Creek Ready for Round 1

With only 10 days to go until the NBL23 season tips off, South East Melbourne Phoenix player Mitch Creek joined Dwayne Russell Tuesday afternoon on SEN to chat about the season ahead for Phoenix.

The league has introduced new rules in a bid to increase the number of spectacular plays.

Creek's dunk on Matthew Dellavedova last season was arguably the best dunk in NBL history and was viewed over 10 million times worldwide. 

(The dunk that went viral.)

 Plays like that only help grow the league exposure, and Creek is excited to see how new rules like this can impact the game. 

"The new rules are in; it's trying to open up the game, we're trying to transition to more of than the American style on court. We've got some great athletes this year, so it's an exciting time to come out and be a basketball fan," Creek commented. 

"I think if you look around the league, every team is trying to figure out how much they can push the rule, and the referees will have to adjust in the next couple of weeks as well, as they get that core down packed."

Creek didn't travel with the team to Darwin for the NBL Blitz but has been keeping a close eye on the team's games.

"Every team is going to come out and play guys coming off the bench, guys who aren't going to play as much during the season, some running different lineups and might not get a run. I know we have started a different five for pretty much every game all preseason, not just at the Blitz. We've got Rowdy out, myself at the moment, as well as Trey not playing at the moment. Three of our starters are out.

"Look, we are happy with where we are at; we like how Alan (Williams) and Gary (Browne) and guys like Anzac Rissetto off the bench who's come in for us. Grant Anticevich has come in and been an absolute beast for us. We've got a lot of talent down there, mate, it's coming together nicely, so we're in a good spot," said Creek.

(Alan 'Big Sauce' Williams has made a instant impact when coming onto the floor.)

Creek was full of praise for new imports Williams and Browne, stating his excitement for what they can bring to the team for the season. He also mentions that these preseason games will be good for them to get used to the style of play of the NBL.

"We are always going to push the boundaries of our players and our playing group, the current and new; we have to find a way to continue to get better. I think the likelihood of Alan adjusting to how the game over here is officiated; the first four games in the preseason, he was fouled out every game.

"You got someone like Gary Browne who's come in and the first couple of games he's finding his legs, his lungs, same thing finding the physicality. The physicality in this game is high, and the pace of the league is extremely fast, so these guys got to come in, adjust, and I think we see extremely good plays from him. The Shammgod went crazy the other day. It's just wild. He is only going to get better and better for us.

"So, seeing what we have on the court now is exciting."

(Browne has been able to show his flair throughout the Blitz so far.)

Creek has recovered well from his ankle injury and is likely to gear up for Round 1 against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

"I'm back basically 100% now, so I'm training and into full action.

"We want to get back there (finals). Finals are the first thing we want to check off along the way. We have a long list of things to accomplish, and getting everyone healthy is number 1," he said. 

Don't miss all the action for Round 1 as Phoenix Re-Light the Fire Pit for their season opener against the JackJumpers on October 1 at John Cain Arena. CLICK HERE to get your tickets.

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Phoenix Media (21/9/22)