Aussies in NBA history: Ryan Broekhoff

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basketball.com.au

Ryan Broekhoff of the Phoenix poses during the SE Melbourne Phoenix NBL media session at NEP Studios on November 11, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images for NBL

Ryan Broekhoff: A sharpshooter from Valparaiso to Dallas Mavericks

Three-point specialist with 40.3% career NBA accuracy
All-EuroCup First Team honours in 2018 with Lokomotiv Kuban
Represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Olympics

Ryan Broekhoff's basketball journey exemplifies the determination and skill of Australian players making their mark in the NBA, transitioning from collegiate success to international recognition.

Name: Ryan Broekhoff
‍Age: 33 (born 23 August 1990)
‍Team(s): Dallas Mavericks, South East Melbourne Phoenix
‍Position: Small Forward/Shooting Guard
‍Size: 6'6" (198 cm)
‍Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)

Ryan Broekhoff carved out his niche in professional basketball as a versatile sharpshooter with a keen eye for perimeter scoring. His playing style was characterised by his ability to spread the floor and punish defences with his accurate long-range shooting. Standing at 6'6", Broekhoff possessed the ideal size for a modern wing player, allowing him to shoot over smaller defenders while also contributing on the defensive end.

Broekhoff's game was not limited to just spot-up shooting. He developed into a savvy off-ball mover, adept at finding open spaces on the court and making timely cuts to the basket. His basketball IQ and understanding of spacing made him a valuable asset in offensive systems that prioritised ball movement and three-point shooting. While not known for creating his own shot off the dribble, Broekhoff's quick release and high release point made him a constant threat from beyond the arc.

Australian wing Ryan Broekhoff #45 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket past Luke Kennard #5 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Ryan Broekhoff's Career

Ryan Broekhoff's basketball journey began in Melbourne, Australia, where he honed his skills with the Frankston Blues. His talent was evident early on, earning him a spot at the Australian Institute of Sport, where he competed in the South East Australian Basketball League. This experience laid the foundation for his future success and caught the attention of international scouts.

Broekhoff's collegiate career at Valparaiso University in Indiana marked his first significant step towards professional basketball. Over four years, he transformed from a support player to one of the top performers in the Horizon League. His junior year was particularly impressive, as he averaged 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, leading to his selection as the Horizon League Player of the Year and an honourable mention All-American.

Following his successful college career, Broekhoff took his talents to Europe, playing for Beşiktaş in the Turkish Basketball League from 2013 to 2015. This stint allowed him to adapt to professional basketball and showcase his skills on an international stage. His performances in Turkey led to a move to PBC Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia, where he truly blossomed as a player. In the 2017-18 season, Broekhoff's stellar play in the EuroCup, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds, earned him a spot on the All-EuroCup First Team.

Broekhoff's EuroCup success caught the eye of NBA scouts, culminating in his signing with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Over two seasons with the Mavericks, he appeared in 59 games, primarily in a reserve role. Despite limited playing time, Broekhoff made the most of his opportunities, shooting an impressive 40.3% from three-point range during his NBA tenure. His stint with the Mavericks, while brief, proved that his shooting prowess could translate to the highest level of basketball.

Australian Ryan Broekhoff #45 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket past Langston Galloway #9 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Five Fast Facts

Led the Horizon League in three-point field goal percentage (44.8%) during his sophomore year at Valparaiso
Named Horizon League Player of the Year in 2012
Won gold at the 2013 Stanković Cup with the Australian national team
Scored a career-high 17 points against the Golden State Warriors on 23 March 2019
Opted out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to prioritise his mental health

Career Highlights Timeline

2009: Began college career at Valparaiso University

2012: Named Horizon League Player of the Year and honourable mention All-American

2013: Signed first professional contract with Beşiktaş in Turkey

2015: Joined PBC Lokomotiv Kuban in Russia

2016: Represented Australia at the Rio Olympics

2018: Named to All-EuroCup First Team; Signed with Dallas Mavericks

2019: Scored career-high 17 points in NBA game against Golden State Warriors

2021: Returned to Australia to play for South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL

2023: Announced retirement from professional basketball

Ryan Broekhoff of the Boomers shoots during the match between the Australian Boomers and the Pac-12 College All-Stars at Hisense Arena on July 12, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Ryan Broekhoff's basketball career is a testament to the global reach of Australian talent in the sport. From his early days in Melbourne to his collegiate success at Valparaiso, and through his professional journey across Europe and the NBA, Broekhoff consistently demonstrated his value as a sharpshooting specialist and team player.

While his NBA career may not have been as extensive as some of his compatriots, Broekhoff's impact on the game extends beyond statistics. His perseverance in reaching the NBA and his contributions to the Australian national team have helped pave the way for future generations of Australian basketballers.