Legends reflect on Steindl's 350th

It seems fitting that Tasmania captain, Clint Steindl, will bring up his 350th career game against the Perth Wildcats on Sunday.

The three-time champion spent four seasons in Perth, where he won back-to-back titles, before joining the JackJumpers for their inaugural season, where he has gone on to add another championship ring to his collection. 

“Clint’s been a key figure in this franchise from the start. I’ve known him for years, and bringing him here was one of my top priorities,” Tasmania coach Scott Roth said ahead of his milestone game.

“He’s played a huge part in shaping our club and culture, and I’m proud to have him as my captain.” 

After a stint at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2007, Steindl’s career took him to Saint Mary’s where he spent the next four years. His first opportunity playing professionally was at the Cairns Taipans in 2012 and then onto the Townsville Crocodiles.

Steindl was awarded with the NBL’s Most Improved Player in 2016 after averaging just under 13 points per game and shooting at almost 40 per cent from three.

After a short taste of European basketball, Steindl landed at Perth where he became an integral part of one of the most successful sporting clubs in Australia.

“He was perfect for us,” former Wildcats head coach, Trevor Gleeson, said. 

“He found his role on the team and was a vital member in our two championships.”

Across his four seasons in Perth, Steindl became a key member of a Perth team both on and off the floor.

“He complemented Bryce (Cotton) perfectly when they played together, because when they doubled him, he would stretch the floor and knock it down,” Gleeson added. 

From winning titles together to battling against each other, Cotton will be on the other side of court in Steindl’s milestone game, yet the four-time MVP recognises everything he has achieved to this point.

“Over the course of his career, Clint is a player that has found ways to impact the game individually, but more importantly, continued to harness that niche on winning teams that led to three championships,” Cotton said.

“350 games later and still being a valuable player in this league is a testament to his dedication to the craft.”

With everything Steindl has achieved to this point in his career on the court, it’s perhaps who he is off it that will leave a lasting legacy as reflected by his coaches.

“Clint’s been a fantastic role model for everyone in the club. His work ethic, dedication, and leadership are things we all admire, and I couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished in his career,” Roth said.

“He’s a great person, I’m so happy for him,” Gleeson added.

“He’s had a brilliant career, and he was always a great teammate.

“He turned from a boy to a man and now a father, it’s been a great journey to watch him.”