Sixteen‑year‑old RJ Brown Jr. scores buzzer‑beater in Adelaide 36ers debut

Sixteen‑year‑old Raheim "RJ" Brown Jr. entered the National Basketball League (NBL) match between the Adelaide 36ers and the Illawarra Hawks after just 73 seconds on the court and delivered a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer that capped a 28‑point win for the home side at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

Brown, who turned 16 a week before the game, became the youngest debutant in NBL history since John Horder and Craig Viney, both of whom debuted at 15 years and eight months. The point guard had previously drawn attention in September when he signed with the 36ers, marking the youngest contract awarded by an NBL club in 44 years.

After the shot, Brown described the moment as “crazy” and said he was waiting for his opportunity before the coach put him in. His parents, Coco and Raheim Brown Senior, were in the crowd of more than 10,000 spectators and expressed pride in their son’s performance, noting the electric atmosphere in the arena.

Brown is a product of the Adelaide 36ers High Performance Schools Program, which partners with schools such as Woodville High. Prior to joining the NBL, he played in the NBL1, averaging 20 points per game for the West Adelaide senior reserves and appearing nine times for the Bearcats. In Adelaide, he now trains alongside six‑time MVP Bryce Cotton and under five‑time championship coach Trevor Gleeson.

The win extended the 36ers’ three‑year streak of sell‑out games, now at 46 consecutive matches, and highlighted the club’s commitment to developing local talent through its high‑performance pathways.