Phoenix Sign Kiwi Big as Pineau Replacement

South East Melbourne Phoenix have signed New Zealand big Mike Karena as an injury replacement for centre Dane Pineau.

The 27-year-old has already joined the team for the start of the NBL21 season and will provide strong support for primary big men Ben Moore and Yanni Wetzell.

Karena played American college hoops at Wright State and South Plains, and has since played professionally in New Zealand and Spain.

The 208cm Kiwi averaged just under 18 points and six rebounds for the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand NBL last season.

(Karena has been a force in the NZNBL for years. Photo: NZ Tall Blacks)

Having previously played with Cam Gliddon, Adam Gibson and Reuben Te Rangi across the ditch, Karena says joining the team this late in the pre-season was made simple.

“It was probably one of the easiest transitions into a team when the season’s about to start that anyone could go through,” Karena said.

“I just want to come in here and do what I can for the team – use my size if they want me to go screen someone, run down the court, bang bodies, just be the role player they need me to be.”

Karena becomes the fourth New Zealander on the Phoenix roster, joining Reuben Te Rangi, Yanni Wetzell and Izayah Le’afa. Assistant coach Judd Flavell is also a proud New Zealander.

Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell says Karena add valuable size and strength to the frontcourt.

“Mike is a big body with a great work ethic and willingness to run the floor. He will certainly add to our depth of big’s and gives us size to go one out versus the bigger centres in the NBL,” Mitchell said.

“After three sessions with the team, it feels like he's been with us all preseason.”

Pineau’s condition will be reassessed prior to the Melbourne Hub NBL Cup in late February.

The Phoenix tip off their season on Sunday in Adelaide against the 36ers.

Phoenix Media (15/01/2021)