Creek's Green and Gold Tilt

The 31-year-old is currently the highest scoring Australian forward in the national competition – and second to only New Zealand’s Anthony Lamb (20.4 ppg) – posting 19.5 points per game across 15 outings this season.

While slightly down on scoring to previous years, his field-goal percentage has never been better in his five seasons with South East Melbourne, and by his own admission is at his best on both ends of the floor.

And with FIBA Asia Cup games to come in February – in Bendigo and Jakarta, Indonesia – Creek could fill a void in Brian Goorjian’s team.

“Playing for the [Boomers] is everything, at any time I’ll get on a flight, I’m happy to put my hand up,” Creek said of a potential Australia call-up.

“Seeing the team struggle at the last World Cup really hurt me and really hurt a lot of people in Australia, I know they want to bounce back and put people in the right positions to be successful.

“Hopefully I can be that person.” 

Creek last suited up for the national side in 2019, but has consistently posted high numbers with the Phoenix, and has stayed fit in the off-season thanks to stints in Puerto Rico.

A viable option at the four position as Goorjian’s team look toward Paris 2024, the Horsham product will likely be in the conversation with Nick Kay, Xavier Cooks and Sam Froling to secure a spot on the plane to France.

But it’s what Creek can do on the floor compared to those in the same position that has impressed onlookers, proving that someone with a hulking frame can still have the athleticism to match it with anyone on the court.

“I think my ability to play all levels of the games is a big key to why my name has popped up again, it’s quite humbling.

“I pride myself on my transition game, ability on the rim and ability to stretch the floor, shoot the three and defend at all levels from one through five.”

And the 196cm forward will have no better opportunity to showcase his wears than in the back half of the NBL24 season, with his side eyeing off a playoff spot for just the second time in the franchise’s history.

“We’re up and down a bit, consistency hasn’t been our strong suit.”

“We’ve got horses to run a really good race, I think a top four finish is something we need to strive for.”

A strong finish to the season from Creek could rocket the Phoenix into championship contention, and also make the Boomers’ selection dilemmas all the more easy.