Phoenix Buoyed by Duo's Return

We’re nearly halfway through South East Melbourne’s second season in the NBL and things are looking bright.

After finishing their inaugural season eighth on the ladder, the Phoenix currently sit third with a 10-7 record amidst a franchise-best four-game winning streak despite a rollercoaster year of player availability.

Saturday’s thrilling come-from-behind win in overtime over Adelaide saw the return of Adam Gibson and Dane Pineau, two players who have represented the Heartland since the club’s inception.

You wouldn’t have known it was Gibson’s first game in over a month as the co-captain scored eight points in limited minutes and turned the momentum of the contest late in the third quarter with two huge triples.

“He was amazing,” teammate Kyle Adnam said post-game. “That’s Gibbo, he’s done that time and time again.

“He’s obviously been unfortunate with some injuries but anytime he’s in the game he makes an impact. Behind the scenes at training he’s incredible as well.

“We expect that (performance) from him in a way, he comes in and makes big shots. He’s a vocal leader which we really need out there.”

Pineau’s return was the first time the big man had seen the hardwood in over a year.

The 26-year-old went through a serious back injury in the off-season which didn’t just keep him from playing basketball but had him struggling to complete day-to-day tasks.

(Pineau was nominated for the NBL's Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards last season)

It’s why the sight of Dane checking into the game in the first term was a huge energy booster for the tight-knit team.

“It’s massive,” Adnam said.

“We’re super excited to have those two guys back. Dane and Gibbo have been amazing for our club over the last two years and we’re super excited as a group. I think that really helped us with energy.”

Phoenix Coach Simon Mitchell added: “We’ll get Dane up to par hopefully pretty soon. He’ll help out on the boards, our defence and just those loose ball plays – Dane brings a lot of that.”

Another positive takeaway from the weekend was the dominance of frontcourt duo Yanni Wetzell and Ben Moore.

Wetzell (22 points on 10-16 shooting) set the tone early with an array of post moves to get the scoreboard ticking over while Moore (23 points (8-9 shooting), 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks) showed off his all-round talent and playmaking ability down the stretch.

“They had a week to work together – usually they’re going up against each other at practice, but they had a chance to work together,” Coach Mitchell said.

(Moore's not afraid to get his hands dirty)

“They had a nice little synergy going there which is great and they’ll get another chance to work together this week.

“I thought they were both outstanding. Yanni in the first half, his post-up game was fantastic, he was quite dominant. Ben’s all-round game and some of his playmaking ability was fantastic throughout the duration but particularly in the second half, I thought he made some great decisions.

“I’m tremendously proud of both of them.”

The Phoenix’s next game is Throwdown VII against Melbourne United on Saturday night at John Cain Arena.

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Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (22/03/2021)