'The Pretzel' Bringing His Own Flavour to NBL21

San Diego State product Yanni Wetzell’s promising career hits an important early milestone on Sunday, making his professional debut with South East Melbourne Phoenix against the 36ers in Adelaide.

The 24-year-old New Zealander, who grew up a tennis prodigy before making a late switch to hoops and lighting up the American college scene, will play a vital role to begin the Phoenix’s second NBL season as a primary big man in the absence of last season’s starting centre, Dane Pineau.

Wetzell signed with the Phoenix hoping for a significant role in the team from day one and has since earned that opportunity, starting with a tantalising matchup with Adelaide big men Daniel Johnson and Isaac Humphries in round one of the NBL21 season.

A 20-point pre-season performance as starting centre against the Bullets put Wetzell firmly on the map last month and his form behind closed doors has also impressed the club.

(Wetzell put on a show against Brisbane on the Gold Coast in December)

For the happy-going Kiwi, the rising expectations are all part of the fun.

“I’m just being a sponge at the moment, trying to absorb all that talk from guys like Gibbo (Adam Gibson) and Creeky (Mitch Creek) and Cam Gliddon, guys that have been playing for years and years, just little things they see on the court,” he said.

“I was hoping coming in that I was going to get quite a big opportunity. It obviously sucks that Dane’s out and I think Ben Moore will play more at the five because of Dane’s absence.

“I’m loving being on the floor for a lot of time, it’s great for my growth and my experience as a young basketball player and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying it. I think I’ve stepped up and playing pretty well.

“In terms of just being a first-year pro with a pretty good opportunity in front of me, I’m just excited. I really want to get to the playoffs and see how we go from there.”

Wetzell’s been enjoying the team’s temporary relocation in Hobart, a place that reminds him of New Zealand and one that lets him unwind in his leisure time.

When he’s not dunking on opponents or flying for rebounds, you’ll find the rising star in the surf or on the golf course with his new mates.

Assistant coach Judd Flavell oversaw Wetzell’s development in the New Zealand Breakers academy when he was a teenager and holds high hopes for his immediate prospects.

“What he’s been able to do and show in these early stages is that we’ve got a great signing with him,” Flavell said.

“He’s young, he’s keen, he’s hungry, he’s learning all the time. He’s a smart kid and just totally fits with what we’re trying to build here.

“Because it’s his first year, you’re never quite sure how they’re going to go but he’s come on in this short amount of time and I think he’s going to continue that and have a great season for us.”

With stars in Mitch Creek, Keifer Sykes, Ben Moore and others sharing the court with the big man, Wetzell knows his role will be different from the offensive centrepiece he was in college.

It’s a wait-and-see whether the man dubbed ‘the Pretzel’ will start for the Phoenix on opening night, but either way he’s sure to play a big role in the team’s hopes of a maiden finals appearance in their second NBL season.

(Wetzell has quickly bonded with his new teammates, especially the like-minded Kyle Adnam)

“With all the attention being on them (star teammates) I think I might get a few little touches and make the most out of those plus just being a dog on offensive rebounds,” he said. “I’ve made my way of being a scrapper, finding points here and there and doing a bit of the dirty work.

“I also want to be a big presence on the defensive end and try to be a rim protector for us. I think I move my feet pretty well for a big guy so I’m using that to the best of my ability and helping the team out that way.

“I think Tai Wesley was the main guy last year who was getting those post touches so it’s good that I can bring that here into this team when we need a different look so we can play through the post a little bit.”

The Phoenix play the 36ers in Adelaide twice before heading to Perth to face the Wildcats in an intriguing opening fortnight of NBL21 action.

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Sam Bunn for Phoenix Media (14/01/2021)