Securing Imports a 'Waiting Game'

Filling import spots with high level talent can be the difference between pretending and contending in the NBL.

In the 2020/21 season, with rosters reduced to 10 players and imports restricted to two, decisions on the recruitment of international stars has become even more important.

South East Melbourne Phoenix is yet to confirm either import spot for NBL21 but has filled seven of the eight local positions.

The second-year franchise is looking to land an overseas playmaking guard and a forward/big in the coming months.

(Tai Wesley's recent retirement means the Phoenix will be on the lookout for a replacement big)

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer says holding off on signing imports until closer to the season could prove highly beneficial due to the uncertainty surrounding overseas leagues.

“EuroLeague and a lot of those massive leagues across the world are struggling to set season start dates and that sort of thing at the moment as well, and given how safe Australia is far and wide, we’ve got a pretty good selling point,” Greer said.

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“If you can hold off and play that game of cat and mouse for a little bit longer there might be some really highly talented guys looking for safe locations to play.

“It’s just that waiting game. Waiting to see what EuroLeague and some of those massive clubs around the world end up doing with their seasons.

“We already know that a lot of those clubs over there have seen their budgets halved and all sorts of stuff like that, so there’s a lot of really big names kicking around at the moment starting to look towards the NBL.

“I think it could ultimately be a real win for the league.”

NBL clubs have taken different approaches to roster building thus far in the off-season, with some electing to complete their decks swiftly and others, like the Phoenix, taking a more patient approach.

Greer also provided an update on the club’s search for a ‘Next Star’ player, saying they’ve been in close talks with multiple athletes and are hoping to make an exciting announcement in the near future.

READ: PHOENIX EYE NEXT STAR

Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (07/09/2020)