Phoenix "Family" Driving Adnam

South East Melbourne Phoenix fan favourite Kyle Adnam has lauded the club’s direction as his personal rise continues in the NBL.

Adnam has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season and gained roughly six kilograms of size in the gym to enhance his ability to compete with bigger bodies in the league.

In an entertaining interview on teammate Adam Gibson’s podcast, Gibbo Goes One on One, Adnam noted the community vibe that makes hooping in the Heartland such a joy.

“There’s not many places you go where your CEO and maybe a volunteer are almost in the same meeting,” Adnam said. “From top to bottom you’ve got everyone on the same page about the direction you want to head with the club.”

(Kyle gives as much time to the Phoenix fanbase as possible)

“I think it’s really special and there’s a real community feel with all the (phone) calls we’re making to members and things like that. The members feel like they’re a part of our group and that’s the way that the club wants it to be. 

“It’s just got an amazing feel to it. It’s definitely a big family and it does sure feel like that. It’s a place you really want to turn up to go to work.”

South East Melbourne is home to several of the biggest and most successful basketball associations in the entire country, including Adnam’s beloved Kilsyth.

READ>>> LITTLE KID, BIG DREAMS: KYLE’S WILD RISE

The Phoenix’s Victorian contingent of Mitch Creek, Dane Pineau, Kendall Stephens (born in Geelong before moving to USA) and Adnam are all lucky enough to be playing close to home most weeks.

But for the boy who grew up in Lilydale before starting his NBL journey, Wild Kyle regularly gets the opportunity to reconnect with those who shaped him while representing the Phoenix.

He told Gibson returning to the Heartland has been a dream come true.

“In the back of my mind I always had the thought that I’d love to play in front of friends and family in my hometown, the place where I’d grown up playing basketball since I was five years old,” Adnam said.

“It’s probably a bit of a luxury in sport, not many athletes get to play in front of their friends and family every single night.

“It’s been amazing and I can’t wait to build it (the club) in an area I’m so passionate about.”

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Phoenix Media (01/10/2020)