Welcome to the Phoenix: Trey Kell

The South East Melbourne Phoenix has added another piece to their NBL23 roster, signing import shooting guard George Earl Kell III to a one-year deal.

Better known as Trey, Kell completed four years of college at San Diego State before beginning his professional career in Bosnia in 2018. Since then, he has plied his trade in Canada, Hong Kong, Poland, and Italy.

“The reason I chose Phoenix is that it’s a great opportunity for myself,” Kell said on signing with the Phoenix.

“I enjoyed the conversation I had with the staff and was excited to be part of their vision.”

Kell, a naturalised Syrian, represents his adopted country in international competitions after agreeing with the Syrian Basketball Federation to represent the country. On his debut in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification, Kell recorded 35 points, six rebounds and six assists.

“We are excited to have a player of Trey’s quality joining the roster. Alongside Gary Browne and our local Australian talent, we believe they will be one of the toughest backcourts in the league,” said CEO Tommy Greer.

“I believe I can bring to the team a well-rounded player that can do a bit of everything, a high IQ, and that can impact winning in many ways,” he said.

(Kell spent his college years at San Diego State.)

Coach Simon Mitchell spoke highly of what Kell brings to the team and is excited to have another two-way player.

“Love the two-way ability of Trey. Last season he excelled as a potent offensive player with Varese in the Italian League. We were blown away with the defensive tenacity he displayed in the EuroLeague with Milan,” Mitchell said.

“He can shoot the ball, work out of the pick and roll, is explosive at the rim, passes well and makes great decisions. On the defensive side he will be thrown the tough assignments. I love his intensity, his length and agility and am pleased he will be joining Phoenix for NBL23.”

Kell has never been to Australia before but is excited to be heading down under for the first time.

“I have never been to Australia, but being from San Diego, people tell me they are similar, and if that’s the case, I will be excited to experience it myself.

“I’ve also heard nothing but great things about the league from players I know that have played there. I am very excited to experience it for myself because I truly haven’t heard one negative about it,” he said.

(Kell will bring his two-way ability to the Phoenix roster.)

The San Diego native is excited to get to Melbourne to meet his fellow teammates and the Phoenix faithful for the NBL23 season.

“I can’t wait to get out to Melbourne and meet the people at Phoenix and the fans. The organisation has told me great things about the fans, and I’m ready to get out there and meet them myself and get the season started,” he said.

Kell joins contracted players Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Gary Browne, Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Dane Pineau and Junior Madut.

ENTER HERE to celebrate the signing of Trey Kell, WIN a meet and greet and a signed jersey from the new recruit.

Phoenix Media (14/7/22)