Mitchell Unsure of Phoenix Future

Friday, February 10, 2023

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell is out of contract and he is unsure if an extension is coming his way.

The Phoenix’s season ended last night after a do-or-die game against the Perth Wildcats didn’t go as they’d planned.

In the Play-In Qualifier, South East Melbourne crumbled in the final quarter, leading to a 106-99 defeat to the ‘Cats, who piled on 41 points in the defining fourth term.

Speaking after the defeat, Mitchell conceded he has an uncertain future at the Phoenix.

“We’ll let the dust settle, we’ll have time to sit down and have a discussion and review the season,” Mitchell said.

“Am I the best man for the job, if so, we’ll move forward maybe. Do I want to do it again, I’ll discover that over the next coming weeks as we review the season and if the club wants me back.

“There will be a time where we sit down and go over it all, but at this point in time, I’ve got to get through this one.”

Mitchell has coached the Phoenix since they entered the league in the 2019/20 season and has been the only head coach to take the reins of South East Melbourne.

Phoenix leader Mitch Creek has worked alongside Mitchell from the start and applauded his coaching commitment and voiced his respect on behalf of the team on Mitchell’s work ethic.

Creek’s comments made it clear Mitchell’s relationship with the team has been built off of respect and loyalty. The outcome of Mitchell’s future with the Phoenix may be uncertain, but the opinions his players have of him won’t change.

“People have no idea what this man sacrifices from his family,” Creek said.

“I’m really proud of Simon…what he puts in, it sets a bar of excellence and work ethic that I want to try and aspire to.

“He coaches with such a passion and a level of intent. He wants the best for everyone, he wants to check all the boxes.

“He does all the right things, he puts himself in positions to grow and get better and take feedback.

“He’s stood up in times of adversity and he’s been a stellar coach.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And then there were five ?<br><br>It's Playoffs or bust for the <a href="https://twitter.com/PerthWildcats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PerthWildcats</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CairnsTaipans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CairnsTaipans</a>, while the <a href="https://twitter.com/NZBreakers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NZBreakers</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackJumpers</a> will look to strike first in their series ??<br><br>Tune in on Sunday from 2pm AEDT - live & free on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach & 10 play ? <a href="https://t.co/XmWHR5UVEf">pic.twitter.com/XmWHR5UVEf</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1623816140354105344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The off-season for South East Melbourne will be one to keep an eye on, as the decision of the coaching staff and player contracts will determine whether the Phoenix can get back to the Finals in the 2023/24 season.

The championship door has been shut for South East Melbourne, but is still open for the remaining five teams.

Sunday’s Play-In Game will see the Wildcats take on the Cairns Taipans. The winner will advance to Series 2 of the Playoffs and play the Sydney Kings.

Series 1 of the Playoffs also begins on Sunday when the New Zealand Breakers battle the Tasmania JackJumpers in Game 1 of the best-of-three series.