Phoenix Eyeing Next Star

South East Melbourne Phoenix is looking to acquire a ‘Next Star’ player for the 2020/21 NBL season.

Under current NBL rules, teams can sign 10 regularly contracted players (including two imports), multiple development players and a Next Star if they wish.

Last season saw three American Next Stars in Lamelo Ball, RJ Hampton and Terry Armstrong, and one Brazilian in Didi Louzada.

(Teen sensation Lamelo Ball wowed NBL fans last season)

The Phoenix have been scouring the globe in search of a ready-made young talent to immediately boost their shortened roster in NBL21, reviewing prospects in America, Europe and here in Australia.

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer says the club is a strong chance to secure a Next Star player before the commencement of the season in December.

“A Next Star player is another one on the list for the performance team and they’ve been doing a lot of work down that path, looking into those guys,” Greer said.

“There’s been a lot of names come across. We’ve looked at some kids out of Europe, so it’s not just the U.S where we’re trying to find those kids. Also right on our own doorstep; a couple of Aussies have signed onto those Next Star positions as well.

“What we’re really looking for this year with the shortened roster is an impact player, someone who can come in and contribute in an NBL game straight away.

“Our search is still continuing and I’d say it’s likely we’ll end up with a Next Star on the roster at some stage. As to when we manage to get that done, it’s pretty hard to lock in a date for anything like that.”

(Early-season injuries held Next Star Terry Armstrong back in NBL20)

Landing development players who are ready to fill a role if injuries arise is another important aspect of roster building in this unique season.

With the NCAA (American College) season in jeopardy due to COVID-19 impacts, there’s a possibility for a range of previously unattainable talents to become available to NBL clubs in development spots.

“We’ll definitely have a couple of them running around with the squad throughout the next season. With the shortened rosters, we need to do that in order to protect the team against injuries and maintain a good training environment,” Greer said.

“With the NCAA in the position it’s in at the moment, I’m sure there’s going to be a whole lot more talent enter that market. If they pull the plug on that season, then there’ll be a whole lot more talent for us to start reviewing.”

The Phoenix’s current roster includes Mitch Creek, Cam Gliddon, Dane Pineau, Kyle Adnam, Adam Gibson, Kendall Stephens and Reuben Te Rangi.

The club has one local spot and two import spots to fill, as well as development players and a likely Next Star.

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Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (19/08/2020)