AFTER a strong campaign last time around where they were able to make an impact in the postseason, the SEM Phoenix will be looking to go one step further during the upcoming 2025/26 National Basketball League (NBL) season.

The Phoenix managed to lock in a top-four spot after finishing the season strongly under Josh King, but were forced to take the long route after falling in the first play-in game against the Perth Wildcats, although they bounced back to lock in semi-final matchup against the eventual champions in the Illawarra Hawks, losing in three games.

Despite not quite making the big dance, the Phoenix will certainly be encouraged by their efforts, and with most of the roster returning to run it back, will be hopeful of going one step further when the season kicks off in the coming weeks.

South East Melbourne Phoenix

Roster

Akech Aliir, Angus Glover, DJ Mitchell, Daniel Foster, Ellis Biggar, Gorjok Gak, Hunter Maldonado, John Brown III, Jordan Hunter, Malique Lewis, Nathan Sobey, Owen Foxwell, Vrenz Bleijenberg

The Phoenix did lose some of their offensive power over the off-season, including Matt Hurt and Derrick Walton Jr, but added some new faces to the NBL. If their fresh names can click and become the new leaders on both sides of the ball, the Phoenix might be able to have another crack at their first ever championship.

Key player – John Brown III

The power forward was one of South East Melbourne’s biggest offseason acquisitions, and has the potential to be one of the more impactful frontcourt players in the competition. Brown III brings plenty of experience having played most of his career in some strong leagues throughout Europe, as well as an impressive collegiate stint. He will undoubtedly be a defensive anchor for the team, and is highly regarded for his ability to guard all five positions, which will be a massive weapon for the Phoenix. Brown III also has the EuroLeague record for steals in a season with 66, so expect him to prove disruptive for opposition teams. If he can lead South East Melbourne to be one of the best defensive teams in the NBL, it will make up for the amount of offensive firepower they lost over the offseason.

Key to success – Malique Lewis making the offensive leap

As mentioned above, the Phoenix lost a fair chunk of their scoring production, and although they did recruit well, it is likely they will need a returning player to take the next step on this side of the ball. Enter, Lewis, who is about to begin his second campaign as a Next Star with South East Melbourne. The Trinidadian was able to work his way into the starting lineup last season as a defensive presence, but appears to have worked on his scoring game over the offseason, which could be huge for the Phoenix. If he can be a double-digit scorer for South East Melbourne and be productive when attacking the defence off the dribble, it will be a huge boost to their scoring consistency.

In a sentence

The Phoenix lost a lot of offensive power over the offseason, but shored up their defence and put together some strong performances in the Blitz preseason tournament, indicating they will be making a strong charge towards a maiden title.