Three-Headed Captaincy Key to Season Two Push

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer has explained the decision behind the three-headed captaincy group leading the club into their second season in the NBL.

Kyle Adnam’s recent elevation to co-captain alongside returning skippers Mitch Creek and Adam Gibson was met with sheer joy from the Phoenix faithful after the local guard endeared himself to the Heartland community in their inaugural season.

The unique setup will see the three captains assigned slightly different responsibilities as the team looks to make their finals debut in NBL21.

15-year NBL veteran and two-time champion Adam Gibson brings a wealth of experience from a range of clubs to the group and will lead the way internally, while Creek and Adnam hold extra responsibility on the court and externally.

“We’re a little bit blessed with our squad this year in the fact that we have so much experience and so many positive leaders amongst the group with Mitch Creek, Adam Gibson, and of course Kyle Adnam stepping up,” Greer told RSN Breakfast Club.

“The thinking behind it is they'll all take on a particular role within that leadership; Mitch Creek leading the way on the court with the way he performs and the way he goes about it; Kyle Adnam being the front-facing person and Adam Gibson internally with accountability for the playing squad, which is one of his real strong suits.

(The trio share a tight bond at the Phoenix)

“It’s a little bit different but we're confident in it and we feel like the guys have really bought in and will do a great job.”

New import Ben Moore, who’s received glowing endorsements from well-respected NBA coaches over his young career, will also be a key driver within the group this season.

Adnam’s promotion to co-captain status was one of the more heart-warming stories out of the Heartland over the uniquely lengthy off-season period and an honour Greer, Simon Mitchell and the rest of the coaching staff loved bestowing on the fan favourite.

“It is an incredible story,” Greer said. “He’s a hard man not the love.

“He’s been forever doubted. Anyone who comes to a basketball game for the first time will look at him and not expect he's actually a big impact player but by the time that 40 minutes has finished you’ve fallen in love with him.

“He's one of the most entertaining players on the court and after his success last year and playing for the Australian team in some of those lead-up series, we just really thought it was warranted.

“The connection he has with the South-East - coming from one of the major associations in Kilsyth - just made a whole lot of sense, so we're really excited to have him step up into that role.”

The NBL21 season is set to tip-off in mid-January with the fixture announcement to be released by December 3.

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Phoenix Media (18/11/2020)