Craig Moller Makes NBL Return with Phoenix

South East Melbourne Phoenix is excited to announce the signing of local forward Craig Moller for NBL24. 

The 203cm forward brings a wealth of NBL experience to the Phoenix and adds length, athleticism, and versatility to the roster.

Moller has tallied 136 NBL games in his career so far, playing 67 games with Sydney Kings in 2016-17 and 2019-21 and 69 games with Melbourne United from 2017-19 before leaving to play in Europe in 2021.

“I hope to bring leadership and professionalism to the group, having played with some of Australia's best earlier in my NBL career. It helps knowing the league, many familiar faces, the pace it's played at, how it's refereed, so I'll hopefully be able to slot straight back in," Moller said. 

(Moller brings a wealth of NBL experience to the Phoenix.)

Moller is no stranger to head coach Mike Kelly, both were a part of Melbourne United's championship in 2018 and he was coached by Kelly at the 2017 World Uni Games alongside his new Phoenix teammates Rhys Vague and Matt Kenyon.

Kelly's vision for the club attracted the forward back to Melbourne and the Phoenix.

"I'm incredibly excited! I've had a great relationship with Mike (Kelly) for many years, and I really like the vision he laid out for both the club and how he plans to use me for this season," commented Moller.

"I'm excited to test myself against some high-quality players in the NBL once more. I think Mike's an incredibly hard-working guy who prioritises a team-first mentality and playing hard at the defensive end. I'm sure I'll be able to fit right in with the culture he will create and help push along day-to-day."

Moller left the NBL in 2021-22 to play in Germany with Würzburg where he sustained a knee injury that has kept him out of action for over a year.

"It was a little bit of being in the right place at the right time how I came to the Phoenix. I've had regular contact with Mike and Tommy (Greer) over the years, but it was never quite the right time, as I was committed to playing in Europe. However, coming off a knee injury, I think it's a great fit for me to stay in Australia,” he said.

(Moller fills the final local spot for the Phoenix.)

Coach Kelly is excited to add Moller's length and physical intensity to his roster.

"Craig is a fantastic addition to our group and makes us a better team. Craig is a good teammate that competes. He affects the game with his length, athleticism and feel for the game. I'm excited to work with Craig again as he returns to play at a high level," said Kelly. 

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer cannot wait to see how Moller works in with Kelly's defensive style game plan for NBL24.

"We have emphasised defence and intensity this off-season in all of our additions to the roster, and Craig may be the player who highlights this better than any. His length and versatility provide the team with endless options on both ends of the floor," Greer said. 

Moller is already in Melbourne and will join the Phoenix on the training court immediately.

Moller joins Ben Ayre, Gary Browne, Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Gorjok Gak, Matt Kenyon, Austin Rapp, Anzac Rissetto, Kody Stattmann, Reuben Te Rangi, Rhys Vague, and Alan Williams on Phoenix's NBL24 roster.

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