Rhys Vague Joins Phoenix for Two Years

South East Melbourne Phoenix is thrilled to announce the signing of local forward Rhys Vague for two years.

The 27-year-old returns to the NBL after spending the last three years in Japan playing in the B.League for the Kagawa Five Arrows. 

Vague connected his recent experience playing in the Heartland with the Boomers, to the decision to re-join the league and play for Phoenix.

“The decision to join the Phoenix, a big part of that was Mike (Kelly) being the head coach. I have a really good relationship with Mike through the Boomers series and World Uni games. Also just being back in Melbourne a couple of months ago and that sort of atmosphere for basketball and that was just really cool,” said Vague.

“It was one of those things you don’t know what you got until it’s gone and feeling that again was quite surreal. My agency saw what was there in the NBL and then it aligned with the Phoenix. I am just stoked to be onboard,” he added.

(Vague returns to the NBL after three years in Japan.)

Vague spent six seasons with the Perth Wildcats from 2014-2020. He brings a wealth of NBL experience from a strong program, after being a part of four championships in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020 during his tenure at the club.

“I spent six years with Perth, the biggest things I learnt because I started so young at 18, just how to be professional from an early age. I was playing around guys like Shawn Redhage, Greg Hire, Damian Martin, Bryce Cotton, Jesse Wagstaff, those sorts of guys. They taught me how to go about business in the right way. I felt like I have carried that through the rest of my career and hopefully imparted that with some of the young guys I have played with,” Vague said.

“Being part of four championships there helped me realise what it takes to grow a winning culture and be a part of that, even though I wasn’t at the forefront of that, but being around that and absorbing that was huge for me. What I have seen from the Phoenix though the culture’s there, people are getting around the fan base, the guys, I don’t really want to mess with it, more than anything I just want to slot myself in there and help out in any way I can.”

The 206cm forward has represented Australia nationally multiple times during his basketball career. He was a part of the Australian Boomers squad, coached by Mike Kelly, in the FIBA Asia Cup Championship victory that saw the Boomers go on an undefeated run of 6-0 last year. 

“Rhys brings a lot of qualities that we are looking for. He’s 6 foot 9 and super long, shoots the ball very well, really good person, will get along with his teammates well, but also has this kind of quiet determination or quiet toughness about him, and he’s not afraid to get physical,” Kelly commented.

“I think he is going to be great in that four spot, backing up Mitch (Creek) and occasionally being able to play a little bit of that five,” he added.

“He's a great teammate, and great team player. I’m super excited to be around him, he just has a great energy about him and loves to play the game and loves his teammates. Definitely want that vibe here.”

(Vague will join the Phoenix for two years. He was previously at the Wildcats from 2014-20.)

Vague is a versatile player who can play both ends of the floor stopping guys defensively, he is able to play deep, as well as shoot the three ball. These are qualities both Kelly and Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer are excited to have on the roster.

“We are really excited to have Rhys joining the roster. He provides additional length defensively and a significant perimeter threat in the front court, helping to stretch the floor,” said Greer.

Vague joins rostered players Alan Williams, Gorjok Gak, Matt Kenyon, Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Reuben Te Rangi, and development player Anzac Rissetto for the Phoenix in NBL24.

Stay tuned via the Phoenix website and socials for updates on player signings throughout the Free Agency period.

Phoenix Media (24/04/23)