Gak’s Deciding Factor for Phoenix

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Big man Gorjok Gak has revealed the reason why he chose to sign with the South East Melbourne Phoenix for the 2023/24 season.

The 26-year-old joined the Phoenix on Monday and his familiarity with new head coach Mike Kelly “made the decision easier” to choose the Melbourne side.

“The decision behind joining the Phoenix was Mike Kelly. I’m familiar with him, I played for him in the Uni games a couple years back when I was at the University of Florida,” Gak said.

“So having that relationship with him really made that decision easier for me. A place where I’m known and comfortable in the environment as well.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SIGNED ??<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SEMelbPhoenix</a> have secured the signature of Gorjok Gak, joining the club for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL24?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL24</a> <a href="https://t.co/SsKt55IjTp">pic.twitter.com/SsKt55IjTp</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1645351992762707968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Gak averaged 4.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Bullets with an average of 14.3 minutes per game last season.

Gak mentioned his upcoming goals for the Phoenix, one being working on his leadership and to always put his “best foot forward”.

“To continue growing as a leader. I’m using my voice more and just getting comfortable and knowing that I work hard and trusting my work,” Gak said.

“I’m process driven, I don’t really take any shortcuts. If you’ve been around me, know about me, I really just work hard every day and put my best foot forward.

“I’m gonna come out and put my best foot forward every time and play as hard as I can.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you G! Join us in wishing <a href="https://twitter.com/Gorjok12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gorjok12</a> the best for the coming season!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIVERCITYSTRONG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIVERCITYSTRONG</a> <a href="https://t.co/dNMqEv34CV">pic.twitter.com/dNMqEv34CV</a></p>— Brisbane Bullets (@BrisbaneBullets) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrisbaneBullets/status/1645627054703124480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Phoenix finished fifth on the ladder last season and made it to the Finals before a quick exit in the Play-In tournament.

Gak is excited to join the core Phoenix players and get started to have a better season than his last.

“I’m really excited to get over there to [South East Melbourne Phoenix] and join the core they already have with Mitch Creek, Alan Williams, Reuben [Te Rangi] from last year, Owen Foxwell,” Gak said.

“I’m excited to get around the guys, get better and have a good season.”