Phoenix finalise DP players

Former Phoenix train-on player Luke Rosendale has earned his chance to play in the NBL next season, with the 22-year-old signing a one-year deal to join South East Melbourne as a development player.

Rosendale was recently named as the Bendigo Braves’ MVP in the current NBL1 South season, in which the team finished 13^th on the ladder with a 10-12 record. He averaged 16.1 points, 3.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds, across 21 appearances over the season.

“Luke is a talented young player that has been great over my short time back at South East Melbourne,” head coach Mike Kelly said.

“Luke brings energy and toughness to every session. I'm so happy that Luke's hard work has resulted in this opportunity.”

Rosendale credits his time training with the club last season as a key reason for his contract offer.

“I'm super excited to be joining SEM. Being around the Phoenix last year was the best thing I've done for my basketball, so this opportunity was a no-brainer," he said.

“It's awesome to get the opportunity. I feel the work I did as a training player last season has really paid off.

“My goal for this season is to work hard and enough and learn quickly so I'm able to step up and be trusted if or when I'm needed throughout the season."

Rosendale is the final development player to be signed to the Phoenix ahead of NBL24, and will suit up alongside Anzac Rissetto, Austin Rapp and Kody Stattmann in NBL24.

Ben Ayre, Gary Browne, Mitch Creek, Owen Foxwell, Gorjok Gak, Matt Kenyon, Craig Moller, Reuben Te Rangi, Rhys Vague and Alan Williams currently make up the club’s contingent of fully rostered players.