Gloves are off: Phoenix ready for fight

Photo: Phoenix Media.

All eyes are on the South East Melbourne Phoenix ahead of NBL25.

Mike Kelly’s team has undergone a transformation like no other in the off-season, and all of a sudden the bottom-placed team from last year looms as a legitimate title contender.

The departure of Mitch Creek is a blow, but the calibre of players at South East Melbourne’s disposal still has it right in the mix. 

The arrivals of Derrick Walton Jr, Nathan Sobey, Jordan Hunter and two players with recent NBA experience, imports Matt Hurt and Joe Wieskamp, make the Phoenix an exciting watch.

Add two-time NBL champion Angus Glover and exciting Next Star Malique Lewis into that mix, and there’s plenty to look forward to.

For Glover, already a player with vast experience, the opportunity to work with one of the best players the league has seen in the last decade, Sobey, has been invaluable. 

“’Sobes’ is an Australian Boomer, went to the Olympics ... just seeing his work ethic and what he does with his body, we exchange a lot with how we look after our bodies,” Glover told the Phoenix website. 

“I feel like I’ve learnt a fair bit off him already.

“Just seeing how he goes about it on the floor and trying to pick his brain where I can ... seeing him on an everyday basis, how he looks after himself with his diet, the way he gets himself right for training and games, in the gym. I’m just trying to pick his brain to implement into my habits.”

Those high standards are key for South East Melbourne, after a season where not a whole lot went right.

The Phoenix have brought in proven winners and made a statement to the league with their roster build. 

Now, it's time to perform.

“I’m loving it,” Glover said of his time at a new club.

“Now that everyone’s here, it feels like we’ve been around together for a long time.

“It’s only been a couple of days we’ve had the full roster together and we’ve only been in pre-season for a week, but it feels like we’ve known each other for a while now.”

Glover had a challenging season with the Kings in NBL24, seeing a reduction in his minutes and ultimately his output, but he’s ready to get back to his best.

“I’m ready to show my defensive side, get on the rim and get my teammates involved ... just show that I’ve got a full package,” he added.

South East Melbourne tips off its pre-season campaign against Brisbane on Thursday, August 29 in Wangaratta.