The core of success

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Six of the past 10 championship winning teams contained at least eight players on the roster from the season before.

“Plan A is for this group to reunite, to do our best to keep the core and everybody together.”

That was the quote from championship winning head coach, Justin Tatum, following his team’s incredible success in the NBL25 season.

While time will tell whether that’s possible or not, the importance of maintaining a core group of players has perhaps never been more crucial to winning.

The Illawarra Hawks' championship-winning team from this season featured nine players who were on the team the previous year. That was a core group who began with a 3-7 record, before Tatum took over and marched them all the way to a Playoff berth.

After falling short in a Game 3 to Melbourne United two years ago, Tatum ran it back with the majority of his team and added a couple of pieces to the mix. They quickly became the benchmark of the competition when last season began.

It may seem obvious that retention from year to year leads to success, but the numbers certainly support that as a key metric to winning.

The fairytale story that was the Tasmania JackJumpers in NBL24 had eight players from the previous season, including their Larry Sengstock Medallist, Jack McVeigh.

Six of the past 10 championship winning teams contained at least eight players on the roster from the season before, further highlighting the importance of building continuity throughout an organisation.

The last time a championship-winning team had less than seven returning players was back in 2015, when the New Zealand Breakers won the title with six of their team having been there the year before.

Including their development players, the Illawarra Hawks already have 10 players from their championship winning team set to return for the NBL26 season. Brian Goorjian also has nine of his full roster from last season locked in, as the Sydney Kings try to get back to their championship-contending best.

On the flip side of that equation are the two Melbourne teams, who both currently have just four players from last season signed on.

As some of the key free agents begin to find new homes, all eyes are on teams around the league as they piece together their puzzle for next season.

South East Melbourne Phoenix head coach, Josh King, understands what this period means to his clubs aspirations for next season.

“This is the most important and crucial part of the year… building the roster,” he told Phoenix media.

“Because once that thing is set, that’s what you’ve got. That’s the team you’re going to try and chase something special with.”

NBL25 Champions – Illawarra Hawks
Returning players from season prior - 9

NBL24 Champions – Tasmania JackJumpers
Returning players from season prior - 8

NBL23 Champions – Sydney Kings
Returning players from season prior – 8 (Jordan Hunter injured)

NBL22 Champions – Sydney Kings
Returning players from season prior - 7

NBL21 Champions – Melbourne United
Returning players from season prior - 7

NBL20 Champions – Perth Wildcats
Returning players from season prior - 9

NBL19 Champions – Perth Wildcats
Returning players from season prior - 8