Phoenix Build "Strongest Roster" Yet

By Rob Burton - NBL Media (Original article)

For the South East Melbourne Phoenix, it’s fair to say NBL22 didn’t quite live up to expectations.

Simon Mitchell’s team entered last year’s campaign with a raft of high-profile recruits and among the championship favourites, but ultimately missed finals altogether.

It was a bitter blow, having taken Melbourne United to three games in a Semi-Final Series less than 12 months earlier.

But this year could be different, according to Mitch Creek. 

The star forward is back for his fourth season with the Phoenix, alongside some exciting new additions. 

A familiar face, former Brooklyn and Long Island Nets teammate Alan Williams, sure to be a commanding presence.  

"Knowing first-hand how good 'Sauce' (Williams) is and what he does at both ends, the leader, the quality of a guy off the court as well, it's going to be a really easy transition for him in the NBL and he is going to be an absolute beast," Creek told semphoenix.com.au.

Photo: Alan Williams

The man known as ‘Big Sauce’ is joined by fellow imports Trey Kell, a shooting guard with experience in Canada, Bosnia, Poland and Hong Kong, and Puerto Rican point guard Gary Browne, who has represented his country at international level. 

"Gary Browne was obviously the Puerto Rican national team captain; I watched him play against Xavier Munford for team USA versus Puerto Rico," Creek said.

"That was a cool experience to see him first-hand there and get to meet him. I've been in touch with him, so I love what he's about as well."

Creek said he’d been impressed by Kell’s highlights too, with the incoming trio joining an experienced roster, featuring the likes of Ryan Broekhoff, Reuben Te Rangi and Kyle Adnam.

Emerging youngsters, Junior Madut (25) and Owen Foxwell (18) round out the squad, alongside a fully-fit Dane Pineau, who will provide a huge boost if he can re-capture his form from 2019/2020.

"I think winning and being successful is always the number one thing, but for us, this roster has got the ability to, I say it every year because I believe it, but this year it's the strongest roster we have put together," Creek said. 

"[We have] guys in areas that will suit them a little more this year. We've got some guys out, some guys in, but the faces we have in this year are going to be very special.”

Creek says the Phoenix have high expectations heading into NBL23, and this year they’re desperate to deliver.

"Every year it's always championship or bust," he added. 

"I don't come here to lose games or to not be successful … we want to try and keep building a culture that's rich in a deep roster, well coached, well maintained, great staff, great fans and everyone is well looked after."

Creek is set to miss South East Melbourne's first pre-season game against St Mary's on Wednesday night, with a minor ankle complaint.

"Just came down on it (the ankle) ... just a regular ankle but being very cautious with it. Pre-season it's early on; we've got plenty of time ahead of us, so I'll be back on track in a few weeks," he said. 

Photo: Gary Browne