Creek/Moore Partnership a Phoenix Game Changer

Phoenix star Mitch Creek says his new frontcourt partnership with 6’8 American Ben Moore is a game changer for the Phoenix in NBL21.

Moore signed with South East Melbourne as an import last week following years of NBA and NBA G-League opportunities and is set to form one of the most potent forward combinations in the NBL with the Phoenix co-captain.

Creek entered last season alongside the recently retired Tai Wesley in the Phoenix line-up in what shaped as a dangerous combination before Wesley’s opening night hamstring injury put a halt to their plans.

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This time around, with new sparring partner Moore by his side, Creek is confident the duo will inflict pain on the rest of the NBL.

“We’re going to really feed off each other,” Creek said. “We’ll complement each other in a lot of ways on both ends of the court, offence and defence.

“It’s very exciting. He’s a big athletic guy who can grab it off the board, push it the length of the court, finish on guys, create - very crafty, very smart guy, one of the best and most coachable players I’m aware of.

“Right now, it’s about the synergy we build in this short time…getting him in, getting him accustomed to what we’re doing at the Phoenix and get a few wins together with the big fella.

“He’ll fit in perfectly and do really well in our system.”

Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell believes Moore will play roles at small forward, power forward and the centre position for the team given his size and versatility.

The 25-year-old shares Creek’s ability to attack the hoop, stretch the floor and find open teammates, which will allow the pair to function together.

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Recently promoted co-captain Kyle Adnam is just as excited as Creek to play alongside the latest member of the Heartland.

“He looks really good,” Adnam said. “He’s obviously a really high-character guy and someone we’re really looking forward to playing with.

“He can play and defend multiple positions which is going to be awesome for us. I’ve heard great things and know he’s going to be great for us – Phoenix fans are really going to enjoy watching him as well.”

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (17/11/2020)