Champions' blueprint key to Phoenix rise?

From last place to title chase – are the South East Melbourne Phoenix on the verge of following the Illawarra Hawks’ blueprint for a championship?

After five straight losses to open NBL25, the Phoenix parted ways with Mike Kelly and handed the reins to Josh King - who steered them all the way to the playoffs.

Now, with a full season behind him and the keys to build his own squad, the question is: can King take South East Melbourne to the promised land?

According to Derek Rucker and Brad Rosen, the Phoenix could be this season’s sleeping giant.

“They’re looking to replicate what Illawarra did. If we remember, Illawarra were in a very similar situation to what Phoenix are now,” Rosen said on The Marketplace.

“They came off a season where they started zero and five. Illawarra were two and seven, coach changed, they ran through the whole season and everyone said, ‘wow, this is amazing’.

“The next year, Illawarra win it. Now we’re at that next year with Phoenix. They’ve made those one or two changes exactly like (Justin) Tatum did. Look out for the Phoenix. They look like they’re humming and ready to go.”

“They bring back Jordy Hunter, (Nathan) Sobey, (Angus) Glover. They’ve got a really good nucleus there,” Rucker continued.

“The Phoenix are going to be fine. They were a team that was in the semi-finals and have kind of been under the radar.”

Rucker has faith in Josh King’s leadership, believing he can guide South East Melbourne to their best finish in history. To date, they’ve never placed higher than fourth. That could soon change.

“Josh King is only going to be better for having last season in the NBL,” Rucker added.

“He’s a really driven guy who wants to excel, and I like where they’re positioned right now.”

South East Melbourne’s first import signing is reportedly American guard Omari Moore, while names like Derrick Walton Jr, Matt Hurt and Joe Wieskamp remain unsigned.

“I love a 6’6” point guard. I do say that this league is a very fast-paced league, so as long as he’s fast ... from what I’ve seen, he’s going to be okay,” Rosen said.

“When you look at that Illawarra mould, there were times where the shortest guy on the court is six-four, is six-five, and you can just switch everything.

“What you are to do defensively now is massive ... I really, really like that signing.

“I do still worry a little bit that it could slow your pace down slightly, but when you take an Illawarra Hawks look - look at the pace that they had - I think they (the Phoenix) looked at the mould, I think they went after what they wanted and they’re looking to replicate what Illawarra does.”

“Apparently, he’s (Moore) supposed to be an outstanding defensive player, which may help drive steals, disruptive hands, deflections - all that type of stuff that can generate easier buckets on the offensive end,” Rucker added.

There’s still plenty to unfold, but after last season’s rapid rise, the spotlight will be firmly on the Phoenix in NBL26.