Creek Commits to the Phoenix for NBL22

South East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek has recommitted to the club for the NBL22 season, opting to trigger the player option on his contract and remain with the team.

Creek was the Phoenix’s inaugural marquee signing in 2019 and will now enter his third season at the franchise.

The 29-year-old won the club’s inaugural season MVP award and is a chance to make it two in a row, having just been named in the All-NBL Second Team.

(Creek enjoyed another stellar season for the Phoenix)

Creek led his side to their first finals appearance this season, taking the ladder-leaders Melbourne United to three games in the Semi-Finals.

“For me, re-signing was such an easy thing,” Creek said.

“Opting in with South East Melbourne, especially after the run we had this year in the finals pushing Melbourne to a Game Three, I can’t leave it there.

“We challenged them, we gave it a red-hot crack and we fell short, unfortunately that’s how basketball goes sometimes but for a second-year club to get to that point is such an admirable effort and very inspiring, but for me that’s not enough.

“We set a goal to be in the finals and a championship contending team, and that’s what we’re going to be come year three.”

Creek’s attention now turns to making the Boomers’ team for the Tokyo Olympics. He’s been named in the 19-man Las Vegas training camp squad along with teammate Ryan Broekhoff.

Following national duties, Creek will return to South East Melbourne and prepare for the NBL22 season and another assault at bringing the title home to the Heartland of Australian basketball.

Creek averaged 18 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists across 34 games in NBL21.

PHOENIX NBL22 MEMBERSHIPS

Phoenix Media (18/06/2021)