"Unreal": Import Duo to Light Up the Heartland

Kyle Adnam says the Phoenix’s recently arrived import duo will make the team unmissable action every time they step out onto the floor in NBL21. 

Point guard Keifer Sykes and big man Ben Moore – both hailing from the Chicago area – touched down in Melbourne and joined the team’s NBL21 preparations following the club’s second pre-season game against Brisbane on December 20.

The athleticism of the pair has already been a highlight of recent practices despite coming out of a fortnight of hard quarantine.

“We’ve got two really great imports to combine with our Aussie contingent and I think it’s going to be absolutely unreal when we get going,” Adnam said. “I’m really excited for everyone to see it.”

Sykes and Moore add firepower to a Phoenix line-up already boasting talent the likes of Mitch Creek, Cam Gliddon and Kyle Adnam.

When asked about his early impressions of Moore, the Phoenix co-captain was glowing.

“He’s just an incredible, multi-skilled player,” he said.

“He plays both sides of the ball really well, he’s long, he’s athletic – which is probably something we were missing last year, just in terms of that athleticism, and Ben really brings that. 

(Moore at Phoenix training)

“In his first training session with the boys, he was dunking everything and was really active. I think Phoenix fans will love watching him play.”

Adnam himself is also set for an eye-catching season, having starred on the pre-season Gold Coast road trip to face the Bullets.

The 27-year-old averaged 22 points, 3.5 triples and 4 assists over the two fixtures and holds high confidence in the team and himself heading into the January 10 season opener against Melbourne United.

“Everyone is just itching to play,” he said.

“In terms of our group, we’re the fittest we’ve ever been. Personally, I’m the fittest I’ve ever felt, and I know a lot of the boys are saying the same thing.”

Phoenix Media