Phoenix Sign Kiwi Big

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s big man stocks have received an immediate boost with the signing of New Zealander Tohi Smith-Milner.

Smith-Milner joins the club on a one-year deal with a club option on the second year.

The 25-year-old played for cross-town rivals Melbourne United from 2015 to 2020, including their 2018 NBL championship. He spent the past season at the Wellington Saints in the NZNBL, averaging 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists in their championship-winning team.

He also has history in the South East Melbourne region, representing Kilsyth and Frankston in off-seasons during his playing days at Melbourne.

“I was grateful we got to win that championship which motivated me to try win another NBL championship with this new club that’s been in the league for a few years now and I’m really looking forward to it,” Smith-Milner said.

“I got to spend a lot of time out in Kilsyth and saw how passionate the fans are out there which really drew me in, as well as playing with some very high-level players in Mitch Creek, Ryan Broekhoff and Cam Gliddon.”

Phoenix coaches Simon Mitchell and Judd Flavell coached Smith-Milner at Melbourne United and the New Zealand Breakers academy respectively in previous years and were keen to get the big man in Phoenix colours for NBL22.

He’s also played alongside Kyle Adnam, Reuben Te Rangi and Izayah Le’afa at various stages, making it an exciting transition to his new home.

“I’m really looking forward to re-uniting with those guys and trying to help win a championship with South East Melbourne.”

Standing at 6'10, Smith-Milner can stretch the floor with impressive perimeter shooting for his size and provide a big body to throw at opposing frontcourt weapons.

(Smith-Milner guarding Mitch Creek in NBL20)

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said: “Tohi is a guy we targeted to fill a specific need in our frontcourt rotation and we’re really happy to see him joining the team for NBL22.

“Simon Mitchell and Judd Flavell speak highly of his versatile skillset offensively and his size and strength will be important down the stretch of the season.”

Smith-Milner is currently training in New Zealand and hopes to join the team’s pre-season preparation in the next month.

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

NBL22 MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW

Phoenix Media (13/08/2021)