Different Paths to Becoming a Pro, College or Training Player, Ben Li Chooses the Latter

For aspiring professional basketballers there are several different pathways they can take to live out their dreams.

From spending four years at college, to playing NBL1, there is more than one way to make it as a pro.

Even among the Phoenix lineup there is a multitude of different journeys.

Dane Pineau took the college route spending four years at St Mary’s, while Kyle Adnam went from the Kilsyth Cobras, to training player at Adelaide, to quickly claiming a Development Player role at the club for the 2013-14 season. 

(Kyle Adnam playing for Kilsyth Cobras.)

The following year he was a DP at the Wollongong Hawks. 
He then joined Melbourne United as a DP for the 2015-16 season and earned a full roster spot in 2017.

“Getting straight into a professional environment was a massive factor in my decision to stay home in the NBL. To learn from players with years of experience both on and off the floor was incredible, and I felt this helped rapidly excel my development in both areas, ” Adnam said.

This season at the Phoenix there are several talented NBL1 players filling the role of training players. They include Lachie Barker, Koen Sapwell, Thomas Garret, and Jacob Foy.

(Jacob Foy and Lachie Barker huddle up with the team during the NBL Blitz.)

In the next few days, they’ll be joined by China’s answer to LaMelo Ball, Ben Li.

Li widely recognised as a star on the horizon, has already amassed an enormous following on social media and appeared in two TV shows, hence the comparison to Ball.

(Ben Li will join South East Melbourne Phoenix as a training player for NBL22.)

After spending one year playing at US college Lehigh University, Li has decided that joining the Phoenix as a training player presents him the best opportunity to grow his game.

“I’m extremely grateful to the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get over there and work hard every single day alongside some great players.” Li said. “The NBL is one of the premier leagues in the world and I can’t wait to compete.”

Phoenix Media (24/11/2021)