Foster primed for Throwdown debut

Tonight will mark the first of four Throwdowns during the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

While there have been 28 clashes between Melbourne and South East Melbourne to date, with the former being victorious in 19 of them, that will mean little when the cross-town rivals step onto the court at John Cain Arena for the round two clash.

One player who is thoroughly looking forward to experiencing for the first time is Phoenix’s rookie guard Daniel Foster.

“I’ve never experienced a Throwdown personally but heard great things, especially around the atmosphere, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Foster, whose team will aim to replicate the intensiveness and aggressiveness on defence from Saturday’s win over Cairns into their Throwdown fixture, said during Phoenix’s media availability.

“I’m no stranger to rivalries though, playing in plenty at college [at the University of Nevada], including New Mexico, San Diego and UNLV these games always bring out the best in everyone.

“[There is obviously a lot of history between the teams [but] the most important thing is we get the win and continue to build for the games ahead.”

It has been a massive off-season for Foster, who was elevated from development player to the club’s final roster spot earlier this month.

“[Securing the final roster spot] was a reward from all the hard work I’d put in since the start of pre-season,” the guard said.

“I just kept my head down and did what I could for the team, working really hard with all the coaches during my NBL1 season (with Keilor).

“I was stoked when coach [Josh King] and Simon Mitchell told me the news.”

Thursday’s Throwdown tips off at 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN.