Best Players in NBL History: Leroy Loggins

• 3-time NBL Champion (1982, 1985, 1987)
• 3-time NBL Most Valuable Player (1984, 1986, 1987)
• 10-time All-NBL First Team selection

Leroy Loggins — Leapin' Leroy — was an American-Australian basketball legend who dominated the NBL for more than two decades, was the face of the league in the 80s and 90s because of with his all-around brilliance, wiry athleticism and defensive prowess.

Overview

Leroy Loggins stands as one of the most dominant and consistent players in NBL history. The American-born small forward spent 21 seasons in the league, primarily with the Brisbane Bullets, where he established himself as an unstoppable offensive force and elite defender. Loggins' combination of scoring ability, rebounding, playmaking, and defensive impact made him a revolutionary player who helped elevate the NBL's level of play.

Career snapshot

Loggins began his NBL career in 1981 with the Brisbane Bullets before joining West Adelaide for two seasons. He returned to Brisbane in 1984, where he would spend the remainder of his illustrious career. Over his 21 seasons, Loggins amassed an incredible list of accolades:

• 3 NBL Championships (1982, 1985, 1987)
• 3 NBL Most Valuable Player awards (1984, 1986, 1987)
• 10 All-NBL First Team selections
• 2 NBL Best Defensive Player awards (1987, 1990)
• 2 NBL All-Star Game MVP awards (1982, 1988)

By the time he retired in 2001, Loggins had played 567 games (3rd all-time), scored 13,106 points (2nd all-time), and recorded 1,221 steals (2nd all-time).

Playing style

Loggins was the complete package as a basketball player. At 6'5" (196 cm), he possessed the size and athleticism to dominate on both ends of the court. Offensively, Loggins was a prolific scorer with the ability to create his own shot and finish at the rim. His jump shot was reliable from mid-range and beyond the arc, making him a constant threat.

Defensively, Loggins was a nightmare for opponents. His combination of quickness, strength, and basketball IQ allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. He was consistently among the league leaders in steals and blocks, earning him a reputation as one of the NBL's premier defensive players.

Perhaps most impressively, Loggins maintained a high level of play well into his 30s and early 40s. Even in his final season at age 43, he averaged 16.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while playing 36 minutes a night.

Why Leroy Loggins is on our list

Leroy Loggins earns his place among the NBL's most dominant players due to his unprecedented combination of individual excellence, team success, and longevity. His three MVP awards and 10 All-NBL First Team selections speak to his individual brilliance, while his three championships demonstrate his impact on winning basketball.

Loggins' ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor set him apart from his peers. He ranks among the all-time leaders in both scoring and steals, a testament to his two-way dominance. Furthermore, his consistency and longevity were remarkable, as he remained a starting-caliber player for over two decades in the league.

Five Fast Facts

1. Loggins is the only player in NBL history to win back-to-back MVP awards (1986, 1987)
2. He was named to the NBL's 25th Anniversary Team in 2003
3. Loggins won consecutive All-Star Game MVP awards in 1982 and 1988 (no All-Star Games were held between 1983-1987)
4. His jersey number 30 was retired by the Brisbane Bullets
5. Loggins was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006

Career Highlights Timeline

1981: Made NBL debut with Brisbane Bullets, averaging 22.1 points per game
1982: Won first NBL championship with West Adelaide Bearcats
1984: Returned to Brisbane Bullets, won first NBL MVP award
1985: Led Bullets to NBL championship, averaging 27.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists
1986: Won second NBL MVP award
1987: Completed MVP three-peat, won third NBL championship and first Best Defensive Player award
1990: Named to All-NBL First Team for seventh consecutive season
1994: Selected to ninth and final All-NBL First Team at age 36
2001: Retired after 21 NBL seasons at age 43

Leroy Loggins' impact on the NBL cannot be overstated. His combination of individual brilliance, team success, and longevity make him one of the most dominant players in league history. Loggins set the standard for two-way excellence and helped elevate the NBL to new heights during his illustrious career.