"I will live here": Next Star to train house down

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Next Star Malique Lewis has arrived in Australia and is ready to hit the ground running.

Lewis arrived on Friday morning and headed straight to the Phoenix HQ to waste no time in gaining access to the gym facilities, as he’s eager to start preparations as soon as he can.

The young forward last played with Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, where the potential first round NBA draft pick averaged nine points and five rebounds per game.

The energetic 19-year-old could be the next big thing for the club, as he prepares to contribute to winning and also grow his NBA draft stock.

“I’m going to be here all the time. I will live here, I’ll be here more than my apartment,” Lewis told Phoenix Media.

“I’m super excited, I was just talking to coach and everybody is all smiles and happy, I am too.

“Ready to get started whenever, I’m happy to be here.”

Lewis will join Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Jordan Hunter, Derrick Walton Jr, Matt Kenyon, Ben Ayre, Owen Foxwell, Tom Vodanovich, Joe Wieskamp, and DP’s Luke Rosendale and Luke Fennell in NBL25.

The Phoenix’s first game of NBL25 is on Friday, September 20, at the inaugural HoopsFest against the Perth Wildcats.