Phoenix guard once feared he’d never play. Now 200

Angus Glover once wondered whether he’d ever play a single NBL game. On Sunday, he will play his 200th.

The South East Melbourne guard will bring up the milestone back on the court where he won two championships with the Kings, adding another layer to the occasion.

It’s a remarkable achievement for the former Illawarra and Sydney guard, who has battled three ACL injuries, as well as rib and shoulder complaints, across his nine seasons in the Hungry Jack’s NBL.

“To play one [game] is pretty special, and that’s what you dream about as a kid,” Glover said.

“From the beginnings I’ve had, reaching 200 is a pretty cool milestone.

“People have reminded me this week, I actually did my first knee before I played my first game.

“So I might not have ever got to a game because of all the rehab and stuff.

“It’s kind of weird, because I don’t want to be defined by my history that everyone knows about.

“It means a lot to me to play 200, and hopefully [there are] a lot more to go.”

The occasion aside, it’s a crucial game for the 4-6 Phoenix against the second-placed Kings, and they’ll need the Australian Boomer to continue his strong form.

Glover has scored in double figures in nine of the club’s 10 games this season.

“My role is kind of always the same, whether it’s starting or off the bench,” he added.

“Come in, be aggressive, bring energy, shoot the shot, just be a spark wherever I need to be.

“Honestly, I feel like I’ve taken my game to another level, and I still have more levels to go.

“I’m just really enjoying the process of the day-to-day things right now.

“Being consistent is a key takeaway I’ve tried to add to my game this year.

“I’ve had spurts, but I’m trying to be more consistent, and I feel like I’ve done that this year.”

Sunday’s Round 8 clash tips off at 3pm AEDT, live on ESPN.