Brian Conklin
Conklin in January 2017
No. 8 – Ibaraki Robots
PositionPower forward
LeagueB.League
Personal information
Born (1989-09-05) September 5, 1989
Eugene, Oregon, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High schoolNorth Eugene (Eugene, Oregon)
CollegeSaint Louis (2008–2012)
NBA draft2012: undrafted
Playing career2013–present
Career history
2013–2014Southland Sharks
2013–2015Townsville Crocodiles
2015Cangrejeros de Santurce
2016Piratas de Quebradillas
2016Leones de Santo Domingo
2016–2017Nanterre 92
2017–2018Limoges CSP
2018–2019Illawarra Hawks
2019Piratas de Quebradillas
2019Indios de Mayagüez
2019–2020Limoges CSP
2020–2021Nanterre 92
2021Indios de Mayagüez
2021Semt77 Yalovaspor
2022–2023FC Porto
2023Panteras de Aguascalientes
2023Halcones de Xalapa
2024–presentIbaraki Robots
Career highlights and awards

Brian Conklin (born September 5, 1989) is an American professional basketball player for the Ibaraki Robots of the Japanese B.League. He played college basketball for Saint Louis University and has since played in New Zealand, Australia, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, France, Turkey, Portugal, and Mexico.

High school career

Conklin attended North Eugene High School in Eugene, Oregon. As a junior in 2006–07, he averaged 19.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading his team to a perfect 28–0 record, the 5A Oregon State championship and was subsequently named the 2007 Player of the Year. As a senior in 2007–08, he averaged 20.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.7 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, leading his team to a 25–4 record and the No. 1 ranking in the state.[1]

College career

As a freshman at Saint Louis in 2008–09, Conklin ranked seventh on the SLU freshman list for field goal shooting with 52.2%. In 32 games (29 starts), he averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game.[1][2]

As a sophomore in 2009–10, Conklin recorded 56 offensive rebounds, the second-most on the team. He was also named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Academic team. In 36 games (16 starts), he averaged 6.2 points and 3.5 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game.[1][2]

As a junior in 2010–11, Conklin was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Academic team for the second straight season. He was also named to the Cancun Governor's Cup All-Tournament team after averaging a team-best 14.0 points during the three-day tournament. In 31 games (24 starts), he averaged 8.7 points and 4.3 rebounds in 21.4 minutes per game.[1][2]

As a senior in 2011–12, Conklin was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference All-Academic team for the third straight season. He also earned first-team All-Atlantic 10 honors. In 34 games (33 starts), he averaged 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 29.4 minutes per game.[2]

Professional career

Southland Sharks and Townsville Crocodiles (2013–2015)

After finishing college, Conklin was not picked up in the NBA draft and was left pondering his future for nine months before being offered a contract.[3] In March 2013, Conklin moved to New Zealand to begin his professional career with the Southland Sharks.[4] He made an immediate impact in the Southland setup and on the New Zealand league,[5] recording 21 points and nine rebounds to help the Sharks defeat the Nelson Giants 92–81 in the grand final in July.[6][7] For the season, he was named Most Outstanding Forward and earned All-Star Five honors.[8] In 18 games, he averaged 22.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.[9]

On June 30, 2013, Conklin signed with the Townsville Crocodiles in Australia for the 2013–14 NBL season.[10] On November 8, 2013, he scored 33 points in a 91–78 win over the New Zealand Breakers.[11] It was the second-highest score by a Crocs player since 40-minute games were introduced into the NBL in 2010.[12] Conklin appeared in the first 24 games of the season before missing the final four games with a hamstring injury he sustained on March 1, 2014, against the Melbourne Tigers.[13] He was a revelation for the club during the season, using his strength and speed to overcome any height disadvantage and established himself among the top seven scorers in the league.[13] He topped the Crocodiles in scoring, averaging 16.3 points at 49.3 per cent while pulling down an average of 4.8 rebounds per game.[13][14] He was subsequently voted into the All-NBL Second Team.[15]

In December 2013, Conklin re-signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2014 New Zealand NBL season.[5] In 2014, he was one of the NBL's better players despite carrying hamstring and ankle injuries.[16] In 14 games, he averaged 20.1 points and 9.7 rebounds per game.[17] In December 2014, he confirmed he would not be returning to the Sharks for the 2015 season.[16]

On July 1, 2014, Conklin re-signed with the Townsville Crocodiles for the 2014–15 NBL season.[15][18] On January 3, 2015, he recorded 33 points and 11 rebounds in a 79–75 loss to the Cairns Taipans.[19] He subsequently earned Player of the Week honors for Round 13.[20] On February 28, 2015, he was named the NBL's Most Valuable Player for the 2014–15 season. He finished fourth in the league in scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game with 6.4 rebounds on 50.7 per cent shooting from the field. He also finished the regular season leading the league in total two pointers made (188) and total free throws made (151) to go alongside six total double-doubles. Conklin also received an All-NBL First Team nod to cap off the season.[21]

On July 15, 2015, Conklin re-signed with the Crocodiles for the 2015–16 NBL season.[22] Heading into his third season, Conklin was appointed team captain.[23] On November 4, 2015, Conklin was involved in an ugly on-court incident involving Perth Wildcats guard Damian Martin, where during the fourth quarter of the Crocodiles' 89–77 win over the Wildcats, Conklin's errant elbow collided with and broke Martin's jaw.[24] Despite a call from Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze for Conklin to be suspended for at least six weeks,[25] the NBL cleared Conklin of any wrongdoing.[26] Less than two weeks after the Martin encounter, Conklin was in the spotlight again for another elbow incident, this time for striking Adelaide 36ers forward Mitch Creek in a similar manner. He subsequently received a three-match suspension with two of those games suspended for the rest of the season.[27] In that game against the 36ers, Conklin recorded 21 points and 12 rebounds in an 89–65 loss.[28] By the end of November, the Crocodiles had accumulated a 4–10 record. As a result, due to what the club claimed as a number of "sub-par performances", the Crocodiles terminated Conklin's contract on November 30.[29][30] In response, Conklin claimed he would consider legal advice before continuing his career either in the NBL or overseas, believing he was unfairly treated by the club.[23] In 13 games for the Crocodiles in 2015–16, he averaged 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic (2015–2016)

Following the 2014–15 NBL season, Conklin joined Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).[31] In 34 games for Santurce, he averaged 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.[32]

In February 2016, Conklin joined Piratas de Quebradillas.[33] On March 15, 2016, Conklin was involved in a third in-game elbow incident, this time while playing for Quebradillas. During his team's game against Capitanes de Arecibo, Conklin threw an elbow backwards and landed on the head of Renaldo Balkman, causing Balkman to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. Conklin was subsequently suspended by the BSN for one game and fined $1,500.[34] In 35 games for Quebradillas, he averaged 15.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.[32]

On June 30, 2016, Conklin signed with Leones de Santo Domingo of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto (LNB).[35] In September 2016, he helped Leones win the LNB title.[36] In 31 games, he averaged 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

France (2016–2018)

On September 26, 2016, Conklin signed with French club Nanterre 92 for the 2016–17 Pro A season.[37] In April 2017, he helped Nanterre win the French Cup and the FIBA Europe Cup. In 19 FIBA Europe Cup games, Conklin averaged 7.2 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He also averaged 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 34 league games.

On June 7, 2017, Conklin signed with Limoges CSP for the 2017–18 Pro A season.[38] In 39 league games, he averaged 8.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He also averaged 8.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15 Eurocup games.

Illawarra Hawks (2018–2019)

On July 13, 2018, Conklin signed with the Illawarra Hawks for the 2018–19 NBL season, returning to the league for a second stint.[39] He appeared in all 28 games for the Hawks in 2018–19, averaging 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

Return to Puerto Rico (2019)

On February 11, 2019, Conklin signed with Piratas de Quebradillas for the 2019 BSN season, returning to the club for a second stint.[40] On April 12, 2019, he was released by Quebradillas and signed with Indios de Mayagüez for the rest of the season.[41] In 14 games for Quebradillas, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.[41] In July 2019, he was named BSN MVP and to the BSN All-Star team.[42]

Limoges CSP (2019–2020)

On July 9, 2019, Conklin signed a one-year deal with Limoges CSP of the LNB Pro A, returning to the team for a second stint.[43] He averaged 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.[44]

Nanterre 92 (2020–2021)

On June 6, 2020, Conklin signed a deal to return to Nanterre 92.[44]

Fourth stint in Puerto Rico (2021)

In June 2021, Conklin joined Indios de Mayagüez of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, returning to the team for a second stint.[45] He averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.[46]

Semt77 Yalovaspor (2021)

On October 5, 2021, Conklin signed with Semt77 Yalovaspor of the Basketball Super League.[46] He played 11 games between October 10 and December 19.[47]

FC Porto (2022–2023)

On September 24, 2022, Conklin signed with FC Porto of the Liga Portuguesa de Basquetebol.[48]

Mexico (2023)

Between August and November 2023, Conklin played for Panteras de Aguascalientes of the Mexican LNBP.[47]

In December 2023, Conklin had a two-game stint with Mexican team Halcones de Xalapa in the Basketball Champions League Americas.[49]

Japan (2024–present)

On January 9, 2024, Conklin signed with the Ibaraki Robots of the Japanese B.League for the rest of the 2023–24 season.[50]

Personal life

In 2012, Conklin married his long-time partner, Kristina.[51] The couple's first child was born in North Queensland in 2015.[23][52]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Brian Conklin Biography". slubillikens.com. Archived from the original on August 31, 2017. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Brian Conklin Stats". Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  3. ↑ Savory, Logan (April 3, 2014). "Sharks just the job for American Brian Conklin". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  4. ↑ Weixlmann, Ben (March 11, 2013). "Conklin Embarks On Journey To New Zealand". Scout.com. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  5. 1 2 Savory, Logan (December 12, 2013). "Sharks net biggest signing in Brian Conklin". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  6. ↑ Worthington, Sam (July 15, 2013). "Hungry Sharks claim unlikely NBL title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Southland win first NBL title". radionz.co.nz. July 16, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  8. ↑ "2013 NBL CHAMPIONS: SOUTHLAND SHARKS". nznbl.basketball. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Player statistics for Brian Conklin – 2013". SportsTG.com. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Crocs sign import Brian Conklin". andthefoul.net. June 30, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013.
  11. ↑ "NBL wrap: Adelaide 36ers salvage win after tense encounter with Melbourne Tigers". SMH.com.au. November 10, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  12. ↑ Butterworth, Liam (November 10, 2013). "Townsville Crocodiles coach predicts Brian Conklin to have large impact on NBL". TownsvilleBulletin.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  13. 1 2 3 Butterworth, Liam (March 18, 2014). "Townsville Crocodiles big Brian Conklin ruled out of final game of the season in "anticlimactic" end to strong NBL campaign". TownsvilleBulletin.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Player statistics for Brian Conklin – 2013/14". SportsTG.com. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  15. 1 2 O'Neil, Rohan (July 1, 2014). "Crocs thrilled to welcome Conklin back". TownsvilleBulletin.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  16. 1 2 Savory, Logan (December 8, 2014). "Brian Conklin rules out Southland Sharks return". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Player statistics for Brian Conklin – 2014". SportsTG.com. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Crocs bring back Brian Conklin". Crocodiles.com.au. July 1, 2014. Archived from the original on July 19, 2014.
  19. ↑ "R13 Report: Cairns overcome Conklin, Crocs". NBL.com.au. January 4, 2015. Archived from the original on January 4, 2015.
  20. ↑ "R13 Player of the Week: Brian Conklin". NBL.com.au. January 6, 2015. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015.
  21. ↑ "NBL Awards: Brian Conklin wins MVP". NBL.com.au. February 28, 2015. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015.
  22. ↑ "MVP CONKLIN RETURNS TO CROCS". NBL.com.au. July 15, 2015. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015.
  23. 1 2 3 "Cut NBL MVP Brian Conklin bites back at Crocodiles". SMH.com.au. December 1, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  24. ↑ Robinson, Chris (November 5, 2015). "Damian Martin suffers broken jaw in Townsville Crocodiles v Perth Wildcats NBL clash". FoxSports.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Andrew Gaze calls on ANBL to suspend Townsville's Brian Conklin for six weeks". Stuff.co.nz. November 6, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  26. ↑ Mundy, Garrett (November 6, 2015). "Townsville Crocs captain Brian Conklin cleared of striking Perth Wildcats skipper Damian Martin". ABC.net.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  27. ↑ Ward, Roy (November 17, 2015). "Brian Conklin suspended for elbow on Mitch Creek, Nathan Jawai fined". SMH.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  28. ↑ "R6 REPORT: SIXERS RESPOND TO WRIGHT DEMANDS IN WIN". NBL.com.au. November 14, 2015. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Townsville Crocodiles terminate Brian Conklin's NBL contract". ABC.net.au. November 30, 2015. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  30. ↑ "TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES MEDIA RELEASE – BRIAN CONKLIN". Crocodiles.com.au. November 30, 2015. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015.
  31. ↑ Butterworth, Liam (June 19, 2015). "Coach Shawn Dennis: Townsville Crocs not "out of the hunt" to retain Brian Conklin". TownsvilleBulletin.com.au. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  32. 1 2 "Statistics from Brian Conklin in BSN (Puerto Rico)". worldhoopstats.com. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  33. ↑ "Brian Conklin se reporta a Quebradillas". bsnpr.com (in Spanish). February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Suspendido Brian Conklin por agresión sobre Balkman". bsnpr.com (in Spanish). March 18, 2016. Archived from the original on May 20, 2018.
  35. ↑ Leones Basketball (June 30, 2016). "Brian Conklin será una de las piezas que..." Twitter (in Spanish). Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  36. ↑ "LNB Round 7 of Finals. Leones clinch the title". Latinbasket.com. September 22, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  37. ↑ "Recrutement : Brian Conklin vient compléter l'effectif nanterrien". nanterre92.com (in French). September 26, 2016. Archived from the original on May 21, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  38. ↑ "Brian Conklin inks with Limoges CSP". sportando.basketball (in French). June 7, 2017. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  39. ↑ "Another NBL MVP Joins the Illawarra Hawks". NBL.com.au. July 13, 2018. Retrieved July 13, 2018.
  40. ↑ "Melo Trimble and Brian Conklin sign with Piratas de Quebradillas". sportando.basketball. February 11, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  41. 1 2 "Brian Conklin sale de los Piratas y se une a los Indios". elnuevodia.com (in Spanish). April 12, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  42. ↑ "BSN anuncia los equipos estelares". bsnpr.com (in Spanish). July 8, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Limoges welcomes back Brian Conklin". Sportando. July 9, 2019. Retrieved August 14, 2019.
  44. 1 2 "Brian Conklin returns to Nanterre". Sportando. June 6, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  45. ↑ "BRIAN CONKLIN ESTÁ DE VUELTA". twitter.com/indiosbsnpr (in Spanish). June 7, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  46. 1 2 Yahyabeyoglu, Fersu (October 5, 2021). "Yalova adds Conklin to their roster, ex Mayaguez". Eurobasket. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  47. 1 2 "Brian Conklin". latinbasket.com. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  48. ↑ "BRIAN CONKLIN É REFORÇO DA EQUIPA DE BASQUETEBOL". fcporto.pt (in Portuguese). September 24, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Brian Conklin". fiba.basketball. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  50. ↑ "#8 ブライアン・コンクリン選手 契約合意(新規)のご報告". ibarakirobots.win (in Japanese). January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  51. ↑ "Take 40: Brian Conklin". NBL.com.au. February 3, 2014. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014.
  52. ↑ Pike, Chris (September 7, 2018). "Conklin Back in NBL With Unfinished Business". NBL.com.au. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.