Phoenix Add Defensive Spark

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have added some defensive steel to their guard rotation, and have signed former Brisbane Bullets and Tasmania JackJumper Matt Kenyon on a two-year deal.

At 196 centimetres, the guard will add the extra defensive power that new head coach Mike Kelly is looking for in the upcoming NBL24 season. His ability to play hard and put his team first will be a great addition to the club.

“I have played under Mike (Kelly) at a Uni games, so I know Mike pretty well; it’s not like I am going into a new team with a new coach and know nothing about him. He wants to bring a few guys in to play defence and bring that culture of defending and that comes along with winning,” Kenyon said. 

“He sees my role as coming in as that glue guy, playing defence. That’s what I am looking to do, and I feel like I do that regardless of what team I’m on. I really think there is a role for me to play in this team that can really help and impact the game.”

Kelly is excited to work alongside Kenyon again and add that defensive mindset to the roster for the season.

“I am excited to welcome Matt to the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Matt is a team-first, tough player who will help set the tone defensively for this group. Matt’s unselfishness helps his team win. It’s been fun to watch his development on the offensive end and we look forward to helping him continue to grow,” Kelly said. 

After beginning his career with the Bullets as an 18-year-old out of the AIS, Kenyon represented the Capital City Go-Go and South Bay Lakers in the NBA G-League.

Kenyon has appeared in 53 games for the JackJumpers in the past two seasons, and averaged 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in NBL23.