Tom Vodanovich Explained

Tom Vodanovich
Position:Power forward
Height Cm:201
Weight Kg:104
League:NBL
Team:S.E. Melbourne Phoenix
Birth Date:28 July 1994
Birth Place:Wellington, New Zealand
High School:St Patrick's College
(Wellington, New Zealand)
College:James Madison (2013–2017)
Draft Year:2017
Career Start:2012
Years1:2012
Team1:Wellington Saints
Years2:2018–2019
Team2:Southland Sharks
Years3:2018–2020
Team3:New Zealand Breakers
Years4:2020
Team4:Manawatu Jets
Years5:2020
Team5:BBC Telstar Hesper
Years6:2021–2022
Team6:Sydney Kings
Years7:2021
Team7:Auckland Huskies
Years8:2022–2023
Team8:Wellington Saints
Years9:2022–2023
Team9:New Zealand Breakers
Years10:2023
Team10:Converge FiberXers
Years11:2024
Team11:Tasmania JackJumpers
Years12:2024
Team12:Auckland Tuatara
Years13:2024–present
Team13:South East Melbourne Phoenix
Highlights:

Thomas James Vodanovich (born 28 July 1994)[1] is a New Zealand professional basketball player for the South East Melbourne Phoenix of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He played college basketball in the United States for the James Madison Dukes between 2013 and 2017 before having a two-year stint with the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian NBL. He joined the Sydney Kings in 2021 and won an NBL championship in 2022. He won a second NBL championship with the Tasmania JackJumpers in 2024. In 2020, he was named the New Zealand NBL MVP playing for the Manawatu Jets.

Early life

Vodanovich was born in Wellington and attended St Patrick's College.[2] [3] In 2012, he made his debut in the New Zealand NBL when he played 37 seconds for the Wellington Saints against the Southland Sharks on 22 March.[4]

In January 2013, Vodanovich moved to the United States to attend prep school at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio.[5] He played for the basketball programme through to the spring break and averaged 18.5 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game.

College career

In April 2013, Vodanovich committed to attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.[6]

As a freshman with the Dukes in 2013–14, Vodanovich averaged 21.1 minutes per game to go with 4.1 points and 4.1 rebounds. He recorded two games of scoring in double-figures and four games of eight or more rebounds. He became the first freshman to lead JMU in points in a season opener since 2008 with 11 against Virginia.

As a sophomore in 2014–15, Vodanovich played 29 games with 21 starts and averaged 22.8 minutes per game to go with 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds. He reached double-digit scoring five times and grabbed at least six rebounds eight times. He scored a career-high 18 points in win over Drexel on 18 February 2015.

As a junior in 2015–16, Vodanovich started all 31 games he appeared in and averaged career highs of 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game.[7] He scored a season-high 17 points against UNCW on 13 February 2016.

As a senior in 2016–17, Vodanovich played 29 games with 18 starts and averaged 6.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20.4 minutes per game. He recorded a career-high 13 rebounds in a win against Longwood on 3 December 2016. He went on to match his career high for points with 18 in a loss against Western Michigan a week later.

Vodanovich graduated from James Madison with a degree in Sports and Recreation Management.[8]

Professional career

In December 2017, Vodanovich signed with the Southland Sharks for the 2018 New Zealand NBL season.[9] He helped the Sharks reach the NBL final, where they defeated the Wellington Saints 98–96 to win the championship.[10] In 20 games, he averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

In August 2018, Vodanovich joined the New Zealand Breakers as a development player for the 2018–19 NBL season.[11] [12] He made one appearance for the Breakers during the season.[13]

Vodanovich returned to the Sharks in 2019[14] and averaged 12.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game, including recording 23 points and seven rebounds in the Sharks' semi-final loss to the Saints.[15]

In July 2019, Vodanovich signed a one-year deal with the Breakers to join the full-time squad for the 2019–20 NBL season.[16] He appeared in 23 games and averaged 1.9 points and 1.1 assists per game.

Vodanovich was initially set to re-join the Sharks in 2020,[17] but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the planned 2020 season was initially suspended and then modified into a small-scale, quick-fire format. As a result, the Sharks declined to enter the rejigged competition.[18] Vodanovich was subsequently acquired by the Manawatu Jets[19] and went on to claim the New Zealand NBL Most Valuable Player Award as well as All-Star Five honours.[20] He then went on to lead the Jets to the NBL final,[21] [22] where they lost 79–77 to the Otago Nuggets despite Vodanovich's game-high 24 points.[23] [24] In 16 games, he averaged 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steals per game.[25]

On 18 September 2020, Vodanovich signed with BBC Telstar Hesper of the Total League in Luxembourg.[26] He appeared in three games for Telstar before their season was cut short due to COVID-19.[27]

On 2 January 2021, Vodanovich signed with the Sydney Kings of the Australian NBL as an injury replacement for Xavier Cooks. In 36 games during the 2020–21 season, he averaged 5.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He then joined the Auckland Huskies for the 2021 New Zealand NBL season.[28] [29]

On 27 June 2021, Vodanovich re-signed with the Kings for the 2021–22 NBL season.[30] He helped the Kings win the NBL championship[31] and then joined the Wellington Saints for the 2022 New Zealand NBL season.[32] [33]

On 29 May 2022, Vodanovich signed a two-year deal with the New Zealand Breakers, returning to the franchise for a second stint.[34] [35] He helped the Breakers reach the grand final series in 2022–23.[36] Following the NBL season, he had a one-game stint with Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)[37] [38] and then re-joined the Wellington Saints for the 2023 New Zealand NBL season.[39]

On 21 June 2023, Vodanovich was released from his contract by the Breakers.[40]

Vodanovich re-joined the Converge FiberXers as the team's import for the 2023–24 PBA Commissioner's Cup.[41] He was released by the team on 5 December 2023 after averaging 20.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in five games.[42]

On 5 January 2024, Vodanovich signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers for the rest of the 2023–24 NBL season.[43] The JackJumpers went on to reach the grand final series,[44] where they defeated Melbourne United 3–2 to win the championship.[45] Vodanovich missed game five of the series after returning to New Zealand for his wedding.[46]

Vodanovich joined the Auckland Tuatara for the 2024 New Zealand NBL season, returning to the franchise for a second stint.[47]

On 25 June 2024, Vodanovich signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2024–25 NBL season.[48]

National team career

In 2012, Vodanovich played for the Junior Tall Blacks at the FIBA Oceania Under-18 Championship and the Albert Schweitzer Tournament.[49] He made his debut for the Tall Blacks in 2018.[50] He joined the Tall Blacks for qualifiers in February 2024.[51]

Personal life

Vodanovich and his wife Jade have a daughter.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas James Vodanovich. fiba.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20150908191150/http://archive.fiba.com/pages/eng/fa/player/p/pid/102413/sid/7544/tid/337/tid2//_/2012_FIBA_Oceania_U18_Championship_for_Men/index.html. 8 September 2015.
  2. Web site: Tom Vodanovich. sharksbasketball.co.nz. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105206/https://www.sharksbasketball.co.nz/vodanovich. 27 July 2020.
  3. Web site: Tom Vodanovich. jmusports.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105342/https://jmusports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/tom-vodanovich/12034. 27 July 2020.
  4. Web site: Player statistics for Tom Vodanovich. NZNBL. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105644/https://websites.sportstg.com/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=206393787&client=11-8336-199745-532988-26514080. 27 July 2020.
  5. Web site: Barton. Tim. Vodanovich preps for US scholarship. Stuff.co.nz. 21 November 2012. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727110142/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/college-sport/7978155/Vodanovich-preps-for-US-scholarship. 27 July 2020.
  6. Web site: Vodanovich off to college. Basketball.org.nz. 5 April 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150122182228/http://www.basketball.org.nz/news/vodanovich-off-to-college/. 22 January 2015.
  7. Web site: Tom Vodanovich College Stats. sports-reference.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727113837/https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/tom-vodanovich-1.html. 27 July 2020.
  8. Web site: Perry. James. Tom Vodanovich enjoying his basketball ride. teaomaori.news. 6 December 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727114651/https://www.teaomaori.news/tom-vodanovich-enjoying-his-basketball-ride. 27 July 2020.
  9. Web site: Southland Sharks sign another player for 2018 National Basketball League campaign. Stuff.co.nz. 4 December 2017. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727114940/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/99511345/southland-sharks-sign-another-player-for-2018-national-basketball-league-campaign. 27 July 2020.
  10. Web site: Anderson. Niall. Basketball: Southland Sharks beat Wellington Saints in superb final to win NBL title. nzherald.co.nz. 5 August 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180805135130/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12101636. 5 August 2018.
  11. Web site: NZ Breakers Confirm Development Players. NBL.com.au. 23 August 2018. 27 July 2020.
  12. Web site: BREAKERS CONFIRM DEVELOPMENT PLAYERS FOR UPCOMING ANBL SEASON. laceylowdown.com. 23 August 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727115733/https://laceylowdown.com/2018/08/23/breakers-confirm-development-players-for-upcoming-anbl-season/. 27 July 2020.
  13. Web site: Tom Vodanovich. RealGM.com. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210102051642/https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Tom-Vodanovich/Summary/37827. 2 January 2021.
  14. Web site: AUDIO - Vodanovich back for second season. sharksbasketball.co.nz. 10 November 2018. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727131157/https://www.sharksbasketball.co.nz/single-post/2018/11/10/AUDIO---Vodanovich-back-for-second-season. 27 July 2020.
  15. Web site: Tom Vodanovich's Life-Changing Birthday Gift from Dillon Boucher. nzbreakers.basketball. 4 August 2019. 27 July 2020.
  16. Web site: Breakers Sign Scotty Hopson, Change Coaching Structure. NBL.com.au. 31 July 2019. 27 July 2020. As a signal to the Breakers commitment to developing New Zealand talent, Shamir has also presented a contract to Tall Blacks and Southland Sharks Power Forward Tom Vodanovich who celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday..
  17. Web site: Tom Vodanovich re-signs with Southland Sharks for 2020 season. Stuff.co.nz. 6 December 2019. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727121955/https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/118004338/tom-vodanovich-resigns-with-southland-sharks-for-2020-season. 27 July 2020.
  18. Web site: 2020 Update - Sharks confirm NBL plans. sharksbasketball.co.nz. 16 May 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200516142855/https://www.sharksbasketball.co.nz/single-post/2020/05/16/2020-Update---Sharks-confirm-NBL-plans. 16 May 2020.
  19. Web site: Egan. Brendon. Otago Nuggets select Jordan Ngatai first in NBL Showdown draft. Stuff.co.nz. 11 June 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200611092630/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/121787308/otago-nuggets-select-jordan-ngatai-first-in-nbl-showdown-draft. 11 June 2020.
  20. Web site: TOM VODANOVICH WINS SKYCITY MVP AT SAL'S NBL AWARDS DINNER. nznbl.basketball. 26 July 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727091740/https://www.nznbl.basketball/tom-vodanovich-wins-skycity-mvp-at-sals-nbl-awards-dinner/. 27 July 2020.
  21. Web site: JETS BLAST THEIR WAY INTO GRAND FINAL AS AIRS RUN OUT OF PUFF. nznbl.basketball. 30 July 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200730114348/https://www.nznbl.basketball/jets-blast-their-way-into-grand-final-as-airs-run-out-of-puff/. 30 July 2020.
  22. Web site: Hinton. Marc. Sal's NBL Showdown: Otago Nuggets' golden run continues; Manawatu Jets also into final. Stuff.co.nz. 30 July 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200730121006/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300070415/sals-nbl-showdown-otago-nuggets-golden-run-continues-manawatu-jets-also-into-final. 30 July 2020.
  23. Web site: NUGGETS STRIKE GOLD IN SAL'S NBL SHOWDOWN. nznbl.basketball. 1 August 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200801121801/https://www.nznbl.basketball/nuggets-strike-gold-in-sals-nbl-showdown/. 1 August 2020.
  24. Web site: Hinton. Marc. Sal's NBL Showdown: Otago Nuggets grab first title as they shade Manawatu Jets in thriller. Stuff.co.nz. 1 August 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200801123544/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300071896/sals-nbl-showdown-otago-nuggets-grab-first-title-as-they-shade-manawatu-jets-in-thriller. 1 August 2020.
  25. Web site: Thomas Vodanovich. nznbl.basketball. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200924124326/https://www.nznbl.basketball/stats/competition-stats/?WHurl=%2Fperson%2F1159416%2Fstatistics%3F. 24 September 2020.
  26. Web site: BBC Telstar Hesper is happy to welcome Tom Vodanovich and Christian Williams. bbctelstar-hesper.lu. 18 September 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200924123708/https://www.bbctelstar-hesper.lu/news/bbc-telstar-hesper-is-happy-to-welcome-tom-vodanovich-and-christian-williams-22845/. 24 September 2020.
  27. Web site: Kings Name Vodanovich as Cooks Injury Replacement. NBL.com.au. 2 January 2021. 2 January 2021.
  28. Web site: Auckland Huskies Sign 2020 NBL’s Most Valuable Player. aucklandhuskies.co.nz. 17 December 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201219024402/https://www.aucklandhuskies.co.nz/auckland-huskies-sign-2020-nbls-most-valuable-player/. 19 December 2020.
  29. Web site: Hinton. Marc. Auckland Huskies win the race to sign 2020 NBL Showdown MVP Tom Vodanovich. Stuff.co.nz. 17 December 2020. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20201219024624/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300186250/auckland-huskies-win-the-race-to-sign-2020-nbl-showdown-mvp-tom-vodanovich. 19 December 2020.
  30. Web site: Tom Vodanovich Re-Signs with Sydney. NBL.com.au. 27 June 2021. 27 June 2021.
  31. Web site: Kings Win First Championship in 17 Years with Record Crowd. NBL.com.au. 11 May 2022. 11 May 2022.
  32. Web site: Tom Vodanovich signs with the Wellington Saints. saints.co.nz. 3 February 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220203092620/https://www.saints.co.nz/news/article/?L=0&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=387&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=d8c94d29645f198ed4a9b3d6c3c9c16a. 3 February 2022.
  33. Web site: NBL champions Saints sign Tall Black Tom Vodanovich for 2022 season. Stuff.co.nz. 3 February 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220203092802/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300510193/nbl-champions-saints-sign-tall-black-tom-vodanovich-for-2022-season. 3 February 2022.
  34. Web site: Another Kiwi Returns Home to the Sky Sport Breakers. nzbreakers.basketball. 29 May 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220529034833/https://www.nzbreakers.basketball/news/another-kiwi-returns-home-to-the-sky-sport-breakers. 29 May 2022.
  35. Web site: Hinton. Marc. Coming home: Tall Blacks forward Tom Vodanovich signs 2-year deal with NZ Breakers. Stuff.co.nz. 29 May 2022. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20220529035001/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/300599783/coming-home-tall-blacks-forward-tom-vodanovich-signs-2year-deal-with-nz-breakers. 29 May 2022.
  36. Web site: Woods. Dan. Vodanovich on the Verge of NBL History. NBL.com.au. 28 February 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230228083249/https://nbl.com.au/news/vodanovich-on-the-verge-of-nbl-history. 28 February 2023.
  37. Web site: Sayson. Homer D.. Tall Black Tom Vodanovich arriving to replace Franklin as Converge import. Spin.ph. 16 March 2023. 16 March 2023.
  38. Web site: Ventura. Sid. Vic Manuel well and truly back as San Miguel Beermen see off Converge FiberXers in PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals. espn.com.au. 19 March 2023. 19 March 2023. Vodanovich was impressive in his lone PBA game, showing offensive versatility and range with six 3-point shots..
  39. Web site: Tom Vodanovich Re-Signs for 2023. saints.co.nz. 26 January 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230128052756/https://www.saints.co.nz/news/article/?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=409&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=48d644e5615aeb3e577e4a65c0141d33. 28 January 2023.
  40. Web site: Vodanovich Released From Breakers Contract. NBL.com.au. 21 June 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20230621025148/https://nbl.com.au/news/vodanovich-released-from-breakers-contract. 21 June 2023.
  41. Web site: New faces out to steal thunder from Brownlee, RHJ. 12 October 2023. 12 October 2023. PBA.ph.
  42. Web site: Converge replaces Tom Vodanovich with ex-Clipper Jamil Wilson. 5 December 2023. 5 December 2023. tiebreakertimes.com.ph.
  43. Web site: JackJumpers make roster change. jackjumpers.com.au. 5 January 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240104232211/https://www.jackjumpers.com.au/news/jackjumpers-make-roster-change. 4 January 2024.
  44. Web site: JackJumpers dominant in Playoff decider. NBL.com.au. 13 March 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240313134844/https://nbl.com.au/news/jackjumpers-dominant-in-playoff-decider. 13 March 2024.
  45. Web site: Tasmania JackJumpers: NBL24 Champions. NBL.com.au. 31 March 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240331074750/https://nbl.com.au/news/tasmania-jackjumpers-nbl24-champions. 31 March 2024.
  46. Web site: Hope. Shayne. Melbourne, Tasmania set for NBL title decider slugfest. Yahoo.com. 30 March 2024. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20240401144551/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/melbourne-tasmania-set-nbl-title-220000801.html. 1 April 2024.
  47. Web site: TOM VODANOVICH JOINS AUCKLAND TUATARA. tuatarabasketball.com. 12 December 2023. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20231212113330/https://tuatarabasketball.com/tom-vodanovich-joins-auckland-tuatara/. 12 December 2023.
  48. Web site: Phoenix Add Power Forward Kiwi Tom Vodanovich. semphoenix.com.au. 25 June 2024. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20240625055705/https://www.semphoenix.com.au/news/phoenix-add-power-forward-kiwi-tom-vodanovich. 25 June 2024.
  49. Web site: Barton. Tim. Vodanovich on eve of soaring bball career. Stuff.co.nz. 30 May 2012. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727123450/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/sport/7014170/Vodanovich-on-eve-of-soaring-bball-career. 27 July 2020.
  50. Web site: Tom Vodanovich. nz.basketball. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200727123749/https://nz.basketball/nz_player/tom-vodanovich/. 27 July 2020.
  51. Web site: TALL BLACKS NAME SQUAD FOR ASIA CUP QUALIFIERS IN FEBRUARY. nz.basketball. 26 January 2024. 26 January 2024.

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