Kyle Adnam Re-signs with South East Melbourne

One of the hottest free agents in the NBL market is off the table, with South East Melbourne fan favourite Kyle Adnam re-signing with the Phoenix for another two years.

Adnam put together a career-best season in NBL21, averaging 12.6 points and 3.6 assists as co-captain of the semi-finalist Phoenix.

His rise created plenty of chatter around his out-of-contract status, but the 27-year-old says he always wanted to remain in his hometown.

“Returning to the Phoenix was an easy decision for me,” Adnam said. “It’s home, it’s definitely where my heart is, and I want to keep building this club moving forward.” Adnam was an inaugural member of the Phoenix and an integral part of their early success as a club on and off the court.

The point guard was nominated for the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year award this past season and won the Kmart Gametime award as the player recognised as doing the greatest work with young people in school communities.

With star teammate Keifer Sykes missing chunks of the year through injury, Adnam was thrust into a starting role at times and flourished, highlighting his elite capacity to run a team.

Now with a taste of finals action for the Phoenix, Adnam says he’s as driven as ever to achieve the ultimate success.

“We had a really great year this year and fell a little bit short. It’s definitely lit a fire in all of us - me in particular - and we’ll be doing our best to try bring a championship to the Heartland over the next few years.”

Adnam joins Mitch Creek in re-committing to the Phoenix in the past week. Creek averaged 18 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 34 games in NBL21.