Wildcats Rematch Set for NBL24 Home Opener

South East Melbourne Phoenix will be seeking redemption in Round 1 of the NBL24 season later this year, with a rematch of last season’s Play-in tournament game against the Perth Wildcats locked in at The Fire Pit on Sunday 1 October.

While a lot has changed for both sides, Phoenix will be looking to get their season off on the right foot in front of their loyal fan base in what seems like a fresh start for the franchise under new head coach Mike Kelly.

Kelly spent the last two seasons at the Wildcats in an Associate Head Coaching role and will be keen to get one up over his former side in Round 1.

The Wildcats lost NBA draftee Luke Travers to Melbourne United this off-season but have gained back-to-back NBL most improved player, Keanu Pinder from the Taipans.

Phoenix fans will get to see their first glimpse of new recruits Gorjok Gak and Matt Kenyon in Round 1, with more signings to be announced.

“The last couple of seasons have created a great rivalry with the Wildcats. Pivotal games for both clubs being won on the road to end the season of the other. Two seasons ago we ended the Wildcats run of consecutive post seasons, and last year they knocked us out of the play-in,” said Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer.

“There will be a lot to play for in our home opener and Phoenix fans will have redemption front of mind.”

(Phoenix will face the Wildcats in their first home game for NBL23/24 on October 1.)

The Phoenix will also headline the opening of the 2023/24 NBL Season, just three days earlier, along with cross-town rivals Melbourne United in Throwdown XXI. 

An away game for the Phoenix, the match-up has become a common favourite amongst the Melbourne basketball community to help kick-off the season, with the remaining three match ups underlined on the schedule by fans from both clubs.

Changes to both rosters in the off-season will see Alan Williams go up against returning United player Jo Lual-Acuil Jr for the first time, with both players sure to create some big plays with high energy and emotions on the court, as always.

With Travers joining his new side Melbourne, the match-up against Mitch Creek will continue under a different light of a Throwdown.

“After winning the battle for Melbourne last year, there’s no question that the rivalry between these two teams will go up a notch in NBL24,” Greer said.

“What better way to kick off the season than with a Throwdown, with not only all of Melbourne watching, but the whole NBL community.”

(Throwdown XXI will open the NBL23/24 season on September 28.)

Pencil in these big dates Phoenix fans, as this opening round of the NBL23/24 season is one not to miss.

Phoenix’s 2023/24 NBL Season: Round 1 Games

Thursday 28 September
Melbourne United v South East Melbourne Phoenix, John Cain Arena, 7:30pm AEST
ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel

Sunday 1 October
South East Melbourne Phoenix v Perth Wildcats, John Cain Arena, 4:00pm AEDT
ESPN via Kayo Freebies and Foxtel, 10 Peach

Stay tuned via Phoenix socials and website tomorrow morning for the full Hungry Jacks NBL23/24 schedule release.

Phoenix Media (19/04/23)