Matthew Nielsen
Having carved out a distinguished career both in Australia and abroad, Matthew Nielsen is one of this country’s greatest basketball products.
An icon of basketball in Sydney, the 208cm power forward debuted for the Kings in 1995 before moving to the nation’s capital to fulfil a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport like many young stars who came before him.
Upon graduating, Nielsen returned to the Kings and in 1997 his emerging talent was recognised with the NBL’s Rookie of the Year Award.
In the same year, Nielsen was a key member of the Australian team which won the 1997 FIBA World Cup for Men 22 and under in Melbourne.
A 244-game career netted two championships as captain and in 2004 Nielsen was a force to be reckoned with as he lifted the trophy with the Kings and was crowned
league MVP, Larry Sengstock Medallist for NBL Grand Final MVP and led the league in scoring.
Nielsen’s name proudly adorns the Kings ‘ Wall of Legends which
recognises the greatest players to represent the NBL club. Nielsen made his Boomers debut in 1998 and represented his country with distinction at three Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012). A natural leader and respected captain, he led his country in Beijing and London.
An outstanding career overseas throughout Greece, Lithuania, Spain and Russia netted two Euro Cup titles (2010, 2012) and a Euro Cup Finals MVP (2010) as well as Lithuanian, LKL and Baltic League championships.
Nielsen is now making waves in the coaching world as an assistant coach with San Antonio Spurs in the NBA and the Australian Boomers.
