Phoenix Close to Locking in Final Roster Spots

For the first time since the inaugural season, South East Melbourne Phoenix will feature three imports.

A potential starting line up of Gary Browne, Trey Kell, Ryan Broekhoff, Mitch Creek and Alan Williams has opposition teams looking over their shoulder and CEO Tommy Greer excited for NBL23.

"Last season didn’t finish the way we designed it to with some key injuries, especially to Ryan Broekhoff, we've got that front of mind and have filled the roster with some incredible talent that we believe can compete for a title," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said on SEN radio Friday afternoon.

After signing Gary Browne early in free agency, then adding Trey Kell during Summer League the last import piece for the Phoenix was a big. 

(Trey Kell joins the Phoenix for NBL23 as a shooting guard.)

After scouring the world they turned to a more obvious location, Phoenix, and found Alan ‘Big Sauce’ Williams.

"Alan has played all around the world, and in the NBA, and is a big ticket item, so we're very excited to have him on board.” 

Williams is an elite rebounder and one that after his signing was announced Friday, had  many NBL pundits predicting he would lead the league in that category.

"Offensively, his touch and basketball IQ have always stood out. Alan possesses a teardrop that extends out to the free throw line. He makes great basketball decisions out of the short rolls, whether finishing or finding a teammate. And he seals so well around the rim, especially after a deep roll on the rim. I think he will have a very successful season in our system," head coach Simon Mitchell said.

(Alan 'Big Sauce' Williams is going to bring the passion to Phoenix.)

The Phoenix expect to have their entire roster finalised and in town preparing for the coming season in the next few weeks.

"We have two local positions to go, which will be a back up for Mitch Creek and another back up big, we’re not far from complete, and pretty soon we'll have everyone in town," Greer said.

Williams joins Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Gary Browne, Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Trey Kell, Junior Madut, Dane Pineau, and Reuben Te Rangi.

Phoenix fans can get a chance to meet Williams and get a signed jersey by entering HERE.

Be a Phoenix member today to see Williams and the Phoenix team live when the NBL23 season begins on October 1. CLICK HERE to sign up.

Phoenix Media (9/8/22)