Foxwell drawing inspiration from Taipan ahead of NBA audition

Owen Foxwell is using another NBL star’s pathway as inspiration for his own journey as he embarks on the Adidas Eurocamp in Italy. 

Far from his home base in the South East suburbs of Melbourne, Foxwell is currently showing his wares 16,000km away in front of NBA scouts, staff and talent agents as part of the invite-only exhibition camp. 

And it’s former Cairns Taipan-turned-Golden State Warrior Taran Armstrong who provides the clearest pathway for the 21-year-old Phoenix guard. 

“Watching him go to something like [the Adidas Eurocamp] and then come out in the NBL and have an incredible year, and now he’s in the NBA, it’s great,” Foxwell told Phoenix Media. 

“So, I’m for sure taking inspiration from that and trying to follow that path.” 

By his own admission, Foxwell didn’t know much about the Eurocamp before receiving the call-up but is coming around to the gravity of what he’s about to undertake over the next week. 

“It’ll sink in when we hit the floor in a game I think, seeing all the people in the gym and you do know who’s watching so it’s just a great opportunity.” 

Foxwell has had a whirlwind few months on court, dominating the NZNBL with the Taranaki Airs, being selected for his first Boomers squad in the recent Trans-Tasman Series and now being part of the first ever NBL Next Stars team to compete in the global tournament. 

A successful showing in Italy could see Foxwell invited onto an NBA Summer League roster which is the logical next step, and something that the Victorian is dreaming of. 

“As a kid growing up, your end goal is to play in the NBA and Summer League is NBA level-type games and experience. 

“Jumping on opportunities is important, so if I get that opportunity I’ll be jumping straight into it for sure.” 

Foxy and Lique 🤝 Italy 🇮🇹

Our young guns are working hard and exploring with the @NBLNextStars and Phil Handy for the Adidas Eurocamp this weekend! pic.twitter.com/75AbYRBwjV

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) May 29, 2025

Foxwell has been joined by NBA draft hopefull and South East Melbourne Next Star Malique Lewis, providing a bit of familiarity in a brand-new experience. 

Not only are the two rooming together in the canal-lined city, but their synergy is also being shown on the court. 

“Malique and I are actually the two oldest guys here, so we’re leaders in a way and that’s something we’ve prided ourselves on in the last few days. 

“We worked well in the back end of last year and played a lot of minutes together ... I do [look for him] but he’s always in the right spot so that makes it easy.” 

Foxwell’s NBL Next Stars will take part in five games plus finals if they qualify over the next week, with the fledgling guard taking in the sights of the stunning city of Venice and indulging in some traditional gnocchi before the camp got underway.