Browne Still Sore Ahead of Debut

South East Melbourne Phoenix import Gary Browne is excited to make his debut tonight, despite still battling knee soreness from an injury which delayed his start.

“That’s been sore, but I’m going to play on Thursday, I’ll be fine,” Browne told Newscorp.

The point guard suffered a medial ligament strain in the NBL Blitz and has missed the first four games of the season.

Browne opened up on the struggles watching from the sidelines during the Phoenix’s 1-3 start but remains optimistic the squad can turn it around.

“I can’t be upset, I can’t control that,” Browne said.

“They brought me here to win, to make the club better.

“I just see it as a challenge we put ourselves in. We’ve just got to get out of it.

“We’re going to turn it around and look forward for the rest of the season.”

With Browne playing in Thursday’s clash against the New Zealand Breakers, along with Trey Kell, Zhou Qi and Ryan Broekhoff, it will be the first time since March South East Melbourne has a full roster available.  

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell is excited to have his full assortment of players but is weary of allowing them to get back into game shape.

“I’m very excited about having these guys on the floor but I’m also conscious that these bodies are not in playing condition,” Mitchell said.

“I’ve got to have him in somewhat of a state of freshness down the stretch of games.”