Continuity is key for rising Phoenix: King
By
Ty Johnstone
22 Mar
1
min read


South East Melbourne Phoenix head coach Josh King is determined to keep the core of his squad together heading into next season.
After a second straight semi-final exit, King believes the group that delivered a club-record 22 regular season wins has the foundation to go even further.
“The next step is to get as many of these guys back as possible because we’ve got a really good team,” King said.
“We’ll make sure we have a really strong local core, then build from there, start working on our three imports, and hopefully retain some of the guys we already have.”
The Phoenix brought back several key pieces this season, including Jordan Hunter, Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Owen Foxwell and Malique Lewis, while Luke Rosendale was elevated late in the NBL26 campaign.
However, the club is expected to lose Next Star Malique Lewis to the NBA Draft after the Trinidadian completed the maximum two years in the program.
“Malique’s had an unbelievable season. I think he’s really progressed over his two years here… he started to find a groove,” King said.
“He had a big series, and you could probably say his performance in game two put us over the top.
“He’s going to have a big-time career somewhere.”
Heading into next season, Hunter, Sobey, Glover, Foxwell, Daniel Foster, DJ Mitchell (option) and Ellis Biggar (option) are all currently contracted.

2 Sep
Phoenix Stars Give the Gift of Joy

28 Aug
Message from the CEO

26 Aug
Phoenix and PETZYO Partner for the Pups

26 Aug
How the 'Sequin Squad' Became a Heartland Sensation

25 Aug
Europcar Extend Partnership for Season Two

24 Aug
Introducing Fireside Chats

19 Aug
Phoenix Eyeing Next Star

18 Aug
Time to Improve Your Game is NOW: Flavell

16 Aug
Yanni Wetzell Exercises European Out Clause

12 Aug
Dane Eyes World Stage

11 Aug
A Message from the CEO

10 Aug
Heart of the Heartland: Casey

7 Aug
COVID-19 Update

7 Aug
Madgen Reflects on Phoenix Journey

5 Aug
Te Rangi Lifts Rams to Shock Finals Run

4 Aug
Spoiled for Choice: Why Wetzell Joined the Phoenix
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.
