Broekhoff on mental challenges, considering retirement and more

South East Melbourne Phoenix star Ryan Broekhoff joined Liam Santamaria on this week's episode of The Huddle podcast, sharing details of the up and down year that 2020 was for him both on and off the court.

It follows Broekhoff’s revealing interview with News Corp's Matt Logue last week in which he shared the mental struggles he went through after not finding a new home in the NBA, joining the Phoenix mid-season, and pulling out of the Australian Boomers ahead of the Tokyo Olympics to instead prioritise getting his body and mind right for NBL22.

After getting help, and working through his challenges 'Rowdy' is using his platform and sharing his experiences in the hope it will inspire others to confront the mental challenges they face, and get the help they need.

“Your mental health is very important, and it can effect anyone,” Broekhoff explained.

“From the outside people would look at my life and some of the stuff I've been able to do and be like 'how can this guy be complaining, how can anything be wrong' but it can really effect anybody.”

Speaking on the podcast, Broekhoff shared that at one point his mind turned to potentially giving up the game.

"At times over the last 18 months I've considered giving up basketball and trying to figure out what's next,” he added.

“That love and what really got me into it was not there anymore so it was important for me to find that."

Having reignited his passion for the game, Broekhoff says he’s excited for what lies ahead for both him and the Phoenix.

"I think me being a bit more confident and a being in a little bit better state of mind and physically in a better position, I feel like I can be more aggressive and search for shots,” he said.

“We’ve kept a lot of that core from last season together and added some great pieces.

“No matter who is on the floor, we feel very confident.”