Phoenix set to take on NBA's Pelicans in October

Alongside Melbourne United, the Phoenix will play host to the NBA side earmarking the first time a franchise from the world’s most watched basketball league heads down under for a game.

The announcement was made on Tuesday with senior executives of the Pelicans flanked by NBL bosses and members of state government.

A searing-hot Melbourne morning drew a big crowd, as Minister for Sport and Tourism The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos revealed what he described as “Melbourne’s worst kept secret”.

Phoenix interim CEO Anoop Singh was ecstatic that South East Melbourne would have the chance to show their wares to the world.

“To be put on a global stage is huge, against an NBA giant, it’s a great opportunity for players and fans alike,” Singh told Phoenix Media.

“Community focus is something that we pride ourselves on as a club, so the opportunity to inspire youth through basketball in huge for us, and this provides us another chance to do just that.”

Phoenix co-captain Jordan Hunter echoed the sentiment, with the 7-footer set to take on the Pelicans’ biggest offensive threat in Zion Williamson.

“It’s such a great initiative that the NBL and the city of Melbourne have put together,” Hunter said.

“[Zion coming to Melbourne] will be great, he’ll try and dunk and I’ll try and get the wall up and definitely not take a charge, but having him here will be incredible.”

Fans can pre-register for tickets at nba.nbl.com.au