NBL One of World's Best: Mitchell

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell has lauded the “evenness” of the NBL regular season this campaign, and has put it down as a major factor as to why the competition is regarded as one of the best in the world.

As it stands just two wins separate Adelaide in eighth and New Zealand in third on the ladder. With just three rounds remaining after this weekend’s action the race for both the top two and the top six looks set to come down to the final weeks of the year.

A poor run at the end of NBL22 famously left the Phoenix high and dry out of the playoff positions last season despite finishing the season with a winning record.

Mitchell says the competition has been incredibly close for some time.

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“We’ve probably had this occur for the last three or four years where there’s been real strong depth where any team can win on any given night,” Mitchell told SEN.

“I feel like that’s a real key component of the NBL and why it’s been lauded across the world as being one of the best basketball competitions – just the evenness of the teams.

“Even Illawarra have had their difficulties in the wins and losses column but they’re serving it up every night and holding teams to account. Brisbane have had their issues in recent times but earlier in the season they were one of the championship favourites.

“It’s amazing how the twists and turns of the season present, and we’ve got some really good storylines to round out the last month and a bit of the season with who makes finals, who misses, who makes top two and all the machinations of what goes into the playoffs.”

While the Phoenix currently occupy a play-in spot they have far from assured their place in the post-season.

Injuries have cursed the Phoenix across NBL23, with key stars Trey Kell, Ryan Broekhoff and Gary Browne all spending significant time on the sidelines across the season.

Browne and Kell have both missed their side’s recent contests, while fear struck through the hearts of the Phoenix faithful when Mitch Creek left the court with an apparent eye injury in the Round 14 clash with Cairns.

Mitchell says he expects the trio to play some part in Monday’s contest with Brisbane.

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Browne and Kell have both been confirmed as fit for Monday’s clash with Brisbane, while Creek is recovering well from his eye injury.

“He’s just doing some individual work to get his depth perception back,” Mitchell said of Creek. “He’s no longer wearing the patch which is good because he didn’t make for a good pirate.

“He should be alright for Monday night which is great news for the team.

“You get in those situations and you ponder the worst. We feel like our luck’s been pretty bad so we’re probably due for some good news.

“We’re just thankful he was taken care of well by the medical team up in Cairns and he’s going to be right for next week. We’re just thankful he’s good to go.”