Kelly's Thoughts on Player’s Performances

Head coach Mike Kelly has kept a close eye on his players during the off-season and shares his thoughts on how they are performing in other competitions as they continue to prepare for NBL24.

Mitch Creek – Mets de Guaynabo – BSN League

Mitch Creek returned to Puerto Rico during the NBL off-season to team up with Mets de Guaynabo after playing four games for the team last year. He has continued his NBL23 form with the Mets and is averaging 19.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals.

The Mets rallied after a disastrous beginning to the season following a 1-8 start to finish 21-15 as they head into the playoffs. Kelly has been impressed with how Creek and the Mets turned their season around.

“Mitch has been very good on a team that has found its mojo. Mitch has teamed up with Gary Browne and Tim Soares to help the group get into a playoff position after a shaky start. It’s a very up-and-down style in Puerto Rico and that seems to suit Mitch. I’m happy that he has bounced back well from a shoulder injury and is back to playing and feeling great.”

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJ8wB_rU3J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJ8wB_rU3J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrJ8wB_rU3J/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Mitchell Creek (@mitchellcreek55)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

Owen Foxwell – Eltham Wildcats – NBL1 South

Owen Foxwell and the Eltham Wildcats are flying in the NBL1 South conference. Foxwell is having a standout season averaging 17.92 points, 5.46 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 50% from the field, and 1.77 steals, as he sits fourth on the NBL1 South stats ladder for assists.

Since being elevated to a full roster spot for Phoenix for NBL24, Foxwell has continued to develop and gain confidence in his abilities which has impressed his new Phoenix coach.

“Owen is playing well on a talented, unselfish team. Owen is striking a great balance between attacking the rim, shooting the three, and finding his teammates. The guard play in the NBL1 is outstanding, so Owen is having to work hard every night on defence.”

Ben Ayre – Sandringham Sabres – NBL1 South

Ben Ayre and the Sandringham Sabres are another team in the NBL1 South team that is excelling during the season so far. Currently sitting second on the ladder, Ayre has shone in the majority of the games, as he works at both ends of the court.

Ayre is currently sitting third in NBL1 South for points at 24.92ppg, while also averaging 4.25 assists, 5.83 rebounds, and 1.0 steal. Kelly is loving the passion Ayre is bringing to the Sabres as they head towards the end of the regular season.

“Ben has been super aggressive for his team at Sandringham. His ability to score has been on full display. It will be fun to watch how Ben locks down on defence and how he reacts to extra attention as they head towards the finals.”

Matt Kenyon – USC Rip City – NBL1 North

Matt Kenyon has been living it up on the Sunshine Coast while playing for USC Rip City in NBL1 North. Kenyon has provided great defensive leadership to his team and has scored six double-doubles from 10 games so far.

Kenyon has been instrumental for his side as he averages 15.80 points, 5.30 assists, 8.60 rebounds, and 50.43% from the field. Kelly has been rapt to see Kenyon progress with his offensive skills as he continues to shine defensively.

“I’m happy to see Matt with some colour after two years in Tassie! He looks like he’s enjoying life on the Sunshine Coast. Matt has been good at a lot of things playing with talented teammates that need the ball. It’s been great to see Matt have some responsibility to carry the ball and get the team into offence. If he can continue to balance being aggressive and unselfish it will be a great season for him.”

Gorjok Gak – Willetton Tigers – NBL1 West

211cm big man Gorjok Gak has been dominating in the NBL1 West with the Willetton Tigers, already recording nine double-doubles for the season. Gak is second in rebounds for the West conference with 11.54rpg in addition to averaging 20.31 points, 2.23 assists, 1.08 blocks and 56.59% from the field.

Gak has been an important player for his side, influencing opposition defensively around the rim and showing toughness while creating scoring opportunities for himself at the other end. The impact Gak has had on his team this season has not gone unnoticed by Kelly.

“Gorjok has been dominant at times in the West. There have been some games where it seems like Gorjok is everywhere on the boards and on defence. It has been good to see him with responsibility and freedom. When Gorjok has played well his team has been good. When he has been average his team has dropped. Gorjok has a great opportunity to help this Willetton team go far.”

Reuben Te Rangi – Auckland Tuatara – NZ NBL

Auckland Tuatara is currently on a six-game winning streak and sitting nicely on top of the ladder in the NZ NBL. Reuben Te Rangi has been performing consistently well with his side, averaging 18.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.4 rebounds a game in an important role.

Kelly can see that Te Rangi's style of play in New Zealand is something that can be emulated on the floor for his team when he returns for the upcoming season in the NBL. 

“Reuben is playing very well for a very good Auckland team. Reuben is scoring well but I love how unselfish he is. He and his teammates are consistently making the right plays for each other. Reuben is playing in a way that will translate to the NBL.”

Anzac Rissetto – Taranaki Airs – NZ NBL

The Taranaki Airs have been struggling for wins in the NZ NBL, but Anzac Rissetto has continued to show signs of what he is capable of when on the court. He is currently averaging 13.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists for the season so far.

Kelly has been pleased with how Rissetto has been developing in the NZ NBL, particularly being a part of the starting five for the Airs, which will continue to help his progression as a professional basketball player.

“It’s been good to see Anzac in extended minutes. Anzac’s team have struggled to get wins, but he has been able to consistently play in a good league. Anzac has shown the ability to rebound the ball consistently and flashes of scoring. He will come into pre-season fighting fit and ready to battle.”

Austin Rapp – Knox Raiders – NBL1 South

Austin Rapp may have just joined the Phoenix earlier this week, but Kelly is already across his tape and has been keeping a close eye on the talented youngster ahead of his signing as a development player for the upcoming season.

Rapp has been getting on the floor for Knox Raiders in NBL1 this season, giving the 205cm 17-year-old the opportunity to play with and against current and ex-NBL players, while getting a feel of what to expect when joining the NBL.

Rapp has averaged 10.13 points, 0.87 assists, and 4.87 rebounds so far, but Kelly has loved what he has seen from him including watching him live back in round 5.

“Austin has had great opportunities to play at Knox and has made the most of them. When I went to his game against Sandringham, he shot the ball well but what I really loved was his activity on the glass.”

Check back Monday for our weekly wrap-up of all players' off-season performances from the weekend as they continue to prepare for the NBL24 season.

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Phoenix Media (16/06/23)