11
Feb
Breaking News
Inspirational Cadee calls time on NBL career
Adelaide 36ers guard Jason Cadee has announced his retirement from the NBL. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Adelaide 36ers guard Jason Cadee retires after 15 seasons in the NBL.
- Jason Cadee has announced he will retire at season's end after 15 years in the NBL and 422 games
- The point guard suffered serious injuries after a crash on a Sydney highway in 2010
- He won the NBL's Sixth Man of the Year in 2020
One of the most popular figures in the NBL will hang up his boots after Adelaide 36ers guard Jason Cadee announced he will retire at season’s end.
Cadee’s NBL career spans over 15 years and 422 games, a remarkable achievement after his career was almost over before it even started when he was seriously injured following a crash with a semi-trailer on a Sydney highway in 2010, which left him trapped in his car for more than 90 minutes.
The crafty guard from the Bankstown Bruins proved an inspiration to many after bouncing back from the life-threatening accident to play a major role at every stop in his NBL career with the Gold Coast Blaze, two stints with the Adelaide 36ers, the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets.
Cadee, 33, told his teammates on Tuesday morning at training in Melbourne ahead of Thursday night’s elimination play-in battle against the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena.
“My journey has been phenomenal, and it’s been an incredible ride,” Cadee said in a release with the NBL.
“I can now look to the next chapter of my professional life, and it’s an exciting time for my family and I.”
The point guard won the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2020, has career averages of 8.2 points, three assists and 2.2 rebounds per game. He has also represented the Boomers and is seen by many as a future NBL coach, given his leadership qualities throughout his 15 seasons.
“Let’s hope there’s a few more games left this season, and we can make a push for the ultimate prize. Now that would be a special way to finish” Cadee said in the release.
“That’s what’s made this decision harder, I know I can still play an important role, but I’m at peace that I am finishing on my terms.
“The NBL has been my life since my childhood, but I know it’s the right time and I’m committed to doing everything I can with Mike and the guys to finish on a high note.”
Cadee will take on an opportunity with Australian underwear company Step One after finishing his NBL career.
His announcement follows Australian big man Dane Pineau retiring from the league last week.
