Kelly respect runs deep in Melbourne hoops

Photos: South East Melbourne Phoenix Media

There’s nothing but respect for new South East Melbourne head coach Mike Kelly from two of his greatest playing rivals, with both Andrew Gaze and Lanard Copeland praising the former Larry Sengstock Medallist. 

Kelly and the South East Melbourne Magic overcame Gaze and Copeland’s Melbourne Tigers side in the 1996 NBL Grand Final Series, in an electric best-of-three series.

Phoenix assistant coach Sam Mackinnon was also a member of the Magic side that defeated the Tigers.

Kelly (second from right) hoists the 1996 NBL title.

The Magic rebounded from a 1-0 series deficit to win both the second and third games of the series – which included a 37-point blowout to claim the title.

Gaze and Melbourne did get their revenge the following season though, and defeated the Magic to claim the title in a Grand Final rematch.

Since his playing retirement Kelly was named an NBL champion, while an associate head coach with Melbourne United in 2018, and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2020 for his work with Cairns.

“He’s one of the toughest competitors I ever played against,” Gaze said of his old rival.

“He was a great player, an elite defender and an integral part of the Magic in their championship year.

“Mike brings great character. Players enjoy playing for him and the Phoenix players will need to buy into that blue-collar style.”

“I just remember Mike being one of those hard-nosed players who was dedicated to defence,” Copeland continued.

“He had that Goorjian mentality – the hardness. He was moulded into a special player and I think if he can do that for his players, they’ll do a lot better than what they’ve done.”

For the full story head to >> Legends Heap Praise on SE Favourite Son Kelly