26
Oct
4 min read
Best Players in NBL History: Phil Smyth
Adelaide 36ers coach Phil Smyth talks to his team during a 1999 NBL match between Melbourne Tigers v Adelaide 36ers at Melbourne Park, Melbourne. Adelaide won 104-84. Photo: Stuart Milligan/ALLSPORT
'The General' run the 1980s from the point position
- Four-time NBL Best Defensive Player (1982, 1983, 1988, 1989)
- Six-time All-NBL First Team selection
- Four-time Olympian with the Australian national basketball team
Phil Smyth was a legendary Australian point guard known for his leadership, defensive prowess, and clutch playmaking abilities across a 14-year NBL career. He is credited with the league's first triple double for St Kilda in July 1982 — 16 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists — against Illawarra.
Overview
Phil Smyth, nicknamed "The General," was one of the most influential and decorated players in NBL history. His career spanned 14 seasons across four NBL teams — St Kilda Pumas, Canberra Cannons, Adelaide 36ers, and Sydney Kings. Smyth's impact on Australian basketball extended well beyond his impressive statistical contributions, as he was renowned for his leadership, basketball IQ, and defensive tenacity.
Career snapshot
Smyth made his NBL debut with the St Kilda Pumas in 1982 at the age of 23, immediately showcasing his talents by dropping 20 points in his first game. He quickly established himself as one of Australia's premier point guards, combining excellent court vision with a knack for timely scoring and lockdown defense.
His most successful years came with the Canberra Cannons, where he won three NBL championships and cemented his status as one of the league's elite players. Smyth's leadership and all-around play were crucial to the Cannons' success during this period.
Playing style
Smyth was the quintessential floor general, known for his ability to control the tempo and make his teammates better. His court awareness and passing skills made him a constant threat in the half court, while his quick hands and anticipation made him one of the league's best perimeter defenders.
Offensively, Smyth was a capable scorer when needed, with the ability to knock down clutch shots from the perimeter. But it was his playmaking and decision-making that truly set him apart. He led the league in assists and was consistently among the top players in steals throughout his career.
Why Phil Smyth is on our list
Phil Smyth's inclusion on the list of most dominant NBL players is justified by his consistent excellence over a long period and his impact on winning basketball. His accolades speak volumes:
- Four-time NBL Best Defensive Player
- Six-time All-NBL First Team selection
- NBL Finals MVP (1988)
- Three-time NBL champion
- Member of the NBL 25th Anniversary Team
Beyond the individual awards, Smyth's leadership and basketball IQ made him a coach on the floor. His ability to elevate his team's performance, especially in crucial moments, set him apart from his peers.
Five Fast Facts
- Smyth represented Australia at four Olympic Games (1980, 1984, 1988, 1992)
- He played in five FIBA World Championships, tying the record for most tournaments participated in by a player
- Smyth led the NBL in steals four times during his career
- After retiring as a player, he became a successful coach, leading the Adelaide 36ers to three NBL championships
- He was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004
Career Highlights Timeline
1982: Made NBL debut with St Kilda Pumas, averaging 18.6 points per game
1983: Joined Canberra Cannons, won first NBL Best Defensive Player award
1984: Represented Australia at the Los Angeles Olympics
1988: Won NBL championship and Finals MVP with Canberra Cannons
1989: Captured third NBL Best Defensive Player award
1992: Played in his fourth and final Olympic Games in Barcelona
1993: Joined Adelaide 36ers, helping guide them to the playoffs
1995: Finished career with Sydney Kings, retiring at the end of the season
Phil Smyth's impact on Australian basketball extended far beyond his impressive statistical contributions. His leadership, defensive prowess, and ability to elevate his team's performance in crucial moments made him one of the most dominant and respected players in NBL history.
Smyth's legacy as "The General" continues to inspire future generations of Australian basketball players, cementing his place among the greatest to ever play in the NBL.
