"40 minutes of hell": Star outlines Phoenix's championship plan

South East Melbourne recruit Skylar Mays comes to the Hungry Jack's NBL27 with huge expectations, following his multi-year stint in the NBA.

The former Portland, Atlanta and Los Angeles Lakers guard has already been mentioned as an MVP-type talent by coach Josh King, as the club attempts to get over the Playoffs hump. In the same vein, the 28-year-old knows how much of an impact King will and has already made on his career.

"Coach King came in firing, saying he had a plan for me," Mays said on NBL Now.

"We hashed out what I wanted to show about myself, being somebody that can be a leader, be dependable with the ball, make plays for other guys and make guys better.

"Before you even step on the court, seeing guys smiling and the leader of the crew smiling and having positive energy. I think that filters into the outcome of games.

"I wouldn't say I've had a coach quite like him as far as that constant energy.

"We hope to keep him smiling and give him a reason to be happy.

"He's been very vocal about having high expectations for me, and I plan to live up to them.

"My main focus is us bringing this thing home and winning the championship."

If Mays delivers on that and has South East Melbourne in the championship mix, he will no doubt be in the MVP discussion like his coach said, alongside the likes of Bryce Cotton, Kendric Davis and Cole Anthony.

"I've got high respect for all of these guys," he said.

"They're all talented guys, well worthy of all the accolades they've received.

"As a competitor, you're excited for those type of battles.

"I just want to come out and show my best self and let the chips fall where they may."

Not only will Mays bring elite talent and 114-game experience to The Heartland, but he will also bring other traits learned in the NBA.

"Patience [is the main one]," he said.

"I was able to have great vets when you talk about [Rajon] Rondo and Lou Williams.

"Two guys that definitely took me under their wing and showed me the ropes of the League, not just on the court but off the court.

"[As such] I think [fans] will see a high IQ player, a willing passer.

"I think I'm a better passer and a better playmaker than I'm given credit for.

"I like to think I'm well-rounded, shoot the ball pretty well, and try to be a two-way player and a leader.

"When you watch me play, you'll see that I'm not a stat hunter. I'm more concerned with the outcome of the game."

Mays believes that, because of that, and the squad that the Phoenix have assembled, they can cause plenty of issues during the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

"I think we're really talented," he said.

"We're going to shoot a lot of threes.

"We're going to get after it defensively and make the game tough on guys.

"We're going to give you 40 minutes of hell.

"We have a lot of guys that are switchable defenders, very versatile on both sides of the ball."

The Phoenix continue their preseason games at State Basketball Centre in a preseason Throwdown against cross-town rivals Melbourne United on Saturday, August 22 at 7pm. CLICK HERE to secure your seat before it sells out.

Tickets for NBL27 John Cain Arena home games go on sale August 26 via AXS.