Phoenix sign ex-United, Kings big

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Former Melbourne and Sydney forward Craig Moller is returning to the NBL with South East Melbourne.

Former Melbourne United and Sydney King forward Craig Moller is returning to the NBL, crossing the divide to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Moller joined the Kings ahead of the NBL17 season, and was a member of Melbourne’s triumphant 2018 championship-winning side.

He was last sighted in the NBL as a member of the Kings in NBL21, and most recently played for German side s.Oliver Wurzburg.

The 28-year-old has also represented the Boomers in two separate World Cup qualifying campaigns.

"I hope to bring leadership and professionalism to the group, having played with some of Australia's best earlier in my NBL career. It helps knowing the league, many familiar faces, the pace it's played at, how it's refereed, so I'll hopefully be able to slot straight back in," Moller said.

Moller knows new South East Melbourne coach Mike Kelly well, with the pair teaming up during Melbourne United's championship in 2018.

Kelly also coached Moller at the 2017 World Uni Games, alongside Phoenix teammates Rhys Vague and Matt Kenyon.

"I'm incredibly excited," Moller said.

"I've had a great relationship with Mike (Kelly) for many years, and I really like the vision he laid out for both the club and how he plans to use me for this season."

Moller left the NBL in 2021-22 to play in Germany with Würzburg, where he sustained a knee injury that has kept him out of action for over a year.

But he's back fit and firing ahead of NBL24.

"It was a little bit of being in the right place at the right time, how I came to the Phoenix. I've had regular contact with Mike and Tommy (Greer) over the years, but it was never quite the right time, as I was committed to playing in Europe. However, coming off a knee injury, I think it's a great fit for me to stay in Australia," Moller said.

Coach Kelly is excited to add Moller's length and physical intensity to his roster.

"Craig is a fantastic addition to our group and makes us a better team. Craig is a good teammate that competes. He affects the game with his length, athleticism and feel for the game. I'm excited to work with Craig again as he returns to play at a high level," he said.

Moller commenced his professional basketball career following an AFL career, in which he played one game with the Fremantle Dockers in 2013.