8
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in NBA history: Cameron Bairstow
Cam Bairstow of the 36ers poses during the Adelaide 36ers NBL media session at MyState Bank Arena on November 12, 2021 in Hobart, Australia. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images for NBL)
Cameron Bairstow: From Chicago Bulls draft pick to NBL champion
- Drafted 49th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2014 NBA Draft
- Played two seasons in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls
- Transitioned to successful NBL career, winning a championship with the Brisbane Bullets
Cameron Bairstow is a Australian professional basketball player who made his mark in both the NBA and NBL, showcasing his versatility and determination throughout his career.
Key Details
Name: Cameron David Bairstow
Age: 33 (born 7 December 1990)
Team(s): Chicago Bulls (NBA); Brisbane Bullets; Illawarra Hawks; and Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
Position: Power Forward / Centre
Size: 6'10" (208 cm)
Weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
Cameron Bairstow's playing style was characterised by his toughness, work ethic, and versatility on the court. As a power forward with the ability to play centre, Bairstow brought a physical presence to the paint, using his strong frame to battle for rebounds and establish position in the post. His game was built on fundamentals, with a solid mid-range jump shot that kept defenders honest and allowed him to space the floor.
Bairstow's dedication to strength training and conditioning was evident in his play, as he often outworked opponents on both ends of the court. His ability to set solid screens, make smart cuts off the ball, and finish around the rim made him a valuable asset in half-court offences. Defensively, Bairstow used his size and basketball IQ to contest shots and provide help-side defence, making him a reliable presence in team defensive schemes.
Cameron Bairstow's Career
Bairstow's basketball journey began in Brisbane, Australia, where he honed his skills before attending the Australian Institute of Sport. His potential caught the eye of American college recruiters, leading him to the University of New Mexico. As a Lobo, Bairstow's development was remarkable, culminating in a standout senior season where he averaged 20.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, earning All-Mountain West Conference honours.
The Chicago Bulls selected Bairstow with the 49th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. Over two seasons with the Bulls, Bairstow appeared in 36 games, providing depth to the team's front court rotation. While his playing time was limited, the experience of competing at the highest level of basketball proved invaluable for his development.
Following his NBA stint, Bairstow returned to Australia to play in the National Basketball League (NBL). He signed with his hometown team, the Brisbane Bullets, in 2016. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, including a serious knee injury that sidelined him for an entire season, Bairstow's perseverance shone through. He became a key player for the Bullets, showcasing the skills and work ethic that had defined his career.
Bairstow's NBL journey continued with stints at the Illawarra Hawks and Adelaide 36ers, where he consistently demonstrated his value as a versatile big man. His experience and leadership were crucial assets to these teams, and he remained a respected figure in Australian basketball circles.
Throughout his career, Bairstow also represented Australia on the international stage. He was a member of the Boomers squad that competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics, further cementing his status as one of Australia's top basketball talents.
Five Fast Facts
- Bairstow was known for his post-game weight lifting routine, often hitting the gym while still in his game uniform
- He increased his scoring average by 10.7 points from his junior to senior year at New Mexico, one of the largest improvements in school history
- Bairstow earned a degree in Exercise Science from the University of New Mexico
- He comes from a basketball family, with three of his siblings also playing college basketball in the United States
- Bairstow represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Boomers squad
Career Highlights Timeline
2010: Joined the University of New Mexico Lobos basketball program
2014: Drafted 49th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Draft
2014-2016: Played two seasons with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA
2016: Signed with the Brisbane Bullets in the NBL
2016: Represented Australia at the Rio Olympics
2019: Played for Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania
2020: Returned to the NBL with the Illawarra Hawks
2021: Signed with the Adelaide 36ers for his final professional season
2022: Announced retirement from professional basketball
Cameron Bairstow's basketball career is a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport. From his meteoric rise at the University of New Mexico to his NBA draft selection and subsequent professional career spanning multiple continents, Bairstow consistently demonstrated the qualities that make Australian basketball players highly regarded worldwide.
While injuries may have altered the trajectory of his career, Bairstow's impact on Australian basketball is undeniable. His journey from the suburbs of Brisbane to the bright lights of the NBA and back to the NBL serves as an inspiration to young Australian players with dreams of making it to the highest levels of the sport.
