Foxwell's guiding hand to new Phoenix signings

Owen Foxwell is still just 20 years of age, but the emerging point guard believes the extent of his tenure at the South East Melbourne Phoenix can help make him a go-to support for his new teammates heading into NBL25.

The Phoenix are embarking on a heavy roster rebuild ahead of next season. As it stands only Foxwell, Mitch Creek, Matt Kenyon and Ben Ayre remain at the club from last season, and with Kenyon and Ayre only joining ahead of NBL24, Foxwell is one of the longest tenured players at the club.

Foxwell initially arrived at the club as a development player ahead of NBL22. Under Simon Mitchell he turned into a genuine rotation option despite his young age, and he was elevated to the main roster ahead of Mike Kelly’s first season in charge.

While the likes of new signings Derrick Walton Jr and Nathan Sobey have huge experience across the NBL and abroad, Foxwell hopes he can make the transition to the club easier for his team’s raft of new signings.

“As far as the club and the team I kind of want to be, I wouldn’t say a leader in a way, but I’m the one that’s been around here a lot recently,” Foxwell told Phoenix Media.

“So, making it easier when guys come in, be a person they can talk to about everything. ‘Creeky’ and I are the last two standing form the last four years.

“You know what Sobey’s done over the many years he’s been in the league, he’s proven himself … when we signed Derrick I was pretty excited to have a guy who has done it all and been at the highest level, another person I can learn off and pick his brain a lot.

“I know what’s going on around the club and [can] be a guider for guys that are coming in.”