Free Agency Analysis: Yanni Wetzell Released by SEM Phoenix

Written by Liam Santamaria

Yanni Wetzell Released by South East Melbourne

Released by: South East Melbourne Phoenix

The particulars: Exercised European out-clause.

Signing in: Germany

Quote: “I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to form a relationship with the South East Melbourne Phoenix family. I am disappointed to not be suiting up for the Phoenix this year, however I felt that this was an opportunity that could not be passed.” – Yanni Wetzell

My take: Well, that was fun while it lasted.

Just three weeks after putting pen to paper with the Phoenix, Wetzell has exercised the Euro out-clause in his contract to sign with a team from the German BBL. 

This is a definite bummer for South East Melbourne but it was always the risk in signing the talented Kiwi. Wetzell’s a high-level talent so an out-clause like this (which, incidentally, was about to expire) was a non-negotiable for his management and with the 24-year-old possessing a European passport, a lucrative offer from that part of the world was always a possibility. 

For the Phoenix, his departure is definitely a disappointment. But with the start of NBL21 so far away – and with some key pieces still to be added – they have the ability to pivot out of this without too much trouble. 

Will their direct replacement be as good as Wetzell? No, probably not. But, with the coin they’ll save in the process, they’ll be able to throw some extra cash at the recruitment of their imports, sliding them into a slightly higher bracket for one or both of those guys. That’s definitely the silver lining for them here.

One thing I will say though: hopefully we get to see ‘The Pretzel’ in the NBL at some stage. He’s going to be a really good pro – we love him at NBL Overtime! – and, if he ever pulls on a jersey in this league he’ll almost certainly become a fan favourite. Until then… Auf Wiedersehen.