How the Phoenix Roster Build Landed a Free Agency Coup

A known scorer, an incredible passer and someone who is determined to win at all costs with proven successes.

So, when Phoenix captain Mitch Creek got a message from the man himself asking if South East Melbourne would consider signing him, he jumped.

“I reached out to [Mitch] and told him how serious I was about coming back,” Walton Jr told Phoenix Media from his home in Michigan.

“I picked South East Melbourne because of the city, the players they’ve signed and it’s all come full circle for me, it became a no-brainer.”

The 2023 Larry Sengstock Medallist – adjudged the Grand Final MVP after a dogged five-game series with New Zealand – left for China almost immediately after leading the Sydney Kings to their second title in as many years.

But it wasn’t long before the former NBA player yearned for a far more competitive environment, and he honed in on making the return back down under, citing that the NBL only has upside.

“I love playing summer basketball in a place where people embrace you, it’s such a jack-of-all-trades league with the only intention to grow which is positive.”

Walton Jr kept a close eye on the Phoenix’s roster shuffle, and when championship teammates Jordi Hunter and Angus Glover came aboard, he knew they were building towards something in the Heartland.

“Jordi and Gus, we have a great relationship, and then you add in Nathan Sobey, I played him in my second game and he’s a proven scorer.”

“There’s a lot of proven guys already there, I told them I’m only there to win and I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The affinity for Walton Jr’s signing is clear on the Phoenix’s social pages – hordes of fans excited at the prospect of a starting five any club the world over would envy – and he’s extremely humbled by it.

“I’ve just appreciated the warmness of the congratulations and welcome, and I just can’t wait to get there and get started.”

Walton Jr will touch down in Australia ahead of the Phoenix’s pre-season campaign in July.

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