Veteran Guard Excited by Changes at Phoenix

With more than 300 games in the NBL, Reuben Te Rangi knows a thing or two about a good roster, and even more about a good coach.

And according to the veteran guard, the Phoenix’s off-season moves have left him champing at the bit to return to NBL action in September.

“The change at the Phoenix is great,” Te Rangi told Phoenix Media.

“I’ve heard a lot of great things about [new head coach] Mike Kelly … I’ve worked with Sam Mackinnon [new assistant coach] at Brisbane, he’s great, and I think the player signings are brilliant too.”

Te Rangi has plied his trade for Auckland Tuatara in the NZ NBL this NBL off-season, and despite not yet meeting Kelly, that hasn’t stopped the new coach from offering some encouragement to his guard from afar.

“Mike messages me after most games, just little things he’s noticed or he wants me to work on, it shows a lot of professionalism, so I’m keen to get to work for him.”

(Te Rangi is currently playing for the Auckland Tuatara in the NZ NBL during the off-season.)

Te Rangi, 28, has been a part of three separate franchises (New Zealand, Brisbane and South East Melbourne) and won championships with a strong Breakers side in 2013 and 2015 under Andrej Lemanis and Dean Vickerman.

But it’s under Kelly where he’ll look to add to his trophy cabinet, and he’s excited to see what the Phoenix front-office do with the remaining list spots as they charge toward a maiden NBL title.

“No doubt whoever comes in will complement our roster and help up head back to the playoffs,” Te Rangi said.

“With two more import spots and a local spot open, I’m sure they’ll get some great talent we’ll get to play alongside."

There’ll be a battle of the Phoenix this week as Te Rangi’s Auckland Tuatara take on Anzac Rissetto and Taranaki Mountain Airs in New Zealand’s national competition.

You can keep up with all of the Phoenix news at semphoenix.com.au.

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Phoenix Media (28/06/23)