Hobart Devils

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Hobart Devils
Hobart Devils logo
Full name Hobart Devils
Nickname The Magpies
Strip White, Red, Black
Founded 1983
Sport Basketball
League National Basketball League
First season 1983
Ground Derwent Entertainment Centre
Club song none
President/Chair
Coach
Captain
1996 12th of 14

The Hobart Devils were an Australian basketball team, that played in Hobart, Tasmania, in the National Basketball League. The team was the only representative from the state of Tasmania for the majority of its tenure, but was one of three teams (the Geelong Supercats and the Gold Coast Rollers being the other two) that had their NBL licenses revoked by the league directors in 1996 due to financial difficulties. While not the first time teams had folded in the league, the sudden departure of the Devils, Supercats and Rollers signified that the NBL's successful era (between late 1980s and early 1990s) was truly over.

The state of Tasmania has not fielded a side in the NBL since the departure of the Devils and the re-emergence of any Tasmanian sides in the near future seems unlikely.

The club was known as Hobart Tassie Devils from 1987 to 1995, but reverted to Hobart Devils in its final season.

Only a small few players who suited up for the Devils still play in the NBL today. Some examples include current Cairns Taipans captain Anthony Stewart, Adelaide 36er Mark Nash, and Melbourne Tiger David Stiff.

Imports in the Devils side included: Paul "Spike" Stanley, "Jumpin'" Joe Hurst, Andre Moore, Wayne "Big Mac" McDaniel (later received citizenship), Calvin Talford, Cal Bruton and Jim "Magilla the Gorilla" Havrilla, Danny Adamson


[edit] Honour Roll

NBL Championships: None
NBL Finals Appearances: None
NBL Grand Final Appearances: None
NBL Most Valuable Players: Joe Hurst (1988)
NBL Grand Final MVPs: None
All-NBL First Team: Steve Carfino (1986-87)
NBL Coach of the Year: None
NBL Rookie of the Year: Justin Cass (1990)
NBL Most Improved Player: Andrew Svaldenis (1992)
NBL Best Defensive Player: None
NBL Best Sixth Man: None