Alan Williams Thrilled with Roster Build

Phoenix import Alan Williams is thrilled with how the roster is shaping up for the NBL24 season as he looks forward to returning to Australia for his second season at the club.

Williams has been monitoring signings from afar this off-season while playing in Japan’s B.League and more recently from his home in Phoenix Arizona, but he believes the pieces we’ve attained will fit perfectly with new head coach Mike Kelly’s defensive-minded game plan.

“I think the club’s done a really good job in bringing in a coach and players that will help us to get to where we want to be, which is NBL champions. I think that it is something that the fans will be really excited about,” commented Williams to Phoenix Media.

“Anytime you are changing teammates it’s obviously different, but it comes with the business. I’m just ready to get back to work with everybody, to try and create a place where we can win basketball games and achieve the goals we are looking to achieve.”

(Williams has been impressed with the off-season movement that Phoenix has done for NBL24.)

Williams is one of just five players to return to the Phoenix from last season giving fans a largely new-look roster. 

New Phoenix signings include locals Rhys Vague, Matt Kenyon, Gorjok Gak, and Ben Ayre as well as development player Austin Rapp. The club has one local roster spot and two import spots remaining.

“We have guys that are returning, you know what you are getting there, but I think the additions to the club are going to be great. I think everyone can excel in the roles we establish for each other, I think we can be pretty good,” Williams said.

“It should be a fun team to forge.” 

Williams will again start at the five for the 2023/24 season and own that role for most games, with recruit Gak working closely with the former NBA player to provide support minutes from the bench.

‘Big Sauce’ is already impressed with what he has seen from Gak last season at the Brisbane Bullets and more recently in the NBL1 and is excited to form a strong partnership with him in the front court.

“He (Gorjok) is a heck of a player; I said that the first time I saw him play. I think he is dominating in the NBL1, just his length and athleticism is going to give the team a different look than what we have been able to put out there,” Williams commented.

‘Big Sauce’ has had early conversations with new head coach Mike Kelly and is looking forward to taking more responsibility within the group as a leader this season.

“I’ve had a couple of conversations with Mike (Kelly). As we get closer to NBL24, I am sure we will have some deep dive conversations about how the offence and defence will run, principles they want us to establish and what I can help to do,” he said.

“I kind of see myself as a leader of the club, I want to help us get to where we want to go. I just want to be involved.”

Williams states his motivation for committing to the Phoenix for the next two seasons is to help achieve the club's first championship.

“I just can’t wait to get started and get this thing rolling. Last year NBL23 didn’t finish the way we all wanted it to, so it’s just another crack to go out and try to win the whole thing,” he said.

“I am excited to get back out there in front of the best fans in the NBL, just show that they got something worth cheering for this year.”

(Williams returns to the Phoenix for two more season.)

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s home season kicks off on October 1 against Perth Wildcats with memberships on sale now.

Phoenix Media (15/06/23)