Shaun Bruce

Shaun Bruce
No. 7 – Sydney Kings
PositionGuard
LeagueNBL
Personal information
Born (1991-01-13) 13 January 1991 (age 33)
NationalityAustralian
Listed height192 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Listed weight87 kg (192 lb)
Career information
Playing career2010–present
Career history
2010–2013Ballarat Miners
2012–2016Cairns Taipans
2014–2015Cairns Marlins
2016–2017Mackay Meteors
2016–2018Brisbane Bullets
2018Wellington Saints
2018Westports Malaysia Dragons
2019Adelaide 36ers
2019Rockhampton Rockets
2019–presentSydney Kings
2021;
2023–2024		Logan Thunder
Career highlights and awards

Shaun Bruce (born 13 January 1991) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Sydney Kings of the National Basketball League (NBL). He began his NBL career in 2012 and has played for the Cairns Taipans, Brisbane Bullets, Adelaide 36ers and Sydney Kings. He helped the Kings win back-to-back NBL championships in 2022 and 2023.

Early life

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Bruce hails from Horsham, Victoria.[1] He grew up playing for the Horsham Hornets.[2][3]

Basketball career

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NBL

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In January 2012, Bruce had a training stint with the Melbourne Tigers of the National Basketball League.[4]

Bruce joined the Cairns Taipans as a development player for the 2012–13 NBL season.[5] He subsequently won the inaugural Aron Baynes Award for Most Outstanding Athlete.[6]

In August 2013, Bruce signed a full-time contract with the Taipans for the 2013–14 season.[7][8][9] He re-signed with the club for the 2014–15 season in April 2014.[10] On 31 December 2014, he recorded his first double-digit scoring game of his NBL career with 12 points against the Adelaide 36ers.[11] He helped the Taipans reach the 2015 NBL grand final series.[12]

On 19 June 2015, Bruce re-signed with the Taipans for the 2015–16 season.[13] He received more playing time in December 2015 due to injuries to teammates Markel Starks and Stephen Weigh.[14] He had 17 points against the Sydney Kings of 2 January 2016.[15]

On 29 April 2016, Bruce signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets.[16][17] On 27 January 2017, he scored a season-high 13 points in an 80–77 loss to Melbourne United.[18] He missed the start of the 2017–18 NBL season with the ankle injury.[19][20] On 28 October 2017, he scored a season-high 13 points in an 87–85 win over Melbourne United.[21] In 27 games, he averaged 3.0 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.[22]

In November 2018, Bruce played one game as a stand-in import for the Westports Malaysia Dragons of the ASEAN Basketball League.[23][24] In January 2019, he joined the Adelaide 36ers as a replacement for injured import Ramone Moore.[25] In seven games to finish the 2018–19 NBL season, he averaged 2.4 points per game.[26]

On 26 April 2019, Bruce signed with the Sydney Kings for the 2019–20 NBL season.[27] He played a key role off the bench and averaged career highs while stepping up in the absence of the injured Kevin Lisch.[28] On 15 June 2020, Bruce re-signed with the Kings on a two-year deal.[29] In February 2021, he played his 200th NBL game.[30]

In the 2021–22 NBL season, Bruce played his 250th NBL game[31] and helped the Kings win the NBL championship.[32] On 23 May 2022, Bruce re-signed with the Kings on a two-year deal.[33] He helped the Kings win back-to-back championships in 2022–23.[34] In December 2023, Bruce played his 300th NBL game.[35]

On 12 March 2024, Bruce re-signed with the Kings on a two-year deal.[36] On 13 October 2024, he recorded 21 points and four assists while making all six three-point attempts in a 99–76 win over the Cairns Taipans.[37]

Australian state leagues and NZNBL

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In 2010, Bruce joined the Ballarat Miners of the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL).[38][39][40] In 2011, he won the SEABL East Golden Hands Award, which is calculated by adding a player's assists and steals and subtracting their turnovers.[41][42] He played a third season with the Miners in 2012.[4] With the Miners in 2013,[43] he missed eight games during the season with a torn quadriceps.[44][45]

Bruce played for the Cairns Marlins of the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) during the 2014 season, earning All-League Team honours.[46] He re-joined the Marlins for the 2015 QBL season.[47]

Bruce joined the Mackay Meteors for the 2016 QBL season.[48][49] He was named QBL Player of the Week for round six.[50] He averaged 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 18 games.[51] He was subsequently named to the QBL All-League Team.[52] He re-joined the Meteors for the 2017 QBL season.[53] He recorded two triple-doubles[54][55][56][57] and two Player of the Week awards.[58][59] He helped the Meteors reach the QBL grand final series, but he injured his ankle in game one and the team lost 2–1 to the Townsville Heat.[60] He was subsequently named the QBL MVP.[61][62] In 19 games, he averaged 22.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 9.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game.[63]

Bruce played for the Wellington Saints in the 2018 New Zealand NBL season.[64] In 20 games, he averaged 10.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game.[65]

Bruce joined the Rockhampton Rockets for the 2019 QBL season.[66] In 20 games, he averaged 22.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 9.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game.[67]

In 2021, Bruce played for the Logan Thunder of the NBL1 North.[68] He re-joined the Thunder for the 2023 NBL1 North season[69] and earned All-NBL1 North Second Team honours.[70] He re-joined the Thunder for the 2024 NBL1 North season[71] and earned NBL1 North Second Team for the second straight year.[72]

Personal life

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Bruce is the son of Steve and Julie Bruce. His mother was a national-level swimmer, while two of his uncles, Des and Stephen Ryan,[73] played in the Australian Football League (AFL).[74] He also has two older brothers, Aaron and Cameron. Aaron formerly played in the NBL, while Cameron has played many years in the lower level Victorian basketball divisions.[75]

Bruce is close friends with AFL player Jake Lloyd.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Shaun Bruce". brisbanebullets.com.au. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Player statistics for Shaun Bruce – Big V". FoxSportsPulse.com. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  3. ^ Ward, Roy (29 March 2009). "Hornets fell the Giants". MailTimes.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  4. ^ a b McCullagh-Beasy, Justine (12 January 2012). "Shaun Bruce trains with NBL Tigers". MailTimes.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  5. ^ Whelan, Melanie (14 August 2012). "Shaun Bruce signs with NBL". TheCourier.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  6. ^ Davis, Sam (12 March 2013). "Floor general Bruce eyes Orange Army promotion". ABC.net.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  7. ^ "Snakes Pluck Bruce from CQUni Taipans Academy". Taipans.com. 5 August 2013. Archived from the original on 8 January 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  8. ^ O'Connor, Tim (6 August 2013). "Shaun Bruce signs with Cairns Taipans". TheCourier.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  9. ^ MacGillivray, Colin (7 August 2013). "One Bruce in, one Bruce out". MailTimes.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  10. ^ Serenc, Michael (30 April 2014). "Taipans guard Shaun Bruce re-signs with the Cairns basketball team for next season". CairnsPost.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  11. ^ Wenzel, Murray (2 January 2015). "Shaun Bruce feeling confident to shoot away as good form continues for young Cairns Taipans guard". CairnsPost.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  12. ^ Ward, Roy (6 March 2015). "Cairns Taipans guard Shaun Bruce fired up for NBL grand final series". SMH.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  13. ^ "TAIPANS RETAIN POINT GUARD SHAUN BRUCE". NBL.com.au. 19 June 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  14. ^ a b Warren, Michael (27 January 2016). "In-form Bruce a Taipans beacon". CairnsPost.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  15. ^ "SNAKES FALL IN SYDNEY". Taipans.com. 2 January 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  16. ^ "YOUNG GUNS JOIN BRISBANE BULLETS". NBL.com.au. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  17. ^ McKenzie, Daniel (16 November 2017). "Meteors reach for the stars in targeting top signings". DailyMercury.com.au. Retrieved 28 December 2017. ...he's at the end of a two year deal with the Bullets.
  18. ^ "BULLETS POSITIVE OF LONG TERM SUCCESS". BrisbaneBullets.com.au. 27 January 2017. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  19. ^ Davis, Samuel (31 August 2017). "Injury forces Bruce out of double date with Cairns Taipans". CairnsPost.com.au. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  20. ^ "Shaun Bruce and Brisbane Bullets to soak up day against the Suns". TheAustralian.com.au. 14 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  21. ^ Paterson, Joshua (29 October 2017). "Bullets shoot down Melbourne United by two points". SMH.com.au. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  22. ^ "Brisbane Bullets Stats 2017–18". australiabasket.com. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  23. ^ Lim, Kelvin (22 November 2018). "Westports Malaysia Dragons Bring In Stand-In Import". aseansports.com. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  24. ^ "Singapore Slingers beat Malaysian dragons at Asean Basketball League". thestar.com.au. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  25. ^ "Adelaide add Shaun Bruce as Injury Replacement". NBL.com.au. 16 January 2019. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  26. ^ "Adelaide 36ers Stats 2018–19". australiabasket.com. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  27. ^ "Sydney Kings add Shaun Bruce". NBL.com.au. 26 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  28. ^ Pike, Chris (17 January 2020). "Bruce Shows Gratitude with Career-Best Form". NBL.com.au. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  29. ^ "Shaun Bruce Re-Signs with Sydney". NBL.com.au. 15 June 2020. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  30. ^ McQuade, Matt (25 February 2021). "200 Up for Shaun Bruce". SydneyKings.com. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  31. ^ "Shaun Bruce celebrates major milestone". SydneyKings.com. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  32. ^ "Kings Win First Championship in 17 Years with Record Crowd". NBL.com.au. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  33. ^ "Shaun Bruce Re-Signs in Sydney". NBL.com.au. 23 May 2022. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  34. ^ "Kings' Big Finish to Secure Back-to-Back Championships". NBL.com.au. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  35. ^ "Shaun Bruce set for milestone 300th NBL game". NBL.com.au. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  36. ^ "Bruce inks deal to stay with Kings". NBL.com.au. 12 March 2024. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Kings respond royally against Taipans". NBL.com.au. 13 October 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  38. ^ "Young talent is building the team". TheCourier.com.au. 12 January 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  39. ^ Brehaut, David (23 April 2010). "BASKETBALL: Miners promote duo after U.S. college rule change". TheCourier.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  40. ^ Whelan, Melanie (20 July 2010). "Ballarat Miners move a change of pace". TheCourier.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  41. ^ "2011 STATISTICAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED". SEABL.com.au. 26 August 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2016. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  42. ^ McCullagh-Beasy, Justine (6 September 2011). "Big week for Aaron and Shaun Bruce". MailTimes.com.au. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  43. ^ "SHAUN BRUCE TO PLAY ON FOR BALLARAT". SEABL.com.au. 13 December 2012. Archived from the original on 29 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  44. ^ Whelan, Melanie (22 July 2013). "Miners' Shaun Bruce returns to SEABL action". TheCourier.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  45. ^ "BASKETBALL: Bruce injury denies chance to represent Australia". TheCourier.com.au. 19 June 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  46. ^ "2014 QBL Awards Winners". QABL.basketball.net.au. 21 August 2014. Archived from the original on 16 March 2015.
  47. ^ Wenzel, Murray (14 July 2015). "Marlins call in Taipans guard Shaun Bruce as QBL side juggles guard options". CairnsPost.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  48. ^ "BRUCE SIGNS WITH QBL'S MACKAY METEORS". Taipans.com. 22 March 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  49. ^ Lees, Chris (22 March 2016). "New signing for Mackay Meteors". DailyMercury.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  50. ^ "Player of the Week – Round 6". qbl.basketballqld.com.au. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  51. ^ "Player statistics for Shaun Bruce – QBL". sportstg.com. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  52. ^ "2016 QBL End of Season Awards". qbl.basketballqld.com.au. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 30 August 2016.
  53. ^ Peters, Madolyn (23 February 2017). "Former Taipan returns to join Meteors teammates". DailyMercury.com.au. Retrieved 26 February 2017.
  54. ^ "Meteors vs Heat". FIBALiveStats.com. 13 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  55. ^ Peters, Madolyn (13 May 2017). "Townsville coach not happy with some calls after loss to Meteors". DailyMercury.com.au. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  56. ^ "OFF-SEASON PLAYER TRACKER: CRAIG'S DOUBLE-DOUBLE, DOUBLE & BRUCE'S TRIPLE-DOUBLE". BrisbaneBullets.com.au. 15 May 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  57. ^ "Meteors vs Spartans". FIBALiveStats.com. 10 June 2017. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  58. ^ "Player of the Week – Round 7". qbl.basketballqld.com.au. 14 June 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  59. ^ "Player of the Week – Round 14". qbl.basketballqld.com.au. 2 August 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
  60. ^ Slatter, Trent (27 August 2017). "Townsville Heat beat Mackay to break 17-year QBL title drought". TownsvilleBulletin.com.au. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
  61. ^ "2017 QBL Season Award Winners". qbl.basketballqld.com.au. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  62. ^ Santamaria, Liam (30 August 2017). "BRUCE NAMED QBL MVP, OUT FOR ENTIRE NBL PRE-SEASON". NBL.com.au. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  63. ^ "Player statistics for Shaun Bruce – QBL 2017". SportsTG.com. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  64. ^ NZhoops (20 April 2018). "The Wellington Saints have signed..." Twitter. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  65. ^ "Player statistics for Shaun Bruce". SportsTG.com. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  66. ^ "QBL Pre-Season Game – Saturday 13th April". rockhampton.basketballqld.com.au. 2 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  67. ^ "Player statistics for Shaun Bruce – QBL 2019". SportsTG.com. Archived from the original on 14 September 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
  68. ^ "NBL1 North McDonald's Logan Thunder Men Player Announcement: Shaun Bruce". loganbasketball.com. 2 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021.
  69. ^ "McDonald's Logan Thunder Men NBL1 North 2023 Player Announcement: Shaun Bruce". facebook.com/LoganBasketballInc. 6 February 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
  70. ^ "NBL1 North First & Second Team | Men's". facebook.com/basketballqld. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  71. ^ "Bruce returns to Thunder for 2024 NBL1 season". SydneyKings.com. 18 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  72. ^ "NBL1 North Men's Second Team". facebook.com/basketballqld. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  73. ^ Harris, Amelia (20 June 2008). "Melbourne's Aaron Bruce looking at NBA drafting". heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  74. ^ "Aaron Bruce Bio". BaylorBears.com. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  75. ^ Ward, Roy (19 May 2008). "Star attraction". MailTimes.com.au. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
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