How persistence and dedication led to Nick Stoddart landing his NBL dream

Nick Stoddart's basketball journey has been one of monumental achievements

IMAGE: Supplied by Jonathon Mines

For as long as Nick Stoddart can remember, becoming a basketball player was his dream.

With a tenacious work ethic and curiosity to learn about the game, he gravitated towards his mum and sister, who weaved their craft on the court.

Plying his trade was hanging out with friends, shooting hoops, and enjoying the tight camaraderie that basketball provides.

It wouldn't be long until the classy combo guard started bolting up the ranks once arriving at Brisbane Boys College.

By ninth grade, Stoddart established himself in the school's first team, playing alongside Ryan Scott MacGuire, Nate Dennis, Mitchell Elliott, Shaun Gaffney, Jamie Ivers, Lachlan Otto, James Jarvis, Sam Arkell, Kian Dennis, Zach Penner, Eden Smith, and Jack Buckley.

Throughout his five years, he incrementally improved his all-around game, becoming an exceptional catch-and-shoot player, coming off screens, breaking his man off the dribble into the lane for a layup, and developing a floater over the trees.

Defensively, Stoddart had a knack for knowing when to put himself in the way to draw charges and reading the passing lanes ready to anticipate a steal.

Stoddart elaborates further about his strengths on both ends of the floor.

"I always love being able to put the ball in the basket. Growing up, that was probably the strongest part of my game. So, being able to put the ball in the basket. Loved it, everything about scoring," Stoddart said.

"Always love being able to score the ball, which I'm sure a lot of kids love today. And defensively, I've always had good anticipation.

"I think over the last couple of years, I've taken a step further and made another jump. Just with my positioning and hardness, I guess getting up in and on the ball makes it a bit easier fighting over screens.

"So I'm starting to really enjoy locking on D (defence)."

Stoddart's supreme talent would get the guiding hand of Brisbane Boys College coach Mike Ayanbadejo.

Ayanbadejo's basketball journey started with playing for the University of Guelph from 1998 to 2003. He holds the school's all-time leading scoring award with 1389 points and was selected as a four-time OUA West All-Star.

His lofty achievements led to his induction into the school's Hall of Fame in 2010.

Nowadays, the enthusiastic coach runs Believe Basketball Programs for beginners, combining his 30 years of basketball experience as a player and coach to assist the next generation of aspiring basketballers.

Stoddart raves highly about Ayanbadejo's coaching philosophy, giving the team the freedom to play to their strengths and Dave Bennett, the school's basketball director, for their unwavering support.

"He's always been such a great person (Mike) to me with everything I do, and he does that on the court as well with all his guys," Stoddart said.

"No matter the talent level, he's always there to develop. Whoever needs extra work he's always there. He's always looked out for everyone he's coached. And he's played a big part in how I play the game today.

"I think with him (Mike), the game doesn't really change no matter the stage of the game. And he likes to keep it simple. He runs a very free-flowing offence and mainly gets everyone to buy in and play defence.

"The years I was there, and years previously, he set the foundation, making it a really good culture defensively. It made guys want to play defence and be able to play it when the game is on the line.

"Everyone's bought in and willing to fight for each other, and I think that's very good."

For his dominating on-court play, blowing past opponents, and effectively draining jumpers, Stoddart uploaded two video highlight reels on his YouTube channel showcasing his potential to eager basketball recruiters.

In total, it gained over 3500 views.

Stoddart modestly reflects on the idea, having sought inspiration from high school basketball players in America, who clip together their highlight plays to showcase towards highly prestigious Division One colleges in North Carolina, Duke, Georgetown, Michigan, Kansas, UCLA, Arizona, Connecticut, and many more.

"I grew up watching guys on YouTube, the high school mixtapes in America. They're all crazy. So I wanted to have my own definitively something I wanted," Stoddart said.

"But knowing also like I was having some good games and putting up some numbers, so get it out there for everyone to see."

Impressive on-court play beyond his years at the Under 18 bottom-age Nationals led to an invitation to the Australian Men's Under 17s at the 2016 FIBA World Championships in Spain.

Whilst he balled out, he couldn't quite make the final team.

Despite the overriding disappointment, it provided him with worthwhile experience competing against Tasmania JackJumpers champion Sean McDonald, Melbourne United power forward Kyle Bowen, former Perth Wildcat Kyle Zunic, Callum Dalton, Kody Stattmann, and team captain Tom Fullarton (currently playing for Melbourne in the AFL).

After graduating from Brisbane Boys College in 2018, Stoddart joined the Brisbane Capitals in 2019, an NBL1 North side coached by Sam MacKinnon, two-time NBL champion, 2007 Grand Final MVP, who represented the Boomers at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 2000 Sydney Olympics.

MacKinnon, currently an assistant at South East Melbourne Phoenix, enjoyed an exceptional 17-year NBL career from 1993 to 2010.

Stoddart joined the team comprising recently retired NBL guard Jason Cadee, Tasmania JackJumpers champion and rim protector Will Magnay, and Jarrod Bairstow.

MacKinnon believed in Stoddart's potential, having coached him at Under 16s and Under 18s. Once he found out the highly disciplined Australian basketball veteran was the next Capitals coach, he quickly hopped on board, describing MacKinnon as a "mentor".

Within the confines of the Capitals, a professional environment was the staple for building team and individual discipline, utilising everyone's strengths.

Cadee and Magnay took Stoddart under their wing, passing down golden nuggets of advice to improve his game.

Although practices only ran twice a week, Stoddart gained a deeper perspective into how important practices were.

Taking onboard coach MacKinnon, Cadee, and Magnay's mentorship, the young guard took a transcendental leap in 2021.

That season, Stoddart became one of the NBL1 North's most lethal scorers, averaging 20 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals.

On September 10, 2021, his incredible campaign would lead him to winning the NBL1 Youth Player of the Year.

MacKinnon's departure opened the way for Andrea Gjinaj to become the newest Capitals coach. Gjinaj had played professionally in Europe for a decade and represented the Albanian National team from 1998 to 2013 before embarking on coaching positions at St James College and St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace in Brisbane.

Stoddart praised Gjinaj's coaching for helping him improve as a facilitator in the open floor and in the half-court.

"Andre was great for me. I was playing a role (scoring) those years before Andre was there. But when Andre came, he really put the confidence in me to be the guy and make plays," Stoddart said.

"We didn't have the strongest year. We still made the playoffs. But just harpering on being aggressive, and he was very confident.

"It gave me a lot of confidence. And it really helped with taking another step in the men's league."

In his time at the Captials, Stoddart experienced playing against elite basketballers applying their craft in the NBL, including former inaugural South East Melbourne Phoenix forward Mitch Creek, Olympic Bronze Medallist Nathan Sobey, Tasmania JackJumpers champion Majok Deng, and Brisbane Bullets guard Isaac White.

These experiences galvanised Stoddart to put his best foot forward and test himself against the premier players. He looks back fondly on what it took to raise his play several notches.

"I was looking forward to it after the previous game had finished. I get the chance to go up against them guys the following weekend. I was so excited," Stoddart said.

"But all these guys, they're pros. Like they gave us buckets. I think Majok (Deng) had one game against us he had like 47 (points) on nearly 90% on the field or something. And just seeing the elite of the elites at that level, you just want to strive to be better and make sure you want to put the extra work in.

"But I think being able to go up against those guys on a weekly basis was really exciting and just brought the competitive edge out of me."

Stoddart continued solidifying himself as a rapid-fire scorer, starting the 2022 NBL1 North campaign draining 28 points against the Ipswich Force and 22 points despite the Capitals missing the playoffs.

Something he hadn't experienced was dealing with a severe injury. This first bout of adversity arrived when he tore a labrum in his shoulder and a shoulder dislocation at the season's quarterway mark, undergoing surgery from specialist Darren Marsh.

The successful surgery sidelined Stoddart for nine months, leaving him to work one-on-one with Eugene Tee at Movement Improvement.

Tee has a wide range of experiences as a physiotherapist in the sports industry for over four years, including at the Brisbane Bullets, Basketball Queensland, and Basketball Australia.

After completing his shoulder rehabilitation, another injury hit Stoddart in 2023.

This time, a wrist injury sidelined him for eight to nine weeks. Stoddart went back under the surgeon's knife under Marsh's trust.

The injuries restricted him to only 14 games in two seasons, as he could only watch and encourage his teammates from the sidelines.

Through it all, Stoddart leant on the close family support and his partner, who kept his spirits high despite not being on the court.

"It taught me to be patient. And just putting the work through the rehab and come back stronger the following year. And I finished off that season (2023) okay. But we didn't make finals. But I was just happy to be out on the court," Stoddart said.

"I mean, you don't really realise when you're going through it how much you miss it until you get back out there.

"But I was definitely missing it. And I mean there's some positives. You get to hang out with your family. But it was a grind. It was a two-year stretch if I'm being honest."

2024 symbolised a change for Stoddart.

Ready to move Interstate, he began forming a rapport with Jonathon Mines. Mines, the founder of Rise Sports Management and Strive (helping upcoming Australian basketballers experience playing in AAU Tournaments in America), was integral in fellow Australians Jordan Peel and Joshua Hughes gaining entrance to play college basketball for Central Wyoming College and Evansville respectively.

The pair already had interactions throughout the years when Mines was at the Bullets trying to make the team.

Stoddart had built a close bond with the Bairstow family growing up, with the Queenslander having played with Sean (the youngest of the three Bairstow brothers).

The eldest Bairstow, Cameron, now an agent at Rise Sports Management, enjoyed one of the most exponential collegiate improvements in his Senior year at New Mexico University.

His stock elevated him to living out his boyhood dream, getting drafted 49th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2014 NBA draft. After two seasons, where he played sparingly, firstly under defensive guru Tom Thibodeau and then under former league three-point specialist Fred Hoiberg, Bairstow returned home to Australia to play for his hometown team, Brisbane Bullets, for three years.

He spent a year in Lithuania representing Rytas Vilnius in the Lithuanian Basketball League before returning to finish his career at the Illawarra Hawks and the Adelaide 36ers.

On February 9, 2024, Stoddart decided to move to Victoria to play for the Ballarat Miners in the NBL1 South league.

"He (Mines) was someone I knew. Someone I could trust, and they did an amazing job," Stoddart said.

"They pushed me to head Interstate, get some fresh eyes on me and just try my luck down there, and it paid dividends."

Stoddart would get the opportunity to play for coach and current South East Melbourne Phoenix assistant Luke Brennan. Brennan, with 14 years of coaching experience under his belt at the Joondalup Wolves, Warwick Senators (NBL1 West coach), Australian Rollers Wheelchair Basketball Coach, Australian U/23 coach, and an assistant at the Perth Wildcats, was an avid supporter of the scorer's dynamic flare and composure.

Interactions between the two and Miners Elite Teams Committee Member Matt Sheehan proved the launching pad to fulfil the next stage of Stoddart's career.

"Conversations were very clear. And they knew my goal was to get an NBL gig somewhere, and they knew that from the start," Stoddart said.

"And Brennan was willing to do anything he could to help get me there. And he prepared me. He was holding me accountable with everything I did at practice and in the game.

"And he really prepared me for the next level. And the support system, Matt Sheehan. They have such a big role in the community and with the teams down there (Ballarat), from the seniors all the way down to the juniors.

"So having those guys in the front office and around the club really helped me make my job easier."

Fully fit and ready to imprint his mark in Brennan's system, Stoddart's numbers took a dip, averaging 14.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Not because of inadequate production but because the Miners had an omnipresent of potent offensive players in American import Tyler Rudolph, guard Luke Rosendale, and big man Majok Majok.

Stoddart wasn't required to carry the scoring load. Instead, he utilised other areas of his game that helped him at Brisbane Boys College and the Brisbane Capitals.

The Miners finished the regular season third, propelling themselves as a championship contender. However, the path began shakily, copping a 97-58 obliteration to the Frankston Blues.

But having secured the double chance, the Miners bounced back, defeating the Dandenong Rangers 91-78 in the Quarterfinals.

Next came the Sandringham Sabres, the favourites led by Melbourne United two-time Defensive Player of the Year Shea Ili and shooter Tanner Krebs.

In an enthralling game of pendulum swings, it went down to the wire, where Rudolph came up clutch, scoring 37 points, including the go-ahead jumper.

On the game's final possession, former five-time NBL champion Dave Barlow missed consecutive threes to win the game for the Sabres.

Stoddart played his part, contributing 11 points.

Ballarat's ride to winning the NBL1 South championship ended at the hands of the Eltham Wildcats 79-70 and the play of South East Melbourne Phoenix guards Owen Foxwell and Angus Glover.

Despite not claiming glory, Stoddart enthusiastically reflects on a supreme season.

"It was insane. First of all, I was just excited to play," Stoddart said.

"Like I hadn't had a full season in two years. So I was full of energy. And then having those guys around me, pro coach, and pro players made it so much fun. So much easier to play the game.

"Like we were a really close team off the court. The time on the court, we were fighting like it was war. We were battling for each other.

"Tyler Rudolph, he's elite. He's so tough. One of the best imports I've ever seen play out at this level. But we had a crazy run. We got beaten by, I don't know, 40 and 35 by Frankston two weeks earlier prior to finals.

"So we got out butt end tossed, and we knew we had to step it up come finals time. And (we) got away with some close wins, but sadly couldn't finish the job off in the final.

"But overall, we had a great year."

Stoddart's consummate professionalism has translated to off-court activities, where he is involved in grassroots basketball programs in Ballarat.

Working for the Next Level Program for aspiring domestic players aged between 10 and 15, he gained immense pride, leading to the male athlete community award.

"I remember growing up, seeing the NBL1 guys or QBL guys back then around the stadium. I think it made my day seeing these guys. I want to be them," Stoddart said.

"I definitely like giving back to the community and helping out younger kids. I was doing individuals at Ballarat. I was helping out with school programs.

"So always happy to put my foot forward in that department. And it's always a fun time. And you can see a smile on the kids' faces you work with."

As for his desire to give back, Stoddart speaks candidly about how his mum taught him the importance of "treating others the way you want to be treated" and his dad on how to respect yourself and respect the opposition when playing cricket growing up.

Leaning on coach Brennan's guidance and garnering exposure inevitably landed Stoddart what he had been dreaming of: playing in the NBL.

On August 20, 2024, the Tasmania JackJumpers signed him to a one-year player development deal alongside promising big Archie Woodhill.

He was joining a JackJumpers side coming off its maiden championship (only in their third season in the league) in a riveting five-game series over Melbourne United.

Reflecting on the news, Stoddart couldn't believe the moment, calling it "crazy" and "surreal" after Brennan informed him on Thursday evening that Tasmania would call him the following morning.

A Zoom call with coach Scott Roth and the JackJumpers front hierarchy amounted to a week's stay in the Apple Isle.

"I think that week I signed. It wasn't public or anything, but it was insane. It was surreal," Stoddart said.

"Everything happened so fast, and honestly still kind of processing everything and how the season went and getting my opportunity.

"Like I feel so good to finally be acknowledged and get that opportunity. I've been growing for a few years."

Playing for coach Roth demands defensive accountability and attention to detail on both sides of the floor. The former NBA player and assistant isn't afraid to express his emotions, using the catchphrase slogan "Defend the Island".

Off the court, the championship coach looks at the human first before the basketball player by willing the group to give back to the State of Tasmania by helping those and the environment.

"It was amazing. They set the foundation. Starts with the front office and Scott. They're all such caring people and inclusive of everyone in the community and everybody down there, fanatics of the Jackies," Stoddart said.

"It is insane how crazy these people go. There's Jackies bands, and they're locked in. But my first impressions of Scott I thought he was full-on and he holds everyone accountable.

"I think that some of the first things he said to me was, this is going to be the hardest year of your life. You're not going to play a minute at all this year.

"He was preparing me for a tough year, and it's something that I needed. It was a tough year.

"And he was great. He makes his guys ready for war every week. Every day is a grind. He's working our guys hard. Practices are no joke down in Tassie. Something I never experienced before in my life."

Adjusting to a new environment for Stoddart was less stressful, having formed prior relationships with Will Magnay, Sean McDonald, Anthony Drmic, and Reuben Te Rangi.

Each session, he pitted himself on the team's star backcourt of Jordon Crawford and Milton Doyle, professional scorers, in creating their shot and getting the hot hand.

Their work ethic and fastidious approach drove Stoddart to reach their standards daily.

"I definitely was in awe when I first got down there. I saw my teammates and the culture. I didn't think a pro culture would be so wholesome and just friendly," Stoddart said.

"Everybody's so genuine and really barracking for one another. So it was an amazing experience."

Having had a frank individual discussion with Roth about receiving minimal minutes, Stoddart got his first taste, playing 12 seconds in Tasmania's 97-82 Christmas Day victory over the New Zealand Breakers.

Staying ready pushed him into an expanded role after McDonald's season-ending foot injury against the Illawarra Hawks on January 7.

On January 25, against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, he received his maiden NBL start in a promising outing, finishing with 14 minutes on 5 of 8 shooting, 3 of 5 from long range, two steals, and two blocks in 27 minutes.

It came after Drmic was a late scratch because of illness.

"We're pulling up to the stadium (State Basketball Stadium), and Drim (Drmic) had been sick prior. And I was in the same car with him and headed to the stadium. And he was not healthy," Stoddart said.

"We got to the stadium, and pretty sure he vomited. And that's when I found out. And I had to quickly prepare myself for that starting role.

"The way he (coach Roth) prepared me before the first game I played, he just said to be aggressive or you're not gonna play. So I had to be aggressive. I think I made a couple of threes. I had a layup in the first quarter, and I think I set the tone with my defence.

"Being physical, no blow-buys, and that set me up offensively. And I felt my way into the game pretty well in that first half.

"I think it was just eat or be eaten. That's how it is out there when you're a young guy. I think you really got to show you belong and you've got to work hard. You've got to work harder than others."

With the JackJumpers season concluding last month, negotiations between Stoddart and the team were positive in his exit interview.

Another blistering upcoming campaign for the Ballarat Miners commencing on March 29 is what the guard is concentrating on to enhance his prospects of cementing an NBL roster spot.

For now, the softly spoken Queenslander is staying in the moment about where his basketball takes him.

"Ideally love to be in Australia and get a gig back in Tassie," Stoddart said.

"I loved it there. I had such an amazing year. And I'm so grateful for the opportunity I got. And it would mean everything to get back there.

"But nothing's confirmed. It's all up in the air. I've got to hold my own in Ballarat this year and see how we go from there."