A Historic Achievement for Raheim “RJ” Brown Junior
Woodville High School is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Year 10 student Raheim “RJ” Brown Junior, who has signed with the Adelaide 36ers as a Development Player.
At just 15 years old, RJ has made history as the youngest player signed by an NBL club since 1982, marking an incredible milestone in what is already a promising basketball journey. His signing follows an impressive rise through the South Australian basketball pathway and highlights the talent, dedication and commitment he has demonstrated both on and off the court.
RJ is a junior with the West Adelaide Bearcats, where he has progressed through the club’s junior program before making his senior NBL1 Central debut in 2026. He appeared in nine games for the Bearcats this season, averaging 2.0 points, 1.56 rebounds and 0.56 assists per game. His performances against senior competition provided valuable experience as he continued to develop his game alongside more experienced players.
His pathway has not been without its challenges. RJ spent much of 2025 sidelined with a knee injury before working his way back onto the court and into the Bearcats’ senior program. His return and subsequent progression into NBL1 basketball has been a significant achievement and reflects the commitment he has shown to his development.
RJ’s development has also been supported through the Adelaide 36ers High Performance Schools Program at Woodville High School. The program provides students with access to high-level coaching and development opportunities, while allowing them to continue their education in a supportive school environment. The 36ers have specifically acknowledged Woodville High School for working with the club to ensure RJ can continue his schooling while developing as an athlete.
Following his signing, RJ demonstrated that he remains firmly connected to his school community. The day after becoming a 36ers Development Player, he was back on court with the Woodville High School Open team, competing in the Statewide Schools Competition finals at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville. Adelaide 36ers General Manager of Basketball Operations Matt Weston was also there to watch RJ and other emerging local talent.
For RJ, the opportunity also represents the next step towards ambitions that extend beyond the NBL. He has spoken about his goal of one day reaching the NBA, while remaining focused on taking his development one step at a time. He has drawn inspiration from former Adelaide 36ers Josh Giddey and Terrance Ferguson, both of whom followed pathways from Adelaide towards the NBA.
The Adelaide 36ers have highlighted RJ’s athleticism, speed and basketball skills, noting his ability to compete against significantly older players. His signing reflects the club’s commitment to identifying and developing emerging South Australian talent and providing young athletes with opportunities to progress within a professional basketball environment.
RJ also comes from a basketball family. His father, Raheim Brown, played professionally in Italy and France and founded The Dream Basketball Academy in Adelaide, where he has supported the development of young basketballers in the local community.
RJ’s achievement is a wonderful example of what can be possible when education, sporting development and strong community support come together. His journey reflects the opportunities available through Our Woodville and our partnership with the Adelaide 36ers, helping students pursue their sporting aspirations while continuing to grow academically and personally.
We are incredibly proud of RJ and all that he has achieved. We look forward to following his journey as he takes this exciting next step with the Adelaide 36ers and continues to pursue his goals both on and off the court.
Congratulations, RJ! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. 💙🏀⭐
