Sobey joins elite company with magical milestone

Nathan Sobey will chalk up another milestone during his amazing career this Thursday, when his South East Melbourne Phoenix take on the Adelaide 36ers.

The electric guard, who debuted with the Cairns Taipans during the 2014-15 season, will bring up his 300th game during their Round 5 clash at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

"It [the milestone] is one of those things that [highlights] you've been around a while but, at the same time, it gives me time to reflect and be proud of," Sobey said.

"[The key to my longevity] is continuing to try and get better each and every day, while continuing to work on my body, by doing those one percenters as they all add up. I'll continue to do that, keep riding it out and see how I'm feeling."

During his rookie season, the Warrnambool product played nine games for the Taipans, before signing with Adelaide, a team he went on to play 120 games across four seasons.

The now 35-year-old, who won a bronze medal with the Australian Boomers at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, then shifted to the Brisbane Bullets for five seasons, before inking a deal with the Phoenix ahead of the NBL25 season.

During those 12 seasons, Sobey has produced outstanding career averages, of 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

"When I started, I was just trying to make it in a competitive environment and [milestones like this] allow you to look back at the growth you've made, which I'll look back on even more when I finish my career," Sobey said.

"My route is different to others but I don't think I would have gotten to where I am taking another one, as it's continually pushed me to get better. It's been really special to be back in Victoria, playing in front of my family and friends and they're part of my driving force to continue to get better each day."

One who sees that commitment to get better each and every day now is Phoenix coach Josh King, who is in his second season with the club.

"He's really developed into an awesome team captain since I've been here on top of the performance on the floor," King said.

"He's a guy that doesn't take days off and is committed every single day [to improving]. That's the best thing that someone can ever say about you is if it's a positive every day, and his is very positive. He's very strict in his regimens, his diet, his nutrition, his rehab, how hard he practices.

"And when you have your best player, your team leader, your captain doing that day in and day out, it makes it very easy for everybody else to fall in line, that's what Sobes provides for this team. I'm proud of him and it's really an honour to be able to coach him and see his development over the past year.

"[Honestly] if he keeps going the way he's going, 400 games plus is very possible, because I honestly feel like he's still getting better. [I have no doubt] everyone is going to want to get this win [against South East Melbourne] for him."

While King has only been present for the recent part of Sobey's journey, one who's been there for a large part of it is former teammate and close friend Jason Cadee.

"I didn’t really get to know Sobes until we became teammates with the Boomers," Cadee said.

"I always respected his work ethic and competitiveness, and from there he grew into one of my closest mates.

"His journey has been a unique one, but for those who know him, it’s no surprise he’s reached 300 games.

"It’s a massive personal milestone he should be really proud of, and I’ve got no doubt there are plenty more to come."

Thursday's Round 5 match tips off at 7.30pm AEDT on Thursday, live on ESPN.