Foundation is strong in South East: Derrick

25 per cent of basketball registrants are in the South East of Melbourne, where the Phoenix have been based for the past seven years and Derrick believes the club can tap into that to help grow the club and basketball in the area.

“Our foundation is a really strong point,” Derrick told SEN’s Gerard Whateley.

“For us it is how we continue to connect and engage with the community and basketball community.”

The Phoenix were just shy of 5,000 members last season and are well on their way to hit that target this season as they continue to grow.

“It’s a chance to get to share our game, share our club with others that may haven’t been involved, is what today is all about.

“Acknowledging and saying thanks to our members, but we want to continue to grow and capitalise on the momentum.”

The Phoenix start their NBL26 campaign with two pre-season games at State Basketball Centre next week, taking on the Cairns Taipans on Tuesday, August 19 and Melbourne United on Saturday, August 23.

The Phoenix are currently running a one-day only deal through SEN, where $99 will get you an incredible nine games of action with South East Melbourne.

To sign up, head to membership.semphoenix.com.au.