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Mitch Norton

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Mitch Norton
Norton with the Perth Wildcats in 2022
No. 8 – Brisbane Bullets
PositionPoint guard
LeagueNBL
Personal information
Born (1993-04-01) 1 April 1993 (age 31)
Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Listed height184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Listed weight90 kg (198 lb)
Career information
High schoolPimlico State
(Townsville, Queensland)
Playing career2011–present
Career history
2011–2016Townsville Crocodiles
2012–2015Townsville Heat
2016–2017Southland Sharks
2016–2018Illawarra Hawks
2018–2023Perth Wildcats
2023–presentBrisbane Bullets
2024Southern Districts Spartans
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Australia
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2018 Gold Coast Team competition
FIBA Asia Cup
Gold medal – first place 2017 Lebanon

Mitchell Robert Norton (born 1 April 1993) is an Australian professional basketball player for the Brisbane Bullets of the National Basketball League (NBL). He began his NBL career in 2011 with the Townsville Crocodiles before joining the Illawarra Hawks in 2016 following the collapse of his hometown team. After two seasons with the Hawks, he joined the Perth Wildcats and won two NBL championships in five seasons. He has also played for the Townsville Heat in the Queensland Basketball League and the Southland Sharks in the New Zealand NBL.

Early life and junior career

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Norton was born and raised in Townsville, Queensland,[1] where he attended Currajong State School[2] and Pimlico State High School.[3][4] He played junior basketball for Blackstars Basketball Club.[5] He represented Queensland North at the Australian Under 16 Championships in 2007 and 2008, and the Under 18 Championships in 2009. In 2010, he was selected for Australia to compete at the FIBA Under-17 World Championship, averaging 11.3 points per game. Norton again suited up for Queensland in 2010 for the Australian Under 20 Championships, and again in 2011 where Queensland collected a silver medal. In 2011, he was selected for the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) touring team after securing a scholarship at the AIS, and travelled to Latvia for the FIBA Under-19 World Championship, but was forced to miss the tournament after sustaining a broken foot.[6]

Professional career

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Australian NBL

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Townsville Crocodiles (2011–2016)

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Norton made his debut in the National Basketball League (NBL) for the Townsville Crocodiles during the 2011–12 season.[7] A foot injury limited him to five games.[8][9] In his second season in 2012–13, Norton appeared in all 28 games for the Crocodiles.[10]

For the 2013–14 season, Norton was named the Crocodiles' Defensive Player of the Year and earned the Players' Player award.[11] He earned the Players' Player award again in 2014–15.[11]

In November 2015, Norton played his 100th NBL game.[12]

Illawarra Hawks (2016–2018)

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As a result of the demise of the Townsville Crocodiles following the 2015–16 season, Norton signed a two-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks in April 2016.[13][14] He helped the Hawks reach the 2017 NBL Grand Final series, where they lost 3–0 to the Perth Wildcats.[15] He missed six weeks during the 2017–18 season after undergoing surgery on a fractured thumb.[16]

Perth Wildcats (2018–2023)

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Norton with the Wildcats in December 2022

On 23 April 2018, Norton signed a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats.[17] On 28 January 2019, he was ruled out for the rest of the 2018–19 regular season with a tear to his left calf muscle.[18] In March 2019, he was a member of the Wildcats' championship-winning team.[19] In March 2020, he was crowned an NBL champion for the second straight year.[20][21]

Following the retirement of Damian Martin, Norton moved into the starting point guard position for the Wildcats in 2020–21, resulting in a career-best year.[22] He averaged 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.[23] In April 2021, he played his 250th NBL game.[22] Norton was inspirational during the NBL finals as the Wildcats finished runners-up, refusing to allow a hip injury to stop him from playing despite being in obvious pain.[24] For the season, he was a finalist for the NBL Best Defensive Player Award.[25]

On 1 July 2021, Norton re-signed with the Wildcats on a three-year deal.[26] He was ruled out for the first month of the 2021–22 NBL season with a knee injury.[27][28] On 10 March 2022, he scored a career-high 26 points in a 97–87 win over Melbourne United.[29][30] Later that month, he was ruled out for two to three weeks with a low grade hamstring strain.[31]

In the 2022–23 NBL season, Norton saw his minutes reduce significantly under new coach John Rillie. In the Wildcats' play-in qualifier, he played a crucial defensive role off the bench in a win over the South East Melbourne Phoenix.[32][33]

On 14 April 2023, Norton parted ways with the Wildcats.[34]

Brisbane Bullets (2023–present)

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On 19 April 2023, Norton signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets.[35]

On 10 April 2024, Norton extended his contract with the Bullets until the end of the 2026–27 season.[36] He was named team captain for the 2024–25 NBL season.[37] In November 2024, he played his 350th NBL game.[38][39]

QBL, New Zealand NBL, and NBL1 North

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Norton played for the Townsville Heat in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) every year between 2012 and 2015,[40] where he won the QBL U23 Youth Player of the Year award in 2015.[41]

In 2016, Norton moved to New Zealand to play for the Southland Sharks in the New Zealand NBL.[42][43][44][45] He returned to the Sharks for the 2017 season.[46]

Norton joined the Southern Districts Spartans of the NBL1 North for the 2024 season.[47][48]

National team career

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In July 2012, Norton helped Australia earn the silver medal at the Stanković Cup in China.[49][50]

In June 2013, Norton was named in the Australian squad for the Stanković Cup[51] and World University Games.[52] Australia went on to win gold and silver respectively.[53]

Norton won gold with the Australian national team at the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon and the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.[54]

In February 2021, Norton was named in the Boomers' Olympic squad.[55]

In August 2022, Norton was named in the Boomers' World Cup Qualifiers team.[56] He re-joined the team for the next qualifying window in February 2023.[57]

Personal life

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Norton is the son of Paul and Anita Norton, and has a younger brother named Max.[58] While playing for the Townsville Crocodiles, Norton was studying a business degree at James Cook University.[58]

Norton and his partner Sascha had their first child in 2024.[38]

References

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  1. ^ "Townsville Basketballer Mitch Norton Has Been Inducted As A Local Legend". triplem.com.au. 29 June 2018. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020.
  2. ^ Lubicz, Carly (24 November 2014). "Meet Mitch Norton". thegotownsville.com.au. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016.
  3. ^ "Norton to miss final games of regular NBL season". townsvillebulletin.com.au. 28 January 2019. Retrieved 13 July 2020. Norton may be unlikely to be fit for finals, but the former Pimlico High School student has pushed through adversity before...
  4. ^ "BOY MITCH 'CAN BE A CROC GREAT'". australia.basketball. 26 May 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. ...the Year 12 Pimlico High School student...
  5. ^ "Mitch Norton". nbl.com.au/crocodiles. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011.
  6. ^ "Mitch Norton - Round 12 QBL Player of the Week". Townsville Basketball Association. 8 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020.
  7. ^ "Townsville Crocodiles Playing Roster". nbl.com.au/crocodiles. Archived from the original on 13 October 2011.
  8. ^ "Mitch Norton to play in Adidas EUROCAMP". crocodiles.com.au. 1 June 2012. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Player statistics for Mitchell Norton – 2011/12". NBL. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020.
  10. ^ "Norton extends future with the Crocodiles". crocodiles.com.au. 2 April 2013. Archived from the original on 11 April 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Award Winners". crocodiles.com.au. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015.
  12. ^ "Mitch Norton: Living the Dream". NBL.com.au. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  13. ^ "HAWKS SNAP UP CROCS CAPTAIN MITCH NORTON". hawks.com.au. 21 April 2016. Archived from the original on 23 April 2016.
  14. ^ O'Neil, Rohan (22 April 2016). "Ex Croc Mitch Norton finds new NBL home with Illawarra Hawks". townsvillebulletin.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020.
  15. ^ "NBL grand final: Perth Wildcats clean sweep finals series against Illawarra Hawks to claim title". abc.net.au. 5 March 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  16. ^ Cohen, Mitch (7 December 2017). "Norton faces long stint on the sidelines". illawarramercury.com.au. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  17. ^ "Wildcats sign Aussie point guard Mitch Norton". Wildcats.com.au. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Mitch Norton Injury Update". Wildcats.com.au. 28 January 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  19. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (18 March 2019). "Nine thoughts on the Perth Wildcats ninth NBL title". TheWest.com.au. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  20. ^ "Perth Wildcats Back-to-Back NBL Champions". Wildcats.com.au. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  21. ^ "Perth Wildcats Crowned NBL20 Champions". NBL.com.au. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  22. ^ a b "Norton to play 250th NBL game". Wildcats.com.au. 17 April 2021. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  23. ^ Uluc, Olgun (26 June 2021). "NBL Free Agency: who's on the move". ESPN. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  24. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (27 June 2021). "Perth Wildcats put a contract offer to Mitch Norton as suitors line up to recruit the free agent". TheWest.com.au. Retrieved 28 June 2021.
  25. ^ "Bryce Cotton Claims Third Andrew Gaze MVP Trophy". NBL.com.au. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  26. ^ "Mitch Norton re-signs". Wildcats.com.au. 1 July 2021. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  27. ^ "Norton to miss first month of season". Wildcats.com.au. 29 November 2021. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
  28. ^ "Mitch Norton is back". Wildcats.com.au. 30 December 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  29. ^ "Wildcats defeat league-leaders in Melbourne". Wildcats.com.au. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  30. ^ "Wildcats Heat Up Top Spot Battle with Win Over United". NBL.com.au. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  31. ^ "Mitch Norton sidelined with hamstring injury". Wildcats.com.au. 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  32. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (10 February 2023). "Perth Wildcats vice-captain Mitch Norton's defensive skill shows why he's going to be key finals performer". TheWest.com.au. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  33. ^ Woods, Dan (10 February 2023). "Norton Impact Throwback to Wildcats' Dynasty". NBL.com.au. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  34. ^ "Perth Wildcats Thank Mitch Norton and Todd Blanchfield". Wildcats.com.au. 14 April 2023. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  35. ^ "Bullets add experienced guard Mitch Norton". brisbanebullets.com.au. 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  36. ^ "Core quartet signs on with Bullets". NBL.com.au. 10 April 2024. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  37. ^ "Bullets announce leadership group for NBL25". brisbanebullets.com.au. 20 August 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Bullets captain Norton reaches 350 games". Brisbane Bullets | Official NBL Website. 6 November 2024. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
  39. ^ "Bullets fall short of United on eventful night". Brisbane Bullets | Official NBL Website. 7 November 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  40. ^ "Mitch Norton". australiabasket.com. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  41. ^ "2015 QBL Season Awards". QABL.basketball.net.au. 27 August 2015. Archived from the original on 15 September 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  42. ^ "Mitch Norton to replace crocked Jordair Jett for Southland Sharks". Stuff.co.nz. 7 April 2016. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  43. ^ Savory, Logan (15 April 2016). "Southland Sharks after yet another NBL import with Australian Mitch Norton the latest to go". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  44. ^ Savory, Logan (16 April 2016). "Southland Sharks grab revenge against Canterbury Rams in NBL". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
  45. ^ Savory, Logan (5 May 2016). "Southland Sharks cut import Demetrius Miller for remainder of season". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 May 2016.
  46. ^ "Southland Sharks re-sign Australian duo for 2017 National Basketball League season". Stuff.co.nz. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  47. ^ "Southern Districts Spartans NBL1 North Signing 2024". facebook.com/SouthernDistrictsSpartans. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  48. ^ "Two-time NBL champion joins Spartans". NBL1.com.au. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  49. ^ "STANKOVIC CUP TEAM NAMED". Basketball.net.au. 5 July 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  50. ^ "AUSTRALIANS FINISH SECOND IN STANKOVIC CUP". Basketball.net.au. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 4 March 2014.
  51. ^ "EMERGING BOOMERS TALENT READY FOR STANKOVIC CUP". Basketball.net.au. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  52. ^ "AUSTRALIAN TEAMS NAMED FOR 2013 WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES". Basketball.net.au. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  53. ^ Nagy, Boti (5 August 2013). "Boomers squad – without Jason Cadee and Chris Goulding – 'best in years'". HeraldSun.com.au. Retrieved 12 February 2014.
  54. ^ O'Donoghue, Craig (10 July 2018). "Perth Wildcats recruit Mitch Norton happy to play for Boomers anywhere, any time following brawl". TheWest.com.au. Retrieved 13 July 2020. Norton has won gold medals with the Boomers at both the Asia Cup and Commonwealth Games...
  55. ^ "AUSTRALIAN MEN'S BASKETBALL OLYMPIC SQUAD REVEALED". australia.basketball. 3 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  56. ^ "Boomers Team Announced for Fourth Window of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers". australia.basketball. 11 August 2022. Archived from the original on 26 August 2022.
  57. ^ "Boomers ready to hit the burbs". australia.basketball. 22 February 2023. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023.
  58. ^ a b "Take 40: Mitch Norton". NBL.com.au. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on 22 July 2015.
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