Phoenix Sign American Combo Guard

Xavier Munford will step into the shoes of NBA-bound Keifer Sykes in NBL22, signing on as South East Melbourne Phoenix’s import point guard.

The 29-year-old American joins the club on a one-year deal.

Munford brings worldwide experience, including NBA stints at Memphis and Milwaukee. He most recently played for Turkish club Bursaspor.

(Munford played alongside now-NBL rival Matthew Dellavedova at Milwaukee in 2017/18)

He has also played six seasons in the NBA G-League, averaging a career-high 24 points in 2017/18.

“I’m very excited. I talked to a lot of my friends who play in the NBL and they told me all great things,” Munford said.

“I talked to Scott Machado, Cam Oliver, Jarrell Martin and Mitch Creek – these guys all gave me great feedback about the country, the city and the basketball.

“I was looking at opportunities that fit my game and my style of play and thought coming to the NBL would be a perfect place to showcase that with the style of play and pace of the game really suiting my type of play.”

Munford’s 6’3 frame is a distinct advantage for a guard at NBL level and a trait exciting Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell.

“We were looking for a combo guard who can swing between the point and shooting guard positions, performing both roles at a high level to complement our returning backcourt players in Adnam, Gliddon and Le’afa,” Mitchell said.

“Xavier can score in bunches at the rim, from midrange or from deep, is an excellent pick-and-roll player and an accomplished passer. He has played NBA and high-level Europe and defended well against some of the world’s best.

“I feel like his game style is tailor-made for the NBL and can see him doing great things for the Phoenix.”

The Phoenix have nailed their import guards in both of their first two seasons.

John Roberson broke the NBL 40-minute era record for three-pointers made in year one and Keifer Sykes played a starring role in the club’s first finals appearance last season.

(Munford earned the opportunity to represent Team USA at World at the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers)

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer says Phoenix fans are in for a treat with the signing of their new combo guard.

“We’re super excited to have another really high-level talent in Xavier joining us for NBL22,” he said.

“Xavier is a guy who can contribute in so many ways on both ends of the floor because of his length and athleticism. He plays an entertaining brand of basketball, and his size and length will provide our coaches with lots of flexibility in the backcourt.”

In other roster news, the Phoenix have parted ways with centre Zach Hankins.

Hankins sustained a knee injury during his recent stint at the NBA Summer League that will rule him out of the upcoming NBL season.

The Phoenix will announce a replacement soon.

"We were looking forward to adding Zach to the Phoenix this season and are disappointed for him. At the same time, we're excited about his replacement, which we'll announce to the Phoenix faithful soon,” Greer said.

The Phoenix’s NBL22 roster now includes Xavier Munford, Cam Gliddon, Ryan Broekhoff, Mitch Creek, Kyle Adnam, Izayah Le’afa, Dane Pineau, Reuben Te Rangi and Tohi Smith-Milner.

PHOENIX NBL22 MEMBERSHIPS

Phoenix Media (01/09/2021)