The Phoenix’s own 'Eiffel Tower' wants the mantle

The Frenchman said his game has grown more well-rounded over the years rather than being built around one standout skill.

"I'm not a skill point player — like a shooter will be there for a shooter, a knock-down shooter or a spot-up shooter, whatever," Morin said. "I'm able to do a little bit of everything good, but not great. I use my vision of the game to get big opportunities on the court."

He expects his experience to be central to the role coaches have mapped out for him.

"I think the coach wants me mainly in the paint. I need to set up and secure the paint, in defence and offensively too. I need to be like the tower of the team — my teammates can count on me for good screens, and to put my intensity and energy on the court."

On the physical side of the game, Morin was clear he can bring aggression when needed, but leans more on basketball IQ than brute force.

"I can be an aggressive player on the court, but I used to play smart — getting on the weak point where the players don't want to be," he said. "I play against big seven-foot guys, and I know my mid-range game is going to bother them a little bit — maybe pick and pop, attacking his hips. I try to find the opponent's teammates open, use what he doesn't want to give me, and use it against him."

Morin also touched on new coach Josh King, whom he expects to push him during pre-season and beyond.

"He's a good coach, getting better year after year — someone who can push me to my limit, and that's really good," Morin said. "I don't know him really well yet, but I'm looking forward to knowing all my teammates and coaches."

Morin arrived in Melbourne early Tuesday morning, and says he's ready to get to work securing the paint for the Phoenix this season.

The Phoenix continue their preseason games at State Basketball Centre in a preseason Throwdown against cross-town rivals Melbourne United on Saturday, August 22 at 7pm. CLICK HERE to secure your seat before it sells out.