on his 2016–17 foundation year with increased volume and sustained efficiency. He remained a dependable interior presence and a reliable release valve, thriving within Brisbane’s improved spacing. As before, his offence was largely play-dependent, but his consistency underpinned the Bullets’ improved scoring output.

2016–17 NBL Season

• Head Coach: Andrej Lemanis
• Captain: Adam Gibson
• ‍Ladder: 8th
• Games: 28 │ Wins: 10 │ Losses: 18 │
• Pts For: 2,268 │ Pts Against: 2,392 │ Diff: –124
• Club MVP: Torrey Craig

The 2016–17 season was the return of the Brisbane Bullets to the NBL, and it played out exactly like a foundation year: competitive, functional, but ultimately limited.

Brisbane finished the season as a middle-to-lower tier team, capable of staying in games but rarely imposing themselves over four quarters. Their offense was balanced rather than explosive, averaging 80.6 points per game on solid efficiency (.460 FG, .358 from three, .806 at the line). They attacked the paint first, took care of their free throws, and avoided extreme shot-profile weaknesses.

However, that balance came at a cost. The Bullets lacked a true offensive engine. Ball movement was steady but not decisive, reflected in near assist–turnover parity, and there was no consistent closer or primary creator who could bend defensive schemes or control late-game possessions.

Defensively, Brisbane competed but did not disrupt. Steal and block rates were modest, foul rates were high, and rebounding sat squarely in the middle of the league. They defended within structure rather than through pressure or playmaking, which left them vulnerable when shots weren’t falling.

From a roster perspective, the season was about establishing credibility, not contention. Imports and locals filled roles responsibly, but no unit dominated any phase of the game. The Bullets were rarely blown out, but just as rarely decisive.

Torrey Craig

Role: Volume scorer + physical wing

• 15.2 ppg (team-high)
• 30.3 mpg
• 12.0 FGA per game (highest on roster)

Craig was the offensive focal point by volume, not by control. He took the toughest shots, absorbed contact, and carried the physical burden of the offence. His efficiency (.463 FG, .398 from three) was solid given his usage, but he was not a natural shot-creator off the dribble in late-clock situations. He finished offense more than he organised it.

Daniel Kickert

Role: Interior scorer + pick-and-pop big

• 12.8 ppg
• 8.9 FGA
• Elite efficiency: .544 FG, .571 on twos, .951 FT

Kickert was Brisbane’s most efficient high-minute scorer. He punished switches, finished inside, and drew fouls at a strong rate. Importantly, his offence was dependent on others — he thrived as a finisher rather than a creator.

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback.

‍