Former King Newley calls time on illustrious career

One of Australia’s most successful basketballers of the 21^st century has announced his retirement from the professional game, following Brad Newley’s announcement that the NBL24 season would be his last as a professional.

Newley, who turns 39 on Sunday, started his professional career with the Townsville Crocodiles in 2004 and was named the NBL’s Rookie of the Year, Best Sixth Man and All-Star Game MVP in his first season as a professional.

The Boomers legend spent the peak of his career playing for some of the biggest clubs across Europe and returned to the NBL in 2016 following stints in Greece, Turkey, Lithuania and Spain.

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He won the Gaze Medal for the Australian international player of the year while a member of Lithuanian side Lietuvos ryvas in 2011 and won two Commonwealth Games gold medals as a member of the Boomers.

Newley was also selected with the 54^th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, and represented his country at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

At the time of his retirement announcement, Newley has played 325 NBL games across his career – including 75 with current side Melbourne United.

While he is retiring from the NBL, Newley has signed on to represent the Frankston Blues in the upcoming NBL1 South season.

“I’m ready,” said Newley, who had averages of 11.2 points, 4.5 boards and 2.2 dimes across his 148 games with the Kings.

“I’ve hit a part of my career now where I’m needed more now off the court than I am on it, and I feel now that I’m ready to step away.

“While it can obviously be hard to take a step back and perhaps not play as much as you’d like anymore, getting to be a part of a team that’s winning and that has great camaraderie is really special. 

“It hasn’t been a really hard decision for me given the fact that I’ve been playing for 20 years. I’m lucky that I’m not going out injured, I’m still able to play with my kids and I’m still able to move.

“Playing here has been awesome. Some of my fondest memories of my career came playing against Melbourne United, the battles we’d have when I was with Sydney. 

“These past three years, being a part of this club and being embraced by this fanbase that’s been so crazy about the game since COVID, it’s been something really amazing.

“I’m very grateful to United for bringing me in and giving me these extra three years and giving me the chance to help contribute to a championship."