Koen Sapwell Signs as Development Player

South East Melbourne Phoenix is pleased to announce the signing of development player, Koen Sapwell for this season.

Sapwell is a familiar name in the NBL world, with his dad, Rupert, who played for five NBL teams across his career, spending two seasons as a member of the South East Melbourne Magic.

“Both he and mum are proud,” he said.

(Koen Sapwell dunking at training)

Sapwell said he was a better shooter, but his dad had him covered on the boards.

“He also has three more championships than I do now…so I've got a long way to go still,” he said.

The 6’3” guard has already amassed an impressive CV. A South Australian he represented his state in Under 16’s and 18’s, before moving to the United States and spending three years playing at Cal State Monterey Bay, before returning home and playing with the Hobart Chargers in the NBL1 South Season in 2021.

He joins Owen Foxwell and Tristan Forsyth on the development list.

“I have been working on some stuff for a while to get a position like this, so I. am pretty happy and stoked to be here,” he said.

(Koen Sapwell preparing to shoot)

With the likes of Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff and Mitch Creek, Sapwell is surrounded by experienced NBL players that he can learn from.

“It’s been unreal…I can learn off the guys with that sort of calibre, pick their brains all the time.

“From day one, they have been super welcoming and taking me under their wing.”

(Phoenix Media 03/12/21)