Exum: Phoenix will rise

It was a season to forget for the South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL24, there’s simply no denying it.

But with a couple of star-studded recruits, some valuable experience and the retention of their marquee man, the Phoenix could well be on the rise.

Part-owner and NBA star Dante Exum has been keeping a close eye on the team’s off-season moves, and couldn’t be more impressed.

“I’m super-excited about next season … the team that they’re building,” Exum told Phoenix Media.

“We’ve got all the scoring we need.”

That scoring upside comes as a one-two punch, with Nathan Sobey the fourth-ranked player in the league for points per appearance last season and Derrick Walton Jr a proven performer in big games.

Who can forget Walton Jr’s 45-point masterclass while he was playing for the Sydney Kings two seasons ago, against of all teams, the Phoenix, while Mitch Creek went for 46 in the same game?

The combination of Creek, Sobey and Walton Jr looms as one of the best starting trios in the league. Add in Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover to the list of new signings, and it’s more-or-less a completely new roster.

In fact, just four players remain from last year’s tenth-placed team.

“You know what Sobey has shown that he’s done for many years in the NBL,” Exum continued. 

“Walton (Jr) too. He had that crazy game against Mitch.

“I think if we get the rest of the right pieces around, hopefully we can make a push.”

Those extra pieces will complement the likes of the returning faces, including Matt Kenyon, Ben Ayre and Owen Foxwell.

It’s a build still very much in the works, but the Phoenix and Mike Kelly look to be making all the right moves.

“It’s a short, but long season. Every game counts,” Exum added.

“We’ve shown that you can be in the top four and then drop out real quick.

“I think it’s about staying healthy. If we do that, I think we’ve got a shot.”