Adam Gibson Calls Time On His Glittering NBL Career
Inaugural Phoenix player Adam Gibson has hung up the boots.
Gibson brings to a close a decorated career that saw him become a two-time NBL champion, Olympian, and one of the first players signed by the Phoenix.
(Adam Gibson was monumental in building the culture at the Phoenix.)
The defensive-minded guard spent two seasons with the Phoenix, and while he struggled with injuries, he was a significant driver of the culture of the Phoenix.
"My body had enough, I'd stopped full-on training, and it was too much to keep it up to that level. Also mentally, to be able to switch off and enjoy life a lot more, things you have to sacrifice to be a professional athlete," Gibson said.
On his time at the Phoenix, Gibson said he was proud of the role he played in helping establish a new NBL franchise.
"I'm glad to be able to help start up the club, get it to a semi-final in year two, and see the support we've built from the community in such a small amount of time," he said. "I feel like I had some really good games over my two years at the club, especially in the first season. Injuries took their toll in year two, but being a part of the finals run was fun."
(Adam Gibson celebrating the 2009 NBL Championship with the South Dragons.)
Gibson made his NBL debut in 2005 and played for five NBL franchises. He won his first NBL title in 2007 as a member of the Brisbane Bullets; his second came two years later in 2009 with the South Dragons.
He is also a five-time All-NBL Team member and was the NBL Best Defensive Player in 2009.
He had a decorated international career as a member of the Boomers at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cups.
"Gibbo has had a decorated career and is one of the smartest basketballers I've seen; he's also one of the most competitive players I've been around," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said. "He played a huge role in helping establish the Phoenix in year one both on and off-court. As a club, we want to congratulate him on an amazing career."
(Adam Gibson playing for the Phoenix in NBL20 against the Brisbane Bullets.)
Gibson recently launched Adam Gibson 1 Coaching (www.adamgibson1.com) and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of Australian hoopers.
"I'm coaching heaps of young kids, and that has been super rewarding watching young kids get better at skills I've learnt and was taught when I was younger. To give back and help them out and still be involved in the game," Gibson said.
The 35 year-old will continue to play at Knox in NBL1.
"I'll still keep playing NBL1 with Knox for as long as possible. I just wanted to wrap up my NBL career and be able to acknowledge the people that helped me play in the league for so long," he said.
Phoenix Media (20/05/2022)