The NBL's biggest ever signings

Few players have changed the NBL forever, but these stars did exactly that. From homegrown icons to international superstars, their arrivals helped shape the League and elevate Australian basketball to new heights.

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Andrew Bogut

Arguably the best big man in Australian basketball history, Andrew Bogut returned home in 2018 on a multi-year deal with the Sydney Kings. At the time, it was one of the biggest signings in NBL history, as Bogut was only a few years removed from winning an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.

After winning MVP for the Kings, Bogut would return to the Warriors and help them reach another NBA Finals, where they faced the Toronto Raptors. A FIBA Hall of Fame member, Bogut made history as the first Australian selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2005, showing the world that Australian basketball was here to stay.

Now a coach and co-owner with the Kings, Bogut’s basketball journey has seen him develop into one of the sharpest minds in the game and earn a special place in Australian sporting history.

Andrew Gaze

When an 18-year-old Andrew Gaze joined the Melbourne Tigers in 1984, little did anyone know that the blueprint for the greatest player of all time had been set. In his debut season, Gaze went on to win the NBL Rookie of the Year Award, averaging over 29 points, six rebounds and four assists, emphatically announcing himself to Australian basketball.

Gaze’s legacy in the NBL goes well beyond his on-court accolades, which include seven MVP awards, because he would go on to put the nation on his shoulders and play an integral role in the foundation of Australian basketball.

Bryce Cotton

When Gaze retired, his career achievements were so great that no one believed anyone could come close to replicating them. That was until the Perth Wildcats signed a young guard out of Tucson, Arizona, in 2016.

Bryce Cotton joined the Wildcats at a time when the team needed a spark in their season, and with 26 points in his debut and a win over the Sydney Kings, Cotton had arrived. Fans quickly saw a superstar unfolding before their very eyes, and when he scored 45 points in Game 3 of the Grand Final, it had well and truly begun.

Six league MVPs later, Cotton has risen quickly to challenge Gaze for the record as he continues to electrify fans every single game.

Cole Anthony

The NBL has seen many NBA talents join the league over the past few years, but perhaps none compare to Melbourne United luring Cole Anthony ahead of NBL27. The 26-year-old is yet to enter his prime and has chosen the NBL as the next step in his career, turning down other opportunities around the world.

The league has seen players like McGee, Bogut and Aron Baynes join at the back end of their professional careers, but Anthony’s decision to play in the NBL now has made waves around the country.

In his second NBA season, Anthony averaged over 16 points, five rebounds and five assists and has already spoken glowingly about how the NBL will help his career. Anthony will reunite with his former Orlando Magic teammate Joe Ingles and will no doubt attract more attention to the league from the United States and beyond.

Corey Williams

When it comes to important signings in NBL history, perhaps none came with the gravitational pull of Corey “Homicide” Williams. A former MVP of the league, Williams’ transition from on-court star to media extraordinaire made him truly one of one.

Following his streetball dominance growing up in New York, Williams joined the Townsville Crocodiles in 2007 and instantly became must-see TV. When he hung up the boots, Williams’ passion, big personality, opinions and enthusiasm for the NBL shone through the microphone as he changed the mainstream media landscape for Australian basketball.

JaVale McGee

In the off-season before NBL26, there were whispers that the Illawarra Hawks were set to sign one of the biggest names in league history. Those whispers came to fruition when they announced three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee.

The seven-foot big man had recently won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA, and while he was 37 years old at the time, he was joining the NBL fresh off an outstanding season in Puerto Rico.

McGee quickly became a fan favourite around the country and an instant highlight reel on the court, as his former teammates and coaches around the world tuned in to watch him go to work.

Josh Childress

Currently part of the South East Melbourne Phoenix ownership group, Josh Childress signed with the Sydney Kings in 2014, which had fans on the edge of their seats following his success in the NBA.

Childress was one of the first of the new wave of NBA talents to see what the NBL had to offer and take the opportunity to play in one of the most respected competitions in world basketball. The high-flying forward would go on to lead the league in scoring in his debut season and be selected to the All-NBL First Team.

LaMelo Ball

During an episode of The Jump on ESPN in 2019, LaMelo Ball announced, “Next year I'm taking my talents to the NBL and play for the Illawarra Hawks.”

At the time, the 17-year-old had the world captivated, from his high school mixtapes to his brother Lonzo playing in the NBA and his father, LaVar, making headlines. It was a huge coup for the Next Stars Program to secure the signature of one of the most exciting teenagers in world basketball, as Ball explained how the NBL would be the best path for him to make the leap to the NBA.

Ball would go on to win Rookie of the Year for the Hawks despite playing just 12 games, averaging 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Lanard Copeland

In 1992, Lanard Copeland joined the Melbourne Tigers, teaming up with Gaze to form one of the most exciting and dominant duos in NBL history. He was selected as an All-Star in his first season, later adding six more selections to his resume before his highly decorated career came to a close.

In 1997, Copeland would be part of one of the greatest NBL teams of all time, as the Tigers clinched their second championship. Copeland’s success on the court would transition seamlessly into his impact off the floor, as he made Australia home and continued to give back to local basketball communities.

Leroy Loggins

There are many different measuring sticks for greatness, and Leroy Loggins ticks a lot of those boxes. Joining the Brisbane Bullets in 1981, Loggins would spend 21 seasons in the NBL and become one of the most dominant and consistent superstars the league has ever seen.

Winning three championships, three MVPs and receiving 10 All-NBL First Team selections in that span, Loggins solidified his place as one of the greatest of all time. While his electrifying offensive highlights spoke for themselves, it was his defensive impact that made him a revolutionary player in the competition.