10
Nov
4 min read
Aussies in the NBA: Jock Landale
Jock Landale #2 poses for a portrait during Houston Rockets Media Day at Toyota Center on September 30, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Photo: Darren Carroll/Getty Images
Jock Landale plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA
- First Australian to win NBL Grand Final MVP and sign with an NBA team in the same year
- Bronze medallist with the Australian Boomers at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
- Versatile big man who has played professionally in Serbia, Lithuania, Australia, and the NBA
Jock Landale is a rising Australian basketball star who has made his mark in both domestic and international competitions before breaking into the NBA.
Key details
Name: Jock Landale
Age: 28
Team(s): Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Melbourne United, Žalgiris Kaunas, Partizan Belgrade
Position: Center
Size: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Weight: 255 lb (116 kg)
Playing style
Landale is a modern, versatile centre who excels in pick-and-roll situations and can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His mobility for his size allows him to defend on the perimeter when needed, while still providing a strong presence in the paint. Landale's basketball IQ and passing ability make him an asset in offensive systems that prioritise ball movement.
At 6'11", Landale possesses the size to battle with traditional centres, but his skill set is far more diverse. He's comfortable stepping out to the three-point line, where he's shown consistent improvement in his shooting. This ability to space the floor creates opportunities for his teammates and makes him a valuable offensive weapon in today's NBA.
Career
Landale's journey to the NBA was not a conventional one. After a standout college career at Saint Mary's in California, where he was named West Coast Conference Player of the Year in 2018, Landale went undrafted in the NBA. Undeterred, he began his professional career in Europe, signing with Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade.
In his lone season with Partizan, Landale quickly adapted to the professional game, averaging 12 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in the Adriatic League. His strong performances earned him a spot on the All-Adriatic League Team and caught the attention of Lithuanian champions Žalgiris Kaunas, where he signed for the 2019-20 season.
Landale's development continued in Lithuania, where he gained valuable experience in the EuroLeague, Europe's top competition. His time with Žalgiris further rounded out his game, as he averaged 11 points and 4.4 rebounds per game against high-level competition.
The 2020-21 season saw Landale return to Australia to play for Melbourne United in the NBL. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. Landale dominated the league, leading Melbourne to the NBL championship and earning Grand Final MVP honours. His season averages of 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game demonstrated his all-around impact and readiness for the next level.
Landale's NBL success finally opened the door to the NBA, as he signed with the San Antonio Spurs for the 2021-22 season. While his playing time was limited in his rookie NBA season, Landale showed flashes of his potential, including his first career double-double against the Los Angeles Clippers.
A trade to the Phoenix Suns in 2022 provided Landale with a new opportunity. Playing for a contending team, he continued to develop his game and adjust to the NBA level. In the 2023 offseason, Landale signed with the Houston Rockets, where he's expected to play a significant role as the team rebuilds.
Five Fast Facts
- Landale didn't start playing basketball seriously until high school, when a growth spurt sparked his interest in the sport.
- He played college basketball at Saint Mary's, the same school that produced fellow Australian NBA players Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova.
- Landale is the first player to win NBL Grand Final MVP and sign with an NBA team in the same year.
- He donated $100 for every three-pointer and dunk he made in a EuroLeague game to help fight the 2020 Australian bushfires.
- Landale was a key member of the Australian national team that won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Boomers' first-ever Olympic medal.
Career Highlights Timeline
2014: Begins college career at Saint Mary's
2018: Named West Coast Conference Player of the Year
2018: Signs first professional contract with Partizan Belgrade
2019: Named to All-Adriatic League Team
2019: Signs with Žalgiris Kaunas, plays first EuroLeague season
2020: Returns to Australia, signs with Melbourne United
2021: Wins NBL championship and Grand Final MVP with Melbourne United
2021: Signs first NBA contract with San Antonio Spurs
2022: Records first NBA double-double
2022: Traded to Phoenix Suns
2023: Signs with Houston Rockets
2024: Played for the Australian Boomers at the Olympic Games in Paris
Jock Landale's basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and continuous improvement. From a late bloomer in Australia to a EuroLeague contributor and NBL star, Landale has consistently elevated his game at every level. His unique skill set as a modern big man, combining interior presence with perimeter shooting and passing ability, makes him an intriguing player in today's NBA.
As Landale continues to adapt to the NBA game, his international experience and versatility provide a solid foundation for growth. Whether as a key contributor for the rebuilding Rockets or in future roles, Landale represents the new wave of Australian talent making an impact in the world's top basketball league. His success serves as an inspiration for aspiring players in Australia and demonstrates the various paths available to reach the NBA.
