2025–26 Brisbane Bullets season

2025–26 Brisbane Bullets season
Head coach Darryl McDonald (interim)
Captain Mitch Norton
ArenaBrisbane Entertainment Centre
NBL results
Record6–27 (18.2%)
Ladder10th
Finals finishDid not qualify
Stats at NBL.com.au
Ignite Cup results
Record1–3 (25%)
Ladder8th
Ignite Cup finishDid not qualify
All statistics correct as of 20 February 2026.

The 2025–26 Brisbane Bullets season was the 40th season of the franchise in the National Basketball League (NBL).

On 17 February 2025, Justin Schueller was released as Bullets' head coach after the team endured an injury-ravaged season in 2024–25, as they finished outside the top six with a 12–17 record.[1][2]

On 3 April 2025, Stu Lash was appointed as Bullets' head coach on a three-year contract.[3] After guiding the team to a 5–13 record to start the 2025–26 NBL season, Lash stepped down as head coach and Darryl McDonald was elevated to Bullets' interim head coach on 18 December 2025.[4][5]

Roster

Note: Flags indicate national team eligibility at FIBA-sanctioned events. Players may hold other non-FIBA nationalities not displayed.

Brisbane Bullets roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Nat. Name Ht. Wt.
G 0 Murray, Taine 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 93 kg (205 lb)
G 1 Freeman-Liberty, Javon  (I) 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 86 kg (190 lb)
G/F 4 Ducas, Alex 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) 100 kg (220 lb)
G 5 Maldonado, Hunter (IRP) 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 91 kg (201 lb)
G 6 Devers, Tristan (DP) 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
G 8 Norton, Mitch (C) 1.84 m (6 ft 0 in) 90 kg (198 lb)
F 9 Dalton, Callum (NRP) 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 115 kg (254 lb)
F 12 Purchase, Jack 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) 94 kg (207 lb)
G/F 13 Patterson, Lamar  (NRP) 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 102 kg (225 lb)
F 15 Holt, Jacob 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 113 kg (249 lb)
F 18 Smith-Milner, Tohi 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) 117 kg (258 lb)
G/F 23 Prather, Casey  (I) 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 94 kg (207 lb)
C 24 Harrison, Tyrell 2.14 m (7 ft 0 in) 115 kg (254 lb)
G 26 McDaniel, Sam  1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 102 kg (225 lb)
G 31 Mathias, Dakota  (I) 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 91 kg (201 lb)
F 32 Taylor, Terry (I) 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) 104 kg (229 lb)
F 50 Bradtke, Jensen (DP) 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 100 kg (220 lb)
PG 88 Zhou Kaiheng (TP) 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Development player
  • (IN) Inactive
  • (I) Import player
  • (TP) Training player
  • (SRP) Special restricted player
  • (NRP) Nominated replacement player
  • (NS) Next Star player
  • Injured
Updated: 12 February 2026

Depth chart

Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Development Injured
PG Hunter Maldonado (I) Mitch Norton Tristan Devers (DP) Javon Freeman-Liberty (I)
SG Taine Murray Jack Purchase Dakota Mathias (I)
SF Alex Ducas Tohi Smith-Milner Sam McDaniel
PF Terry Taylor (I) Jacob Holt Casey Prather (I)
C Tyrell Harrison Jensen Bradtke (DP) Callum Dalton (NRP) Lamar Patterson (NRP)

Standings

Ladder

Pos 2025–26 NBL season
Team Pld W L PCT Last 5 Streak Home Away PF PA PP
1 Sydney Kings 33 24 9 72.73% 5–0 W11 13–4 11–5 3276 2879 113.79%
2 Adelaide 36ers 33 23 10 69.70% 2–3 L1 12–5 11–5 3042 2890 105.26%
3 S.E. Melbourne Phoenix 33 22 11 66.67% 3–2 L1 11–5 11–6 3324 3061 108.59%
4 Perth Wildcats 33 21 12 63.64% 4–1 W1 10–7 11–5 2996 2840 105.49%
5 Melbourne United 33 20 13 60.61% 2–3 W1 11–6 9–7 3041 2905 104.68%
6 Tasmania JackJumpers 33 14 19 42.42% 2–3 L2 6–10 8–9 2873 2884 99.62%
7 New Zealand Breakers 33 13 20 39.39% 2–3 W1 7–9 6–11 3022 3058 98.82%
8 Illawarra Hawks 33 13 20 39.39% 3–2 W2 7–9 6–11 3074 3205 95.91%
9 Cairns Taipans 33 9 24 27.27% 1–4 L2 4–13 5–11 2754 3194 86.22%
10 Brisbane Bullets 33 6 27 18.18% 0–5 L13 2–14 4–13 2710 3196 84.79%

Updated to match(es) played on 20 February 2026. Source: NBL.com.au

The NBL tie-breaker system as outlined in the NBL Rules and Regulations states that in the case of an identical win–loss record, the overall points percentage will determine order of seeding.

Ladder progression

Leader and qualification to semifinals
Qualification to semifinals
Qualification to play-in
Last place
2025–26 NBL season
Team ╲ Round12345678910111213141516171819202122
Adelaide 36ers—212233322111111111122
Brisbane Bullets37897777889999910101010101010
Cairns Taipans7477810910101010101010109999999
Illawarra Hawks—99810810879888878878888
Melbourne United2121111111223234444555
New Zealand Breakers6101010998997677787787777
Perth Wildcats5643655554455555555444
S.E. Melbourne Phoenix1564322233332422223333
Sydney Kings—856564445544343332211
Tasmania JackJumpers4335446666766666666666
Updated to match(es) played on 20 February 2026. Source: NBL.com.au

Game log

Pre-season

Main article: 2025 NBL pre-season

The 2025 NBL Blitz will run from 27 to 31 August 2025 with games being played at the AIS Arena, Canberra.[6][7]

2025 NBL Blitz game log
Total: 1–1 (Home: 1–0; Road: 0–1)
August: 1–1 (Home: 1–0; Road: 0–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 28 August Sydney W 100–92 Javon Freeman-Liberty (27) McDaniel, Smith-Milner (6) Jaylen Adams (6) AIS Arena
n/a 		1–0
2 30 August @ Melbourne L 98–60 Tohi Smith-Milner (16) Bradtke, Purchase (5) Javon Freeman-Liberty (4) AIS Arena
n/a 		1–1

Regular season

Main article: 2025–26 NBL regular season

The regular season will begin on 18 September 2025.[8] It will consist of 165 games (33 games each) spread across 22 rounds, with the final game being played on 20 February 2026.[9]

2025–26 game log
Total: 6–27 (Home: 2–14; Road: 4–13)
September: 1–2 (Home: 0–0; Road: 1–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 19 September @ New Zealand W 95–104 Casey Prather (27) Tyrell Harrison (15) Jaylen Adams (7) Spark Arena
4,443 		1–0
2 26 September @ Cairns L 83–82 Tyrell Harrison (22) Freeman-Liberty, Harrison (7) Jaylen Adams (6) Cairns Convention Centre
4,052 		1–1
3 28 September @ Adelaide L 87–80 Casey Prather (20) Tyrell Harrison (12) Casey Prather (6) Adelaide Entertainment Centre
9,429 		1–2
October: 3–4 (Home: 1–3; Road: 2–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
4 4 October Tasmania L 82–84 Jaylen Adams (19) Tohi Smith-Milner (10) Jaylen Adams (7) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
6,946 		1–3
5 11 October @ Illawarra L 116–89 Casey Prather (28) Casey Prather (9) Lamar Patterson (5) Wollongong Entertainment Centre
4,709 		1–4
6 15 October @ Perth W 93–110 Casey Prather (34) Tyrell Harrison (15) Adams, Patterson (6) Perth Arena
6,110 		2–4
7 17 October Melbourne L 86–95 Jaylen Adams (29) Tyrell Harrison (11) Jaylen Adams (5) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4,899 		2–5
8 23 October @ New Zealand W 83–84 Casey Prather (23) Casey Prather (12) Jaylen Adams (5) Eventfinda Stadium
2,841 		3–5
9 25 October S.E. Melbourne L 86–109 Casey Prather (18) Tyrell Harrison (10) Jaylen Adams (7) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
5,244 		3–6
10 30 October Cairns W 113–85 Harrison, Prather (21) Casey Prather (10) Jaylen Adams (7) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
3,684 		4–6
November: 1–4 (Home: 0–3; Road: 1–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
11 1 November Sydney L 79–116 Casey Prather (24) Tyrell Harrison (7) Callum Dalton (4) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
5,039 		4–7
12 8 November @ Tasmania W 81–83 Casey Prather (28) Tyrell Harrison (9) Jaylen Adams (7) Derwent Entertainment Centre
4,340 		5–7
13 12 November New Zealand L 84–113 Casey Prather (26) Harrison, Prather (8) Alex Ducas (5) Gold Coast Sports Centre
2,275 		5–8
14 15 November @ Melbourne L 99–93 Mitch Norton (19) Tyrell Harrison (11) four players (3) John Cain Arena
8,930 		5–9
15 20 November S.E. Melbourne L 76–103 Tyrell Harrison (16) Jacob Holt (9) Harrison, Norton (4) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
3,429 		5–10
December: 1–6 (Home: 1–2; Road: 0–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
16 5 December @ Adelaide L 90–65 Dakota Mathias (14) Tyrell Harrison (10) Tristan Devers (4) Adelaide Entertainment Centre
9,835 		5–11
17 11 December @ Illawarra L 100–85 Terry Taylor (18) Terry Taylor (8) Mitch Norton (4) Wollongong Entertainment Centre
3,481 		5–12
18 14 December Perth L 62–86 Terry Taylor (18) Tyrell Harrison (12) Javon Freeman-Liberty (3) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
5,167 		5–13
19 20 December @ S.E. Melbourne L 107–78 Javon Freeman-Liberty (17) Tyrell Harrison (12) Mitch Norton (5) John Cain Arena
10,175 		5–14
20 22 December New Zealand W 99–85 Tyrell Harrison (24) Freeman-Liberty, Harrison (11) Javon Freeman-Liberty (7) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4,538 		6–14
21 27 December Melbourne L 87–92 Tyrell Harrison (23) Tyrell Harrison (11) Norton, Taylor (6) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4,299 		6–15
22 30 December @ Sydney L 95–70 Sam McDaniel (18) Freeman-Liberty, Harrison (7) Mitch Norton (6) Sydney SuperDome
10,716 		6–16
January: 0–7 (Home: 0–4; Road: 0–3)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
23 1 January Perth L 75–95 Jacob Holt (17) Jacob Holt (7) Mitch Norton (6) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
3,984 		6–17
24 4 January Adelaide L 86–97 Ducas, Taylor (18) Holt, Taylor (7) Hunter Maldonado (9) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
5,406 		6–18
25 12 January @ Cairns L 88–83 Hunter Maldonado (31) Terry Taylor (8) Hunter Maldonado (5) Cairns Convention Centre[10]
3,872 		6–19
26 15 January @ Sydney L 95–80 Hunter Maldonado (20) Terry Taylor (10) Hunter Maldonado (5) Perth Arena
8,981 		6–20
27 21 January @ Melbourne L 98–66 Jacob Holt (23) Jacob Holt (8) Maldonado, Taylor (4) Bendigo Stadium
3,978 		6–21
28 26 January Illawarra L 75–113 Hunter Maldonado (20) Murray, Taylor (6) Taine Murray (5) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4,075 		6–22
29 28 January Adelaide L 74–107 Jacob Holt (24) Terry Taylor (10) Hunter Maldonado (8) Gold Coast Sports Centre
2,441 		6–23
February: 0–4 (Home: 0–2; Road: 0–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
30 6 February @ Tasmania L 114–70 Hunter Maldonado (18) Jacob Holt (9) Taine Murray (3) Derwent Entertainment Centre
4,340 		6–24
31 8 February Cairns L 72–81 Terry Taylor (25) Jacob Holt (11) Mitch Norton (4) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
5,443 		6–25
32 13 February @ Perth L 94–75 Hunter Maldonado (18) Jacob Holt (7) Hunter Maldonado (7) Perth Arena
11,447 		6–26
33 20 February Sydney L 77–117 Hunter Maldonado (16) Alex Ducas (6) Hunter Maldonado (6) Brisbane Entertainment Centre
4,932 		6–27
2025–26 season schedule

NBL Ignite Cup

Main article: 2025–26 NBL Ignite Cup

The NBL introduced the new NBL Ignite Cup tournament for the 2025–26 season, with all games except the championship final counting towards the regular-season standings.[11][12]

Pos Team Pld W L PF PA PP BP Pts Qualification
1 Adelaide 36ers 4 3 1 390 329 118.5 12 21 Ignite Cup final
2 New Zealand Breakers 4 3 1 441 385 114.5 11 20
3 Perth Wildcats 4 3 1 399 365 109.3 9.5 18.5
4 Melbourne United 4 2 2 390 359 108.6 9.5 15.5
5 Tasmania JackJumpers 4 2 2 349 338 103.3 8.5 14.5
6 S.E. Melbourne Phoenix 4 2 2 408 402 101.5 8 14
7 Illawarra Hawks 4 2 2 372 397 93.7 7 13
8 Brisbane Bullets 4 1 3 334 411 81.3 6 9
9 Sydney Kings 4 1 3 350 381 91.9 5 8
10 Cairns Taipans 4 1 3 340 406 83.7 3.5 6.5
Updated to match(es) played on 28 January 2026. Source: Ignitecup.com.au


Transactions

Free agency began on 4 April 2025.[13][14]

Re-signed

Player Date Signed Contract Ref.
Casey Prather 7 February 2025 1-year deal [15]
Sam McDaniel 19 February 2025 2-year deal (mutual option) [16]
Tohi Smith-Milner 21 February 2025 1-year deal [17]
Javon Freeman-Liberty 18 November 2025 1-year deal [18]

Additions

Player Date Signed Contract Former team Ref.
Taine Murray 15 April 2025 2-year deal Virginia Cavaliers [19]
Jacob Holt 15 May 2025 3-year deal (mutual option) Sacramento State Hornet [20]
Jaylen Adams 13 July 2025 1-year deal Sydney Kings [21]
Alex Ducas 28 July 2025 1-year deal Oklahoma City Thunder [22]
Javon Freeman-Liberty 1 August 2025 1-year deal Windy City Bulls [23]
Dakota Mathias 24 October 2025 1-year deal Indiana Mad Ants [24]
Terry Taylor 16 November 2025 1-year deal Stockton Kings [25]
Hunter Maldonado 27 December 2025 1-year deal S.E. Melbourne Phoenix [26]

Subtractions

Player Reason left Date Left New Team Ref.
Isaac White Free agent 5 April 2025 Adelaide 36ers [27]
Josh Bannan Free agent 11 April 2025 Tasmania JackJumpers [28]
Javon Freeman-Liberty Mutual release 9 October 2025 n/a [29]
Jaylen Adams Released 14 November 2025 n/a [30]

Awards

Club awards

  • Club MVP: Tyrell Harrison
  • Player of the Year: Mitch Norton
  • Defensive Player of the Year: Mitch Norton
  • Youth Player of the Year: Jacob Holt
  • Narelle Kelly Award: Olly Reid
  • Volunteer of the Year: Craig Leaney

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bullets axe Schueller after injury-riddled NBL campaign". ESPN Australia. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  2. ^ "Brisbane Bullets Announce Coaching Transition Ahead of NBL26". Brisbane Bullets | Official NBL Website. 17 February 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  3. ^ Uluc, Olgun (3 April 2025). "From the office to the court: Bullets appoint Stu Lash as new head coach". ESPN Australia. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  4. ^ "Brisbane Bullets coach Stu Lash steps down". NBL.com.au. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 18 December 2025.
  5. ^ "Brisbane Bullets coach Stu Lash steps down". ESPN Australia. 18 December 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  6. ^ "Blitz heads to Canberra". NBL.com.au. 27 June 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  7. ^ "Canberra back on NBL agenda with hosting of Blitz". CanberraTimes.com.au. 27 June 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  8. ^ Uluc, Olgun (20 June 2025). "Storylines everywhere as NBL releases schedule for 2025-26 season". ESPN Australia. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  9. ^ Jackson, Andrew (20 June 2025). "'Personal' rivalries as 'hurt' US star, five-time MVP face former teams: NBL and WNBL Schedule". Fox Sports. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  10. ^ "NBL confirms rescheduled Taipans-Bullets clash". ESPN Australia. 10 January 2026. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  11. ^ Uluc, Olgun (7 October 2025). "NBL Ignite Cup: Everything you need to know". ESPN Australia. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  12. ^ Shadlow, Jai (7 October 2025). "'All roads lead to Gold Coast': In-season tournament reveal adds to NBL expansion rumblings". Fox Sports. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  13. ^ "Free agency begins April 4". NBL.com.au. 19 March 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  14. ^ "NBL26 Roster Tracker: Every signing, extension and departure". NBL.com.au. 22 June 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Prather named MVP and re-signs with Bullets". Brisbane Bullets. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
  16. ^ "Bullets re-sign key piece". NBL Official Website. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
  17. ^ "Tohi Smith-Milner Commits to Brisbane Bullets". Brisbane Bullets | Official NBL Website. 21 February 2025. Retrieved 21 February 2025.
  18. ^ Shadlow, Jai (17 November 2025). "Stunning twist as big-name Bullets recruit returns less than two months after sudden split". Fox Sports. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  19. ^ "Collegiate product joins Bullets". NBL.com.au. 15 April 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  20. ^ "Building a strong-Holt: Bullets add another key piece". NBL.com.au. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  21. ^ "Bullets hit bullseye by signing NBL championship winner". ESPN Australia. 13 July 2025. Retrieved 13 July 2025.
  22. ^ "Sources: Brisbane Bullets set to land Aussie NBA champion Alex Ducas". ESPN Australia. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  23. ^ "Bullets add more star power for NBL26". NBL.com.au. 1 August 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2025.
  24. ^ "Brisbane Bullets Announce Star Import Signing". Brisbane Bullets | Official NBL Website. 24 October 2025. Retrieved 24 October 2025.
  25. ^ "REPORT: G League champion headed to Brisbane". NBL.com.au. 16 November 2025. Retrieved 30 November 2025.
  26. ^ "Phoenix add experienced import in NBL title hunt". CanberraTimes.com.au. 27 December 2025. Retrieved 27 December 2025.
  27. ^ "White signs for 36ers on two-year deal". Adelaide36ers.com. 5 April 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  28. ^ "Why Bannan chose Tasmania". NBL.com.au. 11 April 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  29. ^ Uluc, Olgun (9 October 2025). "Bullets, star import Javon Freeman-Liberty mutually agree to part ways". ESPN Australia. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  30. ^ Uluc, Olgun (14 November 2025). "Brisbane Bullets part ways with import Jaylen Adams". ESPN Australia. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
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