Phoenix Striving to 'Bring it Home' to the Heartland in the NBL Finals

When the NBL awarded the ninth team licence to new owner Romie Chaudhari, the first step for him and CEO Tommy Greer was finding the team a home.

“When we looked around Australia for a location there was really only one choice, and that was South East Melbourne,” Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

Making the finals in just their second season is a landmark achievement for the franchise who are proud to be representing the people of South East Melbourne on the big stage.

It’s also a proud moment for everyone involved from the club’s inception on the court, behind the scenes and in the stands.

The teams NBL21 Finals campaign, ‘Bring It Home', is focused solely on retuning the NBL championship to its rightful home.

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer is urging the South East Melbourne basketball community to get behind their team as they strive to bring the title back home to where it belongs. 

“There is no question the South East of Melbourne is the home of basketball is this country and anyone who thinks different is kidding themselves,” Greer said.

“The five largest basketball associations in the country reside in a 15 km radius; two WNBL teams; Basketball Australia; Basketball Victoria; and of course the South East Melbourne Phoenix are all based in the South East.

“Over 25% of the country’s basketball participation resides in this region and that’s why the South East is the home, the Heartland, of Australian basketball.

“It’s time to bring the trophy home.”

Last night’s result in Brisbane secured the Phoenix’s place in fourth position on the ladder, officially qualifying them for the finals and igniting the dream of bringing the NBL title home to the Heartland of Australian basketball.

They’ll play Melbourne United on Friday night in Sydney in game one of the best-of-three Semi-Final series. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, all three games are scheduled to be played at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney with no crowd.

The Phoenix join Melbourne United, Perth Wildcats and the Illawarra Hawks as the teams in the 2021 NBL Finals. 

Should they topple United in the Semi-Finals, the Phoenix will face either Perth or Illawarra in a best-of-five Grand Final series.

Co-captain Kyle Adnam said: “To all our fans back in Victoria and to all our family and friends, it’s going to be amazing to hopefully bring that trophy home to you guys. Your support throughout has been incredible.”

Mitch Creek, who’s played alongside Adnam since the club’s first game in October 2019, says the team is desperate to bring the title home.

“We’re going to be clawing our way for every inch, every possession, no matter what, to try bring this championship back home for the Heartland – they deserve it,” Creek said.

“We’ve had a hell of a year in Victoria. Everyone that’s been affected by what’s been going on in the last 12 months, this is for them, this is for the Heartland and the Phoenix faithful.”

Phoenix Media (09/06/2021)