The 1979 NBL season was the inaugural season of the National Basketball League (NBL). The championship was decided by a sudden death Grand Final between first (St. Kilda Saints) and second (Canberra Cannons).
Teams
Ten teams competed in the 1979 Season.
ClubLocationStadiumCapacityFoundedHead CoachBankstown BruinsSydneyBankstown Basketball Stadium2,5001979Shaun O'ConnellBrisbane BulletsBrisbaneAuchenflower Stadium2,0001979 Robert YoungCanberra CannonsCanberraCanberra ShowgroundsUnknown1979 Cal StampCity of Sydney AstronautsSydneyAlexandria StadiumUnknown1979 Charlie AmmitGlenelg TigersGlenelgApollo Entertainment Centre3,0001979 Alan DaweIllawarra HawksWollongongBeaton Park Stadium2,0001979 Joe FarrugiaNewcastle FalconsNewcastleNewcastle Sports Entertainment Centre2,2001979 Bob TurnerNunawading SpectresMelbourneBurwood Stadium2,0001979 Barry BarnesSt. Kilda SaintsMelbourneAlbert Park Basketball Stadium2,0001979 Brian KerleWest Adelaide BearcatsPort AdelaideApollo Entertainment Centre3,0001979 Ken Richardson
Regular season The 1979 regular season took place over 15 rounds between 24 February 1979 and 3 June 1979.
Every team played 18 games, against each opponent twice.
Round 1
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Round 2
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Round 3
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Round 4
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Round 5
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Round 6
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Round 7
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Round 8
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Round 9
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Round 10
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Round 11
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Round 12
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Round 13
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Round 14
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Round 15
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Ladder
The NBL tie-breaker system as outlined in the NBL Rules and Regulations states that in the case of an identical win–loss record, the results in games played between the teams will determine order of seeding.
1Head-to-Head between Canberra Cannons and Nunawading Spectres (1-1). Canberra Cannons won For and Against (+2).
2Newcastle Falcons won Head-to-Head (2-0).
3Head-to-Head between Glenelg Tigers and Bankstown Bruins (1-1). Glenelg Tigers won For and Against (+7).
Grand Final
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Coaches
Coach Team Games Coached Won Lost Win% CommentsBrian KerleSt. Kilda Saints1916384.21%1979 Championship Coach (1st title) Cal StampCanberra Cannons1913668.42%Barry BarnesNunawading Spectres1813572.22%Ken RichardsonWest Adelaide Bearcats1812666.67%Robert YoungBrisbane Bullets1810855.56%Bob TurnerNewcastle Falcons1881044.44% Charlie AmmitCity of Sydney Astronauts1881044.44%Joe FarrugiaIllawarra Hawks1851327.78%Alan DaweGlenelg Tigers1831516.67%Shaun O'ConnellBankstown Bruins1831516.67%
Awards
Statistics leaders Category Player Team Stat Points Cal Bruton Brisbane Bullets 597 pts / 18 games Free throw percentage Robbie Cadee St. Kilda Saints 89.7% (35/39)
Regular season Most Valuable Player: Ken Richardson (West Adelaide Bearcats)
Grand Final Grand Final MVP: Larry Sengstock (St. Kilda Saints)
References
External links