Mitch Creek's Excitement Builds for NBL24

As South East Melbourne Phoenix gear up for NBL24, reigning MVP Mitch Creek expresses his excitement about the new coaching staff at the club, as well as the team's off-season roster acquisitions.

Despite playing abroad in Puerto Rico, Creek has closely followed the team's off-season movements and is eagerly awaiting his return to join the revamped roster.

The Phoenix have made significant moves to strengthen their defensive mindset under the guidance of new head coach Mike Kelly, with notable local additions including Ben Ayre, Rhys Vague, Matt Kenyon, and Gorjok Gak.

Creek shares his thoughts on the team's collective growth and potential heading into the upcoming season.

Creek on New Coach Mike Kelly:

Currently playing for the Mets de Guaynabo alongside good friend and NBL23 Phoenix point guard Gary Browne, Creek has maintained regular communication with head coach Mike Kelly, as Phoenix looks to add the remaining pieces to the roster.

“First and foremost, having Mike Kelly in is fantastic. I have a lot of respect for Mike,” said Creek.

“I know coming into this we’re going to have a good relationship on court and off the court.

“I’m trying to learn about his family, and him as well as a person. Basketball is the easy stuff, it’s the connections you have off the court that makes teams successful.

“We stay in touch about where he’s at, where I’m at, players he’s interested in. He’s done a great job at coming in and making everyone feel welcome,” he added.

(Creek has been keeping intouch with Kelly while over in Puerto Rico.)

Respect for Assistant Coach Sam Mackinnon:

Creek has followed Sam Mackinnon’s career from afar for a long time, especially during his playing days, and he can’t wait to get to know him in the upcoming season.

Creek expresses his admiration for Mackinnon's toughness and playmaking ability as a player and notes his potential to guide Creek's own growth as a player.

“I have so much respect for how he played the game. So much toughness, so much raw power and his ability to create and make others around him better,” said Creek.

“He’s someone I know I’m going to be able to draw on as well and I know we’re going to have a great relationship.”

(Creek is excited to learn from Mackinnon in NBL24.)

Elevating the Defensive Mindset:

Under the leadership of Coach Kelly, the Phoenix have made a conscious effort to prioritise defence during the off-season.

The recruitment of Ben Ayre, Rhys Vague, Matt Kenyon, and Gorjok Gak reflects this strategy.

Creek takes the opportunity to share his thoughts on each player, highlighting their unique qualities and how they contribute to the team's defensive mindset.

Ben Ayre

“I think Ben Ayre is cut from a different cloth. He’s been doubted before. You’ve just got to look at him in the last 12 months. You’ve got to look at his progression and where he comes from.

“He is someone who has hurt us, I just remember him knocking down some big shots.

“Now in the NBL1 season, he is having a stellar season, putting up incredible numbers, and having team success as well, which is obviously the most important thing."

Rhys Vague

“Rhys is someone that is exciting for a lot of reasons. He has developed his game and taken that international route to really open and broaden his horizons, which I think will serve well for us.

“Having someone that can start games, maybe come off the bench once or twice, maybe he plays in the two, three, four, five roles, who knows, we might go and do a switching role.

“I think he just adds size, length, strength, shooting, and play-making ability. He is a great guy; he has great relationships around the league and that’s what we need. I’m excited to have him in."

Matt Kenyon

“With Matt Kenyon, I think anyone who speaks his name knows how he plays the game. He’s an on-court leader and an off-court gentleman; he does it the right way and works so hard.

“He’s meticulous about how he wants the defence to be run, he wants to be the leader at that end, and I want to be there with him.

“I think he and I will be the captains of that defensive unit and we’ll hold each other accountable. I know that he’s going to have that competitive fire that I’m going to have.

“It’s going to be so great for this team and I think his an extremely exciting piece for us."

(Kenyon is currently playing for NBL1 North team USC Rip City during the off-season.)

Gorjok Gak

“Gorjok, I think he is just a talent. He’s got size, he can shoot the ball, he rebounds, he can run, and he can handle it.

“He is going to be someone at that five position, backing up 'Sauce'. I think when he comes in, he will give us great minutes and give us length defensively to play in different coverages.

“He has the athleticism and the IQ to make plays on both ends of the floor. I think he is only going to get better and better, as well playing with someone of Sauce’s calibre and having someone like Anzac (Rissetto) there every day, who is getting better as well."

(Gak is playing for the Wellitton Tigers in NBL1 West for the off-season.)

Excitement for Owen Foxwell:

Creek praises Foxwell's resilience, work ethic, and growth in making the recent jump from development player to the full roster in NBL24. He believes that Foxwell's continued development within the Phoenix environment will lead to even greater success in the coming years.

“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, continue to flourish in this environment.

“I think 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 excited to see the growth of Foxwell as he elevates from DP to main roster for NBL24.)

Anticipation for the Season:

Creek's eagerness to return to Melbourne and contribute to the team's success is palpable, setting the stage for an exciting NBL24.

The synergy between Creek and the coaching staff, the strategic additions to the roster, and the growth of existing players will all contribute to a promising season ahead.

Creek's passion for the team and his anticipation to return for NBL24 shines through, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the start of the upcoming season.

“This is going to be a very exciting season. I think this year with who we’ve got, the coaching staff, the (roster) changes, it’s going to be a phenomenal year to be a member, and be a fan of basketball,” said Creek.

“We’re excited for everyone to get on board, we hope to see you all there, we’re going to bring all the fans along with us and have a hell of a ride this season.”

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Phoenix Media (26/05/23)