Hools is Hearing ... Phoenix circling veteran

As NBL25 tip-off draws closer, teams are beginning to finalise their rosters before it all gets underway.

South East Melbourne currently has open roster spot left on what has been a very successful off-season recruiting.

There are usually two ways to look at filling a spot like this ... one is giving an up-and-coming talent a chance to grow, the other is a veteran who can be trusted if called upon.

Hools is Hearing ... NBL veteran Majok Majok looks the leading candidate to take the last roster spot at the Phoenix.

South East Melbourne needs some insurance in the big man department and Majok has performed very well for Ballarat in the NBL1 South, coached by Phoenix assistant Luke Brennan.

Majok, who has played 185 NBL games at Perth, New Zealand and Melbourne, won a championship with United in 2018 before being a nominated replacement player in Tasmania last season.

The 31-year-old has seven years of NBL experience under his belt and would be more than capable of holding down spot minutes if required, as well as being a very strong and reliable presence on the practice floor.

Another option for the Phoenix to look at in the big man department could be Jock Perry.

The St Mary’s product has also had a taste of NBL action with the JackJumpers and is coming off a strong NBL1 campaign himself.

Jock Perry.

Across the other side of the city, United are in a similar position when it comes to finalising their roster.

One thing history tells us about the last signing for Melbourne, is that Dean Vickerman likes to reward those who have been around the program for some time, if there’s no veteran presence available.

With that being said, last season’s development player Malith Machar could fill that void and also provide an exciting spark off the bench if needed. Or perhaps it’s Tom Koppens who has been playing for Sandringham in the NBL1 South, again under the guidance of United assistants, David Barlow and Rhys Carter.

Malith Machar (right)