Phoenix eye imports to trump rivals

It will be a new-look South East Melbourne Phoenix in NBL26, with all signs pointing to their three imports moving on from the club. 

Olgun Uluc reports Derrick Walton Jr. will depart the club after a challenging first season, which saw injuries and form hamper his progress, while Joe Wieskamp is unlikely to get a new deal.

MVP candidate Matt Hurt is attracting significant interest from overseas, despite “mutual interest” from both club and player to stay at the Phoenix. 

“It’s just whether they can come to terms on a deal,” Uluc said on The Marketplace. 

“As of right now, it doesn’t seem like they are, or they will. It’s very difficult to see him (Hurt) back in South East Melbourne.

“I think the likelihood is that the Phoenix will have three new imports.” 

Josh King led South East Melbourne to the Playoffs after a tumultuous start to the season, which saw Mike Kelly depart the club. 

Star Nathan Sobey re-committed on a new deal this week, but there looks to be more significant change on the way at the Phoenix, again.

It may not be the last NBL fans see of Walton Jr. though. 

“Derrick Walton Jr. does have an interest in staying in the NBL … it won’t be with the Phoenix,” Uluc added. 

“At his very best he’s one of the best playmakers in the league,” Peter Hooley said, pointing to a potential option for the Perth Wildcats in their bid to replace Bryce Cotton.