Phoenix Host Trials for NBL24 Hopefuls

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have concluded a three-day, invite only trial camp that was run with the goal of signing new talent to the roster.

The Phoenix currently have one local roster spot available for the upcoming season, as well as two development player positions.

Former Brisbane Bullet Kody Stattman, Perth Wildcat Corey Shervill and Melbourne injury replacement Dillon Stith were in attendance.

Stith previously played in the NBL as an import, but has since become a naturalised Australian and is eligible to play in a local spot.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised with the ability of some of the guys. They’re all improving,” assistant coach Sam Mackinnon said.

“The best thing is they all wanted to come to the camp, so it’s all about the opportunity and I think all the guys are making the most of it.

“We will see where our needs are. Given we’ve already got Austin (Rapp) and Anzac (Rissetto) as development players we’re going to need some guards.

“Hopefully we can find someone from the camps.”

While South East Melbourne’s contingent of local talent is almost filled, the club is still searching for up to two imports to sign on for NBL24.

Cairns and Tasmania have both recently added new imports to their roster, and the battle for signatures is set to heat up over the course of the upcoming NBA Summer League.

“We’re looking now,” head coach Mike Kelly said of the club’s import search.

“If I can have both import spots done before Summer League I would love that, but we’re not in a rush.

“We’re fortunate now to have a good, solid roster. [We’re] looking to find imports that will complement our roster.”

South East Melbourne will kick off proceedings in the new season when they take on Melbourne United on Thursday, September 28.

For the full story head to >> Ben Ayre Encourages Next Crop of Talent.