Welcome to the Phoenix: Anzac Rissetto

New Zealand centre Anzac Rissetto has joined the Phoenix as a development player for the NBL23 season.

208cm, Auckland born Rissetto, felt that joining the Phoenix as a player provided the best opportunity for his growth.

"I think the direction the club is moving in and the work that the club is doing in the community was a big attraction for me," the new signing said.

"As well as being able to learn from coach Mitchell and banging bodies with players like Reuben Te Rangi, Alan Williams, and Mitch Creek every day is why I wanted to come to South East Melbourne."

Rissetto represented his home country in the U17 Basketball World Cup in 2018, averaging 6.3 points and 8.9. rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

(Rissetto competiting in the U17 Would Cup Qualifiers in 2018.)

From 2019 until 2021, he played college ball at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.

"For a kid from New Zealand that doesn't come from a lot, it was a life-changing experience going to America for college ball. Studying and playing basketball at such a high level was an amazing journey. Coach Sanchez and Coach Fearne developed me on and off the court, and I'm extremely grateful for that," he said.

The 21-year-old comes from New Zealand M?ori sporting royalty, a descendant of one of the founders of NZ rugby, Thomas Ellison. He is also related to Tamati Ellison and former NFL star Riki Ellison.

"Although I am humbled to share the lineage with some of the M?ori sporting greats, I can't say I know them personally or have even met them. They have all achieved some great things within their respective sporting codes. Now it's my turn!" Rissetto commented.

(Rissetto went to UNC in Charlotte for college basketball.)

The centre has carved out an impressive resume in a short time in the NZNBL. Spending time at the Wellington Saints, Nelson Giants and this past season, the Franklin Bullets.

During the NZNBL22 season, Rissetto averaged 10.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.

"The NZNBL is continuing to grow and become a lot bigger within our country; being able to give back to communities that I came from and grow basketball as a sport in our country is surreal," he said.

"In saying that the NZNBL isn't as strong as the (Australian) NBL yet, and I think that the jump to the NBL is the next step for myself in my career."

Rissetto played with Reuben Te Rangi in 2019 when they both suited up for the Saints, managing that year to win the title.

"I don't think Reuben knows I've signed yet, so it will be cool to catch up with him in SEM. Having another Kiwi on the team makes things a little easier as well transitioning to the NBL, as he's been through a similar journey to mine and can give me some advice," he said.

(The Kiwi played for the Franklin Bulls in the NZNBL for 2022 season.)

Phoenix head coach Simon Mitchell is excited to have another New Zealander join the team.

He's excited to begin the young Kiwi's professional journey in Australia.

"Anzac's coaches in New Zealand admire his work ethic and ability to take on defensive assignments against big-name players in the NZNBL," said Mitchell.

"He has genuine size, is a competitor and comes from a family full of pro-athletes. We have succeeded with young kiwis coming into the Phoenix and improving rapidly, and I expect Anzac will join that list."

A focus for Rissetto in his first year in the NBL is to learn from the big-name players among him at Phoenix but also develop and improve throughout the season.

"A major goal is to come in and soak up as much as possible from everyone. While also focusing and continuing to do what I do best. Being a physical presence, locked in on defence and being a great teammate," he said.

(Rissetto is excited to join his new teammates, new fans, and also go out into the South East community.)

The Kiwi is excited to join his new team, go out in the South East community, and meet Phoenix fans.

"SEMP fans, I can't wait to get into the community and connect with all of you! This will be a special year; you'll not want to miss it."

Rissetto joins fellow development player Owen Foxwell, along with the full-time roster players; Kyle Adnam, Grant Anticevich, Ryan Broekhoff, Gary Browne, Mitch Creek, Trey Kell, Junior Madut, Dane Pineau, Reuben Te Rangi and Alan Williams.

Phoenix still has one more local roster spot to fill. Keep an eye on socials in the coming weeks.

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Phoenix Media (30/8/22)