Phoenix Roster Focus Shifts to Backcourt

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s roster is building towards the NBL24 season with three recent local signings following the announcement of a new head coach under the Phoenix banner.

Since the appointment of Mike Kelly, Phoenix has added centre Gorjok Gak from the Brisbane Bullets, shooting guard Matt Kenyon from Tasmania JackJumpers, and four-time NBL Championship forward Rhys Vague who has spent the last three years in Japan playing with the Kagawa Five Arrows.

Phoenix has four roster spots remaining, including two import places, not including development players.

Kelly is excited about the latest crop of signings, who all add their distinct abilities to the roster. His focus now turns toward filling the last two local spots before prioritising import places.

“I’m really happy that we’ve been able to add such high-quality, talented people to the roster. Matt Kenyon, Rhys Vague, and Gorjok Gak give us toughness, skill, and athleticism,” Kelly commented.

“We are now focused on filling out the last local positions. When we have done that, we will have a good idea of what we will need from imports to complement and strengthen the group.” 

(Kenyon joins the Phoenix from the JackJumpers. He is currently playing for USC Rip City in NBL1 North in the off-season.)

Next on Kelly’s list is filling out the guard positions to support the strong frontcourt contingent already assembled. He is looking for players that will add to the current line-up, with a strong focus on being able to score the ball, defend, and feed the bigs in the paint.

“While the ability to defend is key, there is no doubt we will also be looking for some great guard play. With the quality of guards across the NBL, we will need players that can facilitate and score to round out the group we have,” he said.

With the promotion of local guard Owen Foxwell to the main roster, and the return of fan favourite Anzac Rissetto as a development player, Kelly is excited to add up-and-coming basketball talent to the squad.

“We also have our eye on some talented young players that will have an opportunity to come in and make their mark as development players.

"As the roster is becoming a tough connected unit, every position is important,” Kelly said.

(Gak joins the Phoenix from the Brisbane Bullets and will be used as a back-up for Alan Williams.)

Here’s how the roster is shaping up for the Phoenix thus far.

Depth Chart:
PG:        / Foxwell
SG:       / Kenyon
SF:       / Te Rangi
PF: Creek / Vague 
C: Williams / Gak / Rissetto

Returning Players: Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Anzac Rissetto (DP), Reuben Te Rangi, Alan Williams (import)

New Players: Gorjok Gak (Brisbane Bullets), Matt Kenyon (Tasmania JackJumpers), Rhys Vague (Kagawa Five Arrows) 

Stay tuned across Phoenix socials and website for when new signings come through during the Free Agency period.

CLICK HERE to register your interest for NBL24 memberships.

Phoenix Media (28/04/23)