Bringing a world of Hurt

He may have flown under the radar during a tough start to the season for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, but with team turning its form around, Matt Hurt is starting to get the praise he deserves. 

Averaging 20.6 points a game, to go with 6.8 rebounds and a block, the 24-year-old is putting together some sort of NBL25 campaign, now well and truly in the mix for All-NBL First Team honours. 

The scariest thing is, he’s just getting started. 

“I feel like I haven’t played my best yet. I feel like I can play a lot better,” Hurt told the club’s website. 

With the Phoenix now winning four of their last five games, and two-from-two under new coach Josh King, they’re on the brink of the top six. 

A win against Sydney on Friday will only solidify their rise and continue an impressive turnaround following a 0-5 start to the year, and ultimately, a coaching change. 

Hurt’s role in that form reversal can’t be underestimated. 

“He’s staying consistent. That’s one of the most impressive things,” Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton said. 

“He’s not one of those guys where he has a really good and then he goes quiet … he’s the same person week in and week out. 

“That’s what you expect when you play in a great league like this and when you get to play against some of the better players, you get to see why this league has so much notoriety, because we’ve got guys like that.”

Hurt played eight games with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA last season and a continuation of this form will no doubt catch the eye of team scouts. 

“Hurt’s playing some really underrated, great basketball,” Opals star Alice Kunek said. 

“I think he’s been the underdog of this league and not many people are talking about him. 

“He’s been super-consistent, he’s shot the ball well, he’s rebounded, he’s made tough possession, so I think that’s a great matchup between him and Xavier Cooks.”

Hurt paid tribute to his teammates for giving him the chance to thrive, while throwing his support behind new coach King. 

“They (teammates) put me in great positions to score and I just do the easy part, put the ball in the bucket,” he added.

“He’s (King) bringing a lot of energy … he holds people accountable and that’s something we appreciate a lot, because that’s what you need to be a good basketball team.” 

The Phoenix travel to Sydney on Friday night to take on the Kings in one of the matches of the round.

The game will be live on ESPN from 7.30pm AEDT.