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Compete to Win at the Blitz for Phoenix

15 Sep
6 mins read

Written By

Kadek Thatcher for Phoenix Media

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will field a new-look roster at the upcoming NBL Blitz.

Despite being a few men down, Mike Kelly is excited to trial some new things at the Gold Coast pre-season tournament.

Kelly will be without Alan Williams (replaced by NBA centre Tyler Cook) and Gorjok Gak (replaced by Anzac Rissetto) for the duration of the Blitz. Mitch Creek (replaced by Austin Rapp) will also now miss game 1, and Matt Kenyon (replaced by Luke Rosendale) will miss the first two games but will be a chance for game 3, which will be added relief to the team during the Blitz.

“I think we'll try to be smart over the three games at the same time, try to get as many of the rotation guys on the floor together as we can,” Kelly said.

“Reuben [Te Rangi] just came back from the World Cup, Craig Moller is still gaining minutes. And even Mitch Creek with a little wear and tear on his body.”

Tyler Cook’s arrival as an injury replacement player was rapid, from Chicago to Melbourne within three days and on-court within 24 hours of touching down in Australia.

“Tyler [Cook] has the ability to come in right away and try to make an impact. He's only been here for three days of  training, but he shows enthusiasm and it's translated to the court.

“I think he's excited to be here. Just having that enthusiasm, I think it bodes well for him fitting in well with the group. And he looks like a really good basketball player.”

Phoenix will play against Tasmania JackJumpers, reigning champions Sydney Kings, and Cairns Taipans over the week.

Kt 7710(Cook will play his first minutes in the NBL this Blitz as he comes into the side as an injury replacement player for Williams.)

Kelly gave his thoughts to Phoenix Media on each team the side will face in the Gold Coast.

“I'm real excited with the three teams we play because of the different styles of play, and also that they're all super high quality sides.”

Tasmania JackJumpers – Saturday, September 16 at 5pm AEST

“Tassie plays physical and fundamentally sound basketball. I think it's going to be good to be tested against that and they always play hard.

“I think that's going to be a good test and a good check up on how we play against fundamental basketball.”

Sydney Kings – Monday, September 18 at 7:30pm AEST

“Sydney's got a new coach, a lot of new players on their roster, but a very talented roster. You always like going against the best talent and that'll be a chance to kind of measure ourselves against that talent in Sydney.

“We will get a feel for kind of how they're going to play this year. Sydney with their talent is going to be fun to go against.”

Cairns Taipans – Wednesday, September 20 at 1pm AEST

“I always like playing Cairns. Having been there [as coach], it's always a little bit of a grudge match; in saying that it's been a couple of years since I've been there. But, it always has a little bit of feeling there.

“They’re a younger group and Adam Forde always has them playing with kind of great energy. I think it'll be just a contrasting style and good to go up against that.”

>>All games will be broadcast live and free on Kayo Freebies. Keep up to date with all the action via Phoenix socials.

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