Foxwell Ready for the Challenge

The 20-year-old can recite blind the Australian players featured in the Walk of Fame as you head toward the main court.

The familiar aroma of the canteen that greets new visitors is one that Foxwell would know from miles away.

And the changerooms where he’s laced his shoes since he wore kids sizes could be found with a blindfold.

But despite the lifelong affinity with Knox and the basketball stadium, this year will have a tinge of difference for Foxwell.

He’s now a full-rostered player with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

After years of toiling as a development player, one of four on the roster each year, Foxwell showed enough to earn a roster spot under incoming coach Mike Kelly.

And he’ll get to head back to the State Basketball Centre where it all began, only this time as a professional.

"Just getting the opportunity was the biggest thing for me. I know so many guys that don't get that opportunity to show what they got, but luckily enough, I was,” Foxwell said.

“I'm just really grateful for that."

(Foxwell has played close to 1000 games at Phoenix home, State Basketball Centre from junior to present.)

Before Foxwell could walk, he had basketball shoes.

The sport was more birthright than backyard fun.

His dad, Steve was a former SEABL player, his godfather attended the Australian Institute of Sport.

For Foxwell and his two brothers, Austin and Joel, the choice of sport they’d play was made long before they were. 

And it’s paid off supremely.

"I always had a basketball in my hand. I was interested in sports in general, but as I grew older, I just grew to love basketball and the game more and more.”

At only 17, Foxwell’s pathway to be on an NBL list was by chance.

In his final year of high school and with his goal to head to the NBA on the horizon, he was asked to a Phoenix open session prior to NBL22.

“I thought I would go and get a run in, get in front of some coaches. Luckily enough, I played well, especially being the youngest kid in the gym by a mile.

"Then Simon Mitchell (coach at the time) took a chance on me. I'll be forever grateful for the risk he took taking a 17-year-old kid who was still doing his year 12 exams."

In his first season as a development player, Foxwell unexpectedly took the court against Melbourne United, the Phoenix’s biggest rival, on the biggest stage.

It took just seconds before he knocked down a three-pointer, making an immediate impact to the game and his name in professional basketball.  

"My first year wasn't strange, but it was surreal in a way. I didn't play much until the last four games of the year, where we had a few injuries," Foxwell said. 

"I was thrown into the game (Throwdown) just for a different look, I definitely wasn't on their scout at all. It was daunting at times, like even though my first touch of the ball went in, it was still crazy."

NBL22 came to a close and college interest waned, but the club had trust in the then 18-year-old to stick around for another development season.

"Simon (Mitchell) put forward the opportunity for me to stick around. I was like, I'd love to. Be used as a spark guy when we needed it. 

"In my first year, I was a bit more in my shell, didn't want to step on anyone's toes or make mistakes, but last year was really good for my confidence," he said.

Foxwell’s breakout game came in the double overtime win in Gippsland over reigning champions Sydney Kings, where he stepped up in the absence of key players due to injuries and foul problems.

As the young guard grew in his second season, his confidence was on show when taking on the seasoned Kings’ guard Derrick Walton Jnr.

"I hadn't played for the whole first half coming that third quarter, and everybody had a role to play in the team. I thought, well, we need someone to step up. So, I took on the challenge of Walton and just did my best.

"The team, the coaching staff knew what I was capable of, and I just put my best foot forward, and it ended up in a magnificent win."

Phoenix captain Mitch Creek has been one of Foxwell’s biggest supporters over his period at the club.

"I would go out on a limb and say Foxy is one of the fan favourites of the entire club now. He's got the heart and soul of the South East. He's got everyone behind him," said Creek.

"He's now earned himself multiple years at being a professional. He'll just continue to grow and continue to flourish in this environment.

"This is the perfect place for him. He's got friends and family and loved ones around. I think he's just growing day by day."

(Creek is one of Foxwell's big advocates on and off the court.)

For Foxwell though, he’s remaining level-headed.

"Whatever my role is, that's what I want to bring. I'm not in this for personal gain; I want the team to be successful,” said Foxwell.

“So, if I can play my best, if that's just being a defensive guy, if that's scoring the ball, if it's being on the bench cheering for the boys, that's what I'll do.”

Foxwell will return to the State Basketball Centre this January as the Phoenix head back to the Heartland.

He’ll tick well into four-figures of games played at Knox, but it’ll be the first time he’ll step onto the court as a fully-rostered Phoenix player.

Like countless times before he’ll walk past the Walk of Fame as he heads to the main court.

The hope for Foxwell though is that one day, he’s up there too.

Their home opener will be against the Perth Wildcats on October 1 at John Cain Arena. CLICK HERE to secure your ticket.