Derek Rucker - Townsville Suns

Our final Townsville Suns legend is Derek Rucker. (Yes, this is now the third team we have Rucker in!)

In a shock move in 1995, Derek Rucker left a promising team in Newcastle to join the Townsville Suns which was a huge coup for the club... in just its third year. Derek teamed up with Clarence Tyson to make one of the most exciting duos in the 90s.

Rucker’s best season for the Suns was ’95 where he averaged 30.3 points, 8.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 3.6 triples while shooting 47% from the line and 89% at the line.

To grab your Derek Rucker Townsville Suns tee, follow the link:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/derek-rucker-classic-A13670833/customize/color/135

Clarence Tyson - Townsville Suns

Next up on our list of Townsville Suns legends is "The Elevator", Clarence Tyson.

Clarence Tyson was one of the NBL's best and most exciting imports of the mid 90s. He signed with the Townsville Suns in 1995, playing for them for three ...seasons and earning the nickname "The Elevator". He was rated as one of the leagues best rebounders during his time as a Sun and still holds the team record for 25 rebounds in a game.

His best season was ’95 when he averaged 24.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 steals and shot over 62% from the field!

Grab your very own Clarence Tyson t-shirt here:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/clarence-tyson-classic-A13670838/customize/color/135

Townsville Suns t-shirts

Gather round and let me tell you about a time when the NBL was booming, so much so the NBA felt threatened by its popularity! (Ok, I’m exaggerating a touch but I’ll explain shortly)

After several years of campaigning, Townsville entered th...e NBL in the ’93 season adopting the name of their state league team, the Suns.

The Suns got off to a slow start in the NBL losing their first four games and didn’t make the playoffs until they later changed their name. Despite not getting too many wins, they were fun to watch and the people of Townsville got behind the team selling out their first 69 games!

In ’98 the team was involved in a dispute with the NBA's Phoenix Suns, who held the "Suns" trademark in Australia. Faced with the prospect of paying Phoenix royalties on merchandise sales, the team changed its name to the Townsville Crocodiles.

Representing the birth of the NBL in Townsville for the Suns in our “Legends” series are Ricky “Rainman” Jones, Clarence “The Elevator” Tyson, Derek “I’ve been everywhere man” Rucker and Rimas “we’re surprised we managed to fit his name on a t-shirt” Kurtinaitis.

Townsville, its time to represent, show your support for the history of your team. Like, share and shop!

Check out our store for team six of the "Legends" range:
http://classicbasketballtees.spreadshirt.com/