Kelly Announced as Phoenix Head Coach

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have finished their search for a new head coach, and have named former NBL Coach of the Year Mike Kelly as their new figurehead.

Kelly – who won an NBL championship and Larry Sengstock Medal as a member of the South East Melbourne Magic in 1996 – coached the Cairns Taipans from 2018-2021 and has been an associate head coach at the Perth Wildcats for the past two seasons.

He also led the Boomers to an undefeated championship victory at the FIBA Asia Cup.

“We’re thrilled to have Mike return to South East Melbourne and the Heartland,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

“Mike’s coaching resume is outstanding and he is a great leader who we strongly believe will help our club achieve great success.

“Following the interview and presentation process we aligned the candidates with our values and priorities as a club, and it became very clear Mike was the right person to take us to the next level and evolve our organisation.”

Along with his time at Cairns, Perth and the Magic, Kelly has extensive experience of the Australian basketball landscape.

After debuting in the NBL with the Nunawading Spectres in 1994 he embarked on an over-decade long playing career in the competition.

Since retiring in 2005 he’s also coached with Wollongong, Townsville and Melbourne in the competition, as well as American collegiate sides Vanguard and Utah Valley.

“My family and I are excited to come back to South East Melbourne where so many memories were built, on and off the court,” Kelly said upon his appointment.

“I appreciate the people that have helped me get here and the South East Melbourne Phoenix for entrusting me with helping this team compete for championships.”

The Phoenix’s announcement of Kelly as their new head coach has coincided with the opening of the NBL Free Agency window.

South East Melbourne currently has Mitch Creek, Alan Williams, Reuben Te Rangi and Owen Foxwell contracted to the club ahead of NBL24.