Matthew Knight (basketball)

Matthew Knight
No. 9 – Perth Wildcats
Position Centre / Power forward
League NBL
Personal information
Born (1985-05-31) 31 May 1985
Burnie, Tasmania
Nationality Australian
Listed height 204 cm (6 ft 8 in)
Listed weight 109 kg (240 lb)
Career information
High school Smithton (Smithton, Tasmania)
College Loyola Marymount (2003–2007)
NBA draft 2007 / Undrafted
Playing career 2007–present
Career history
2007–2009 West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit
2009 Kecskeméti KSE
2009–2010 Soproni KC
2010–present Perth Wildcats
Career highlights and awards

Matthew James Knight (born 31 May 1985) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League (NBL). Knight, a native of Tasmania, began playing basketball in his hometown of Burnie as a youth. After a year at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2003, Knight ventured to the United States where he played four years of college basketball for Loyola Marymount University (LMU).

After graduating from LMU, Knight joined the NBL ranks and a had a two-year stint with the West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit between 2007 and 2009. With the demise of the Spirit following the 2008–09 season, Knight moved to Europe and played one season in Hungary for Soproni KC. Knight returned to the NBL in 2010 and joined the Perth Wildcats. He made a home for himself in Perth and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best big men in the league.

Knight is a four-time All-NBL Team member and a two-time NBL champion, both coming with the Wildcats in 2014 and 2016. Knight has, however, endured a long list of injuries since joining the Wildcats in 2010, having struggled with calf, shoulder, ankle and toe complaints.

Early life

Born in Burnie, Tasmania,[1] Knight played both basketball and Australian rules football as a junior. He was a talented footballer growing up, following in the steps of his father, Scott, who played five games for Collingwood in the VFL in 1984 before carving out an accomplished career in Tasmania. Knight went to watch his father play every Saturday, and during the week, he'd go with him to training. He played football right up until the end of secondary school. At that stage, he had to make a decision, and he'd heard there was more opportunity to go overseas with basketball, so he chose to commit to basketball. He also wanted to get away from the shadow of his father.[2]

Knight attended Smithton High School in 1997 and 1998[3] before linking up with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) and joining the TIS Basketball Elite Development Squad.[4][5]

In 2002, Knight played in the South East Australian Basketball League (SEABL) for the NW Tasmania Brewers and earned SEABL South Australian Youth Player of the Year honours.[6] He subsequently earned a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and moved to Canberra in 2003. That year, he played for the AIS men's basketball team in the SEABL, and was a member of the Australian junior national team that won the gold medal at the 2003 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Thessaloniki, Greece.[7] He played alongside future NBA player Andrew Bogut, and was coached by his future NBL mentor Rob Beveridge.

During his junior basketball career, Knight played for the Tasmania under-16 team in 1999 and 2000, the under-18 team in 2001 and 2002, and the under-20 team in 2003. He was also a member of the All-Australian Junior Camp in 2002 and 2003, and played for Australia at the Oceania Qualification Series in 2002.[8]

College career

Freshman year

On 10 June 2003, Knight and future Perth Wildcats teammate Damian Martin signed National Letters of Intent to join the Loyola Marymount University men's basketball program.[9]

Knight was slowed by ankle surgery following the 2003 FIBA World Championship and subsequently missed the first six games of the 2003–04 season. He managed just 18 games for the Lions as a freshman, but his 3.5-rebound-per-game average ranked 11th all-time among freshman at LMU. He also averaged 4.9 points per game.[8][10]

Sophomore year

As a sophomore in 2004–05, Knight proved to be the go-to-guy for the Lions all season, and for his efforts, he earned All-West Coast Conference honorable mention honours. He finished the regular season averaging a team-best 15.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while starting all 28 games. He led the team in minutes played (28.9 per game), and led the team in scoring in 18 contests. His 10.5-point turn around on the season was the best in the WCC as he scored in double figures in all but four games. He ranked sixth in the league in shooting percentage (51.2) and was second in the league in offensive rebounds (2.82).[8][10] On 18 December 2004, Knight exploded for the Lions in win over San Diego State to become the first Lion to score 30 points in a regular season game since January 1998. Knight finished with 30 points on 13-of-21 shooting, going 4-of-4 from the free throw line while adding a then career-high nine rebounds.[8]

Junior year

As a junior in 2005–06, Knight was a Player of the Year candidate in the West Coast Conference and earned first-team All-WCC honours. He ranked seventh in the WCC at 16.2 points per game and led the WCC in rebounds at 10.0 per game. During the season, he became just the 11th player in LMU history to record 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds. He scored in double figures in every WCC game and had a career-best 32 points and 18 rebounds against Long Beach State on 30 November 2006.[8][10]

Senior year

Prior to the 2006–07 season, the Lions were picked by many to challenge for the WCC title, but their season was filled with near misses (losing to Long Beach State on a half court shot at the buzzer and three other WCC games on shots at the buzzer), critical injuries (Brandon Worthy out with ACL), uphill battles (starting 1–6 in the WCC) and bad luck (drawing host team in first round) that proved too much for the sixth-seeded Lions as they finish 13–18 on the year. Their season ended with a loss to the University of Portland at the Chiles Center in the first round of the West Coast Conference Championships. In his final game for LMU, Knight recorded 15 points and seven rebounds. He finished his career with 1,466 points and 743 rebounds, ranking 10th and sixth, respectively. He became the fifth player in LMU history to rank in the top-10 in career points and rebounds.[11] Over 28 games as a senior in 2006–07, Knight averaged 16.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.[10] He subsequently earned first-team All-WCC honours for the second straight year.

Knight's four-year career at LMU was defined by the double-double. He earned his 25th double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds against Santa Clara on 27 January 2007. Overall, he had two as a sophomore in 2004–05, broke out for 17 in 2005–06, and then six as a senior for 25 total, replacing Ime Oduok for fifth all-time in LMU history. His 17 as a junior was the most since Hank Gathers had 26 in the 1988–89 season and ranked him seventh all-time for single season double-doubles.[12]

Professional career

West Sydney Razorbacks / Sydney Spirit (2007–2009)

In May and June of 2007, Knight had his sights set on entering the NBA and even had a work-out with the Los Angeles Clippers.[13] However, he went undrafted in the 2007 NBA draft and subsequently switched his attention to Australia's National Basketball League (NBL).

Knight and his long-time teammate and friend, Damian Martin, both joined Rob Beveridge at the West Sydney Razorbacks for the 2007–08 NBL season.[12] In his rookie season, Knight appeared in 25 of the team's 30 games and averaged 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He also recorded six double-doubles.[14] The Razorbacks finished the regular season in 10th spot on the ladder, missing the playoffs with a 10–20 win/loss record.

In July 2008, the Razorbacks were renamed the Sydney Spirit in a bid to broaden their supporter base after the collapse of the Sydney Kings.[15][16] Knight, Martin and Beveridge continued on with the Spirit in 2008–09, but financial difficulties soon besieged the club mid-season. After team owner Greg Evans was served a default notice, all players were asked to take a 50 per cent pay cut. This led to the league having to step in and provide assistance in order for the club to play out the season.[17] With the subsequent departure of Julian Khazzouh and import Derrick Low,[17] the Spirit stumbled through the season and finished with an 11–19 record, missing the playoffs with an eighth-place finish. Despite the struggles of the Spirit both on and off the court, Knight managed to have a very productive season, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, as he played and started in every game throughout the season.[14] For his efforts, he earned NBL Most Improved Player honours and was named in the All-NBL third team.

Hungary (2009–2010)

Following the conclusion of the 2008–09 NBL season, Knight joined Hungarian club Kecskeméti KSE.[18] In six games for the club between March 14 and April 18, Knight averaged 16.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game.[19]

In August 2009, Knight signed a one-year deal with Soproni KC, returning to Hungary for a second stint.[20] In March 2010, he was named an International All-Star and played in the league's all-star game against the national team of Hungary.[21] He went on to lead Soproni to a playoff berth, but they were knocked out in the first round by Körmend, losing the series 3–0.[22] In 27 games (24 regular season, three playoff) for the club in 2009–10, Knight averaged 15.9 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.[23]

Perth Wildcats (2010–present)

On 7 April 2010, Knight signed a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats, returning to the NBL after one season in Hungary.[24] He was lured to the club by his Sydney Spirit comrades, Damian Martin and Rob Beveridge, with the pair coming off an NBL championship with the Wildcats in 2009–10.[25]

Upon moving to Perth, Knight joined the Rockingham Flames of the State Basketball League (SBL) and had a three-game stint with the club in mid-July.[26][27]

2010–11 season

Knight's debut season for the Wildcats began positively before a left calf injury suffered on 12 December 2010 against the Melbourne Tigers ruled him out for two months.[28] Further injuries to Jesse Wagstaff and Shawn Redhage threw the Wildcats' season into disarray as they stumbled through the regular season with inadequate injury replacements. Knight returned to action on 11 February 2011 and helped the team reach the playoffs with a fourth-place finish and a 16–12 record. In their semi-final series against the first-seeded New Zealand Breakers, the Wildcats took Game 1 in Auckland, but then lost Games 2 and 3 to bow out of the playoffs with a 2–1 defeat. In 18 games for the Wildcats in 2010–11, Knight averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.[14]

Following the 2010–11 NBL season, Knight returned to the SBL and joined the Willetton Tigers.[29] He was a dominate force for the Tigers over his first seven games, but in his eighth appearance for the club on June 17, he suffered a slight calf strain to the same calf he tore on 12 December 2010.[30] The strain ruled him out for a month of action, as he returned to the line-up on July 16 for a four-minute stint. In nine games for the Tigers in 2011, Knight averaged 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.[27]

2011–12 season

Knight was relatively injury free in 2011–12 and was able to lead the Wildcats to a second-place finish with a 19–9 win/loss record. After defeating the Gold Coast Blaze 2–1 in the semi-finals, the Wildcats moved on to the Grand Final series where they faced the New Zealand Breakers. They lost Game 1 in Auckland but were able to tie the series at 1–1 with a Game 2 victory in Perth, leaving the series to a Game 3 decider in Auckland. In a tightly fought game, the Wildcats went down to the Breakers 79–73, finishing runners-up with a 2–1 defeat. In 29 games for the Wildcats in 2011–12, Knight averaged 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.[14]

2012–13 season: All-NBL First Team

After undergoing off-season shoulder surgery, Knight entered the 2012–13 season with the mindset of wanting to be the dominant big guy in the NBL. During pre-season, Rob Beveridge made it clear that Knight was going to be the team's go-to guy in the paint in 2012–13.[31] Knight embraced the responsibility that came with being the team's primary focus under the basket, and excelled in the Wildcats' season-opening win over the New Zealand Breakers, earning the NBL's Player of the Week award for a 20-point, nine-rebound effort.[32] He went on to lead the Wildcats to a 22–6 win/loss record, good for second behind their arch rivals the Breakers, who amassed just three losses on the season. After sweeping the Wollongong Hawks in the semi-finals, the Wildcats returned to the Grand Final series where they again faced the Breakers – their third time facing the Breakers in a playoff series in as many years. However, with the team missing Damian Martin through injury, the Wildcats stumbled to a 2–0 defeat, as the Breakers claimed their third championship in a row, winning Game 2 in Perth at Perth Arena. Despite another disappointing end to a good overall season, Knight picked up numerous accolades for the 2012–13 season, including finishing runner-up for the Wildcats MVP, being named in the All-NBL first team and voted as the starting centre in the All-Star game, reaffirming his status as the league's premier big man.[33] In 27 games for the Wildcats in 2012–13, he averaged 13.7 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.[14]

2013–14 season: First Championship

On 5 May 2013, Knight re-signed with the Wildcats on a three-year deal.[33] The Wildcats went through many changes during the 2013 off-season with the departure of Rob Beveridge, Kevin Lisch and Cameron Tovey, and the additions of Trevor Gleeson as head coach, and two new imports in Jermaine Beal and James Ennis. This trio brought a new look to the Wildcats, as Beal and Ennis added speed and athleticism to a formidable line-up that still included Martin, Redhage and Wagstaff.

Injuries to Knight, however, tarnished his season as he was unable to compete early on (the Wildcats began the season 8–0) and forced the club to sign Jarrad Prue and Jeremiah Trueman as short-term injury replacements in October and January, respectively.[34] Knight's prolonged absence did not slow down the Wildcats, as the team was able to finish on top of the ladder with a 21–7 record, booking themselves a spot in the post-season for a 28th straight season. After sweeping the Wollongong Hawks in the semi-finals for the second straight season, the Wildcats returned to the Grand Final for the third year in a row. This time, however, they faced the Adelaide 36ers. After two tightly fought contests in Games 1 and 2, the series was tied a 1–1. In Game 3 in Perth, the Wildcats thrashed the 36ers with a 93–59 victory that saw the Wildcats claim their sixth NBL championship, as Knight claimed his first title.[35] In 18 games for the Wildcats in 2013–14, he averaged 10.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.[14]

2014–15 season

On 16 November 2014, Knight played his 100th game for the Wildcats in an 85–66 win over the Sydney Kings. In 30 minutes of action, he recorded 16 points and eight rebounds.[36] On 9 January 2015, he was ruled out for six weeks with a toe injury.[37] After missing six games, he returned to action earlier than expected, suiting up on February 1 against Sydney.[38] The 2014–15 season turned out to be a near carbon copy of the 2010–11 season for the Wildcats as they finished fourth on the ladder with a 16–12 record and were knocked out in the semi-finals by the Cairns Taipans, failing to defend their 2013–14 title in a season that was plagued with injuries. In 24 games for the Wildcats in 2014–15, Knight averaged 10.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.[14] He subsequently earned All-NBL second team honours.

2015–16 season: Second Championship

For the first time in his Wildcats career, Knight had an injury-free season in 2015–16. With the team's acquisition of Nathan Jawai, Knight was able to move to his natural position of power forward. Knight, Jawai and Tom Jervis proved to be a formidable front court, as the Wildcats battled with Melbourne United for top spot on the ladder all season. The Wildcats finished the regular season in second spot with an 18–10 record, and in the semi-finals, they faced the Rob Beveridge-led Illawarra Hawks. After defeating the Hawks 2–1, the Wildcats once again faced the New Zealand Breakers in the Grand Final, however, this time with home court advantage. Home court proved to be vital as the Wildcats won Game 1 in Perth, lost Game 2 in Auckland, and then came out victorious with a 75–52 thrashing of the Breakers in Game 3 to claim their seven NBL championship and second in three years, defeating the Breakers for the first time in the playoffs.[39] Knight appeared in 33 of the team's 34 games in 2015–16, averaging 11.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. At the conclusion of the regular season, Knight was named in the All-NBL second team for the second straight year.[40]

2016–17 season

On 19 April 2016, Knight re-signed with the Wildcats on a two-year deal,[41] a month after undergoing shoulder stabilisation surgery on his left arm.[42] Unfortunately, injury struck down Knight again during the 2016 off-season. On 12 September 2016, he was ruled out for two months after suffering a subluxation of his right shoulder during training a week earlier.[43] However, the joint responded well to rehab and after a week of full training with the team, Wildcats medical staff gave him the all-clear on 20 October 2016.[44] He made his season debut the following day, recording 12 points and eight rebounds in an 80–73 win over the Illawarra Hawks.[45] On 13 November, he had a season-best game with 24 points and 13 rebounds in an 87–86 overtime loss to the New Zealand Breakers.[46]

Personal

On 2 December 2013, Knight and his partner Sherelle had their first child, a daughter named Mia Rose.[47] He later married Sherelle in September 2014.[48]

In 2013, Knight considered a switch to Australian Rules football in order to follow in his father's footsteps after attracting interest from WAFL club West Perth.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Symonds, Kristy (18 January 2012). "In my home: Matt Knight". PerthNow.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  2. 1 2 Robinson, Chris (9 February 2013). "Wildcats centre Matt Knight weighs up football dream". PerthNow.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  3. ↑ "Famous Faces – Matthew Knight". tas.edu.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. ↑ "Tasmanian Institute of Sport Yearbook and Annual Report 1999–2000" (PDF). tas.gov.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Athletes on the road to national selection". Examiner.com.au. 8 March 2005. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "SEABL History – Award Winners" (PDF). SEABL.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  7. ↑ "The Knightmare a defensive dream for Perth". NBL.com.au. 25 March 2014. Archived from the original on 21 July 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Matthew Knight Bio". lmulions.com. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  9. ↑ "Two Australians Commit to Men's Hoops". lmulions.com. 10 June 2003. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Matthew Knight Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  11. ↑ "Lack of Offense Ends Frustrating Season". lmulions.com. 2 March 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  12. 1 2 "Knight Signs With Razorbacks". lmulions.com. 9 August 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Matty Knight has sights on NBA". lmulions.proboards.com. 16 May 2007. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Player statistics for Matthew Knight – NBL". FoxSportsPulse.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  15. ↑ "Smith to join rejuvenated Razors". ABC.net.au. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  16. ↑ "Minister backs name change for Sydney team". ABC.net.au. 21 July 2008. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  17. 1 2 Warren, Adrian (29 November 2008). "Sydney Spirit coach Rob Beveridge wants players to stick after South upset". AdelaideNow.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  18. ↑ Deri, Tamas (23 February 2009). "Last movements in Hungary". Eurobasket.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  19. ↑ "Matt KNIGHT | Season 2008/2009". FIBA.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  20. ↑ Deri, Tamas (24 August 2009). "Matthew Knight is coming back to Hungary". Eurobasket.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  21. ↑ Deri, Tamas (11 March 2010). "All-Star game". Eurobasket.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  22. ↑ Deri, Tamas (28 April 2010). "Kormend and ZTE advance to Semifinals". Eurobasket.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "Matt KNIGHT | Season 2009/2010". FIBA.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  24. ↑ Pike, Chris (7 April 2010). "New Wildcats recruit Matt Knight wants to call Perth home". News.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  25. ↑ Clarke, Tim (7 April 2010). "Knight rides in to Wildcats camp". WAToday.com.au. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  26. ↑ "Goldfields Giants secure finals spot". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. 11 July 2010. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  27. 1 2 "Player statistics for Matthew Knight – SBL". FoxSportsPulse.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  28. ↑ Hope, Shayne (12 December 2010). "Knight injury sours Cats win". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  29. ↑ "SBL season gets cracking". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  30. ↑ "Knight suffers slight calf injury". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 19 June 2011. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  31. ↑ "Perth Wildcats big man Matt Knight: My time to dominate the boards". PerthNow.com.au. 11 October 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  32. ↑ Robinson, Chris (10 October 2012). "Star Matt Knight is ready to be the man for the Perth Wildcats this NBL season". News.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  33. 1 2 "Matt Knight re-signs for three seasons". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 5 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  34. ↑ Hope, Shayne (21 January 2014). "Wildcats lure back Trueman". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  35. ↑ "GF Report: Perth thrash 36ers, claim sixth title". NBL.com.au. 13 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2014.
  36. ↑ "Perth Wildcats smash Kings in Sydney". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 16 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  37. ↑ "Matt Knight toe injury". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 9 January 2015. Archived from the original on 9 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  38. ↑ Robinson, Chris (1 February 2015). "Wildcats back on track to seal playoff berth after downing Sydney 80-61 at Perth Arena". PerthNow.com.au. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  39. ↑ "PERTH WILDCATS – 2016 NBL CHAMPIONS". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 6 March 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  40. ↑ "RANDLE, LISCH HEADLINE ALL-NBL TEAMS". NBL.com.au. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  41. ↑ "POWER PAIR SIGN NEW DEALS". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 19 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
  42. ↑ "MATT KNIGHT UNDERGOES SHOULDER SURGERY". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  43. ↑ "MATT KNIGHT TO MISS START OF SEASON". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 12 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  44. ↑ "MATT KNIGHT TO RETURN FROM INJURY". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 20 October 2016. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  45. ↑ "INGRAM IMPRESSES, CATS CONTINUE HOME STREAK". NBL.com.au. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 21 October 2016.
  46. ↑ "WEBSTER FLIP SHOT SINKS 'CATS IN OT". NBL.com.au. 13 November 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
  47. ↑ "Damo's Dish: Congratulations Matty!". Wildcats.com.au. NBL.com.au. 2 December 2013. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  48. ↑ Hope, Shayne (16 April 2014). "Cats centre plans to keep busy". Yahoo.com. The West Australian. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
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