South East Melbourne Phoenix NBL Profile: Five things you need to know

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are one of the newest franchises in the National Basketball League (NBL), based in Melbourne, Victoria. Established in 2018, the Phoenix have quickly made a name for themselves in the league with a growing fan base, exciting roster, and competitive play.

Although the team is relatively young compared to other NBL franchises, their connection to the rich basketball history of the region and strong performances on the court have made them a formidable presence in Australian basketball.

Formation and Establishment (2018–2019)

The South East Melbourne Phoenix were officially founded in 2018, marking the return of a professional basketball team to the southeast region of Melbourne after the South East Melbourne Magic and Victoria Titans had previously represented the area in the 1990s and early 2000s. The Phoenix were created as part of the NBL’s expansion strategy, aimed at growing the league’s footprint and tapping into Melbourne’s strong basketball culture. The team was also seen as a natural rival to Melbourne United, forming the “Throwdown” rivalry, which has become one of the most anticipated matchups in the NBL.

The team’s name, Phoenix, symbolises rebirth and a new era for basketball in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne. With a strong management team led by owner Romie Chaudhari and head coach Simon Mitchell, the Phoenix set out to build a competitive roster that would quickly make them a contender in the NBL.

Early competitiveness and building a fan base (2019–2021)

The South East Melbourne Phoenix made their NBL debut in the 2019-20 season. From the outset, the Phoenix established themselves as a competitive team, winning its first game against cross-town rivals Melbourne United, instantly igniting the “Throwdown” rivalry. The team’s early success helped build a loyal fan base, with strong community support in the southeast Melbourne region.

Key players in the Phoenix’s early seasons included Mitch Creek, a former NBA player and Australian Boomers star, who became the team’s franchise player and leader on and off the court. Creek’s all-around ability and leadership helped the Phoenix remain competitive in their first few seasons, as they quickly established themselves as playoff contenders.

In their inaugural season, the Phoenix narrowly missed out on making the NBL playoffs, but their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play made them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league. The team’s commitment to developing young talent and building a strong culture set the foundation for future success.

Continued growth and playoff push (2021–Present)

As the South East Melbourne Phoenix continued to develop, the team remained focused on becoming a consistent playoff contender. The 2020-21 season saw the Phoenix take significant strides, making their first NBL playoff appearance in just their second season. Led by Mitch Creek and key additions such as Keifer Sykes and Yanni Wetzell, the Phoenix reached the semifinals, where they were narrowly defeated by Melbourne United in a tightly contested series.

The Phoenix’s ability to attract high-caliber international players and develop local talent has been a key to their early success. Players such as Kyle Adnam, a fan favorite, and Ryan Broekhoff, an experienced international player with NBA experience, have bolstered the team’s roster, providing depth and versatility.

With head coach Simon Mitchell at the helm, the Phoenix have continued to build a team that can compete for championships. Their strong performances, coupled with the growing “Throwdown” rivalry against Melbourne United, have made them one of the most exciting teams in the NBL.

Future Aspirations and Team Vision

Looking ahead, the South East Melbourne Phoenix are focused on building a long-term contender in the NBL. Their commitment to developing young talent, building strong community ties, and competing for championships has established a clear vision for the future. With a passionate fan base and a competitive roster, the Phoenix are well-positioned to challenge for NBL titles in the coming seasons.

The team’s vision extends beyond the court, as they are dedicated to engaging with the local community, promoting basketball at the grassroots level, and providing a pathway for young players to reach the professional ranks. This community-driven approach has further strengthened the Phoenix’s connection to the southeastern Melbourne region.

Five Fast Facts About South East Melbourne Phoenix

1. Founded in 2018: The South East Melbourne Phoenix were established in 2018 as part of the NBL’s expansion strategy, marking the return of professional basketball to the southeast Melbourne region.
2. First Game Victory: The Phoenix made an immediate impact in their debut season, winning their first-ever game against cross-town rivals Melbourne United, setting the stage for the “Throwdown” rivalry.
3. Playoff Contenders: In just their second season, the Phoenix made their first NBL playoff appearance in the 2020-21 season, advancing to the semifinals.
4. Mitch Creek’s Leadership: Mitch Creek, a former NBA player and Australian Boomers star, has been the Phoenix’s franchise player since their inception, providing leadership and on-court production.
5. Home Games at John Cain Arena and State Basketball Centre: The Phoenix split their home games between John Cain Arena and the State Basketball Centre, offering fans a world-class venue to enjoy NBL action.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix may be one of the youngest teams in the NBL, but their early success, strong leadership, and exciting style of play have quickly made them a force to be reckoned with. As they continue to build a winning culture and grow their fan base, the Phoenix are poised to become a perennial contender in Australian basketball.