Kyle Excited for NBL23

Pre-season has begun for South East Melbourne Phoenix, with some rostered players, including Kyle Adnam, returning to prepare for NBL23.

Adnam spoke to Phoenix Media after day one of pre-season on Monday after returning from playing in Canada during the off-season.

"I can't wait; it feels like the off-season has been pretty long; I've been up to a little bit which has been awesome. Just coming back now and seeing all the guys again, coaches, front office, everybody, it's just got me excited again," Adnam said.

"Day one is always good, the anxiety levels are high for everybody, so it's always exciting to get that first day out."

(Adnam back at pre-season training.)

The guard spent the off-season travelling Europe before heading to Canada to play in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) for the Fraser Valley Bandits.

"It was amazing. Canada is a beautiful place in the middle of summer; it's just an incredible part of the world. People are nice; the league was excellent, high level, and with great athletes. It was awesome for my experience and my growth as a player," he said.

Over the 15 games he played for the Bandits, he averaged 6.68 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists.

While he was away, the front office began the task of building the roster for NBL23. The team’s all import backcourt of Gary Browne and Trey Kell are two players Adnam is excited to start working with.

"I am excited to get on the floor with those guys. To have them in the backcourt with me is awesome, and to be able to learn from them and vice versa, it's just going to be amazing as they are two high-level playmakers in the world," Adnam said.

Adnam was also happy to see Junior Madut sign with the Phoenix after meeting him in 2019 before Madut went to college.

"I know Junior well, a kid who works hard, and I think he will be exciting for the fans to see. And as he continues his development and hopefully a long career in the NBL," he commented.

(Adnam training with DP Owen Foxwell.)

Being a Kilsyth local, Adnam joked about Craig Simpson being from Knox but was looking forward to working closely with the new assistant for the upcoming season.

"He's incredible, Craig; even the first week we've been here has just been awesome getting to know on a personal level, but just the way he goes about it, his work ethic, his attention to detail in some stuff, it's just amazing to have him around," he said.

As one of just three inaugural players left with the team, Adnam said it's essential the new guys understand what the Phoenix as a club stands for.

"Continuing to develop our identity, we've had that as a group over the last few years, and we've retained that core. So, from the coaching staff to a player's perspective, we know what we need to do in terms of x's and o's. I think tidying things up and going to that next level you see across all sports as that chemistry continues to grow. The win/loss usually follows.

"I'm excited about our group; I love everyone here, and I think getting to that next level of challenging each other on the floor and pushing each other daily is going to be important. For me in particular, starting today, day one," Adnam said.

The Hungry Jacks NBL23 season starts on October 1, with the Phoenix taking on the JackJumpers at the Fire Pit.

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Phoenix Media (4/8/22)