Phoenix Add Matthew Hurt as Final Import for NBL25

Hurt, who most recently played for the Memphis Grizzlies and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, averaged more than 20 points, seven rebounds and shot over 50 per cent from the field.

Standing at 6’9 (206cm), Hurt can fill both the four and five spot and is a threat on both the interior and exterior with a remarkable 3-point shooting percentage for a big.

The 24-year-old was also an attendee of the world-renowned Duke Basketball program under three-time Olympic Gold-winning head coach Mike Krzyzewski and earned First-Team All-ACC honours in 2021.

Hurt also recently took part in the USA’s Men’s AmeriCup Qualifiers, and represented his country on the national stage at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in 2018, winning a Gold Medal.

Phoenix General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell believes Hurt brings a unique blend of skills to both the Power Forward and Centre spots that fills needs they have at both positions. 

“Matt is an elite shooter that commands defenders respect on the perimeter. A stretch big who can space the floor and create opportunities for our guards to go to work,” Mitchell said. 

“Matt is not only a deadly shooter beyond the arc, but he can work the paint with his touch and scoring nous, makes good reads out of pick and rolls and brings more length to the frontline.”

Hurt joins fellow Americans Derrick Walton Jr and Joe Wieskamp as the three confirmed imports for the Phoenix.

After acquiring Hurt, the Phoenix have just one local spot remaining on the roster, and may choose to fill the two remaining development player vacancies on the roster, although not a requirement.