THE signing of former NBA and Boomers star Ryan Broekhoff has sent the National Basketball League (NBL) into a spin, with the 30-year-old joining South East Melbourne Phoenix for the remainder of the 2021 season. A formidable force on the basketball court and a member of the Boomers side, Broekhoff will add another element to an already multi-pronged Phoenix unit and potentially give them an added winning boost.

Currently holding down fourth spot on the ladder thanks to their four wins from eight appearances the Phoenix are building a strong platform to really launch off in the backend of the season. Littered with a number of stars across the court, the acquisition of Broekhoff is only set to bolster their squad and make them more of a threat against the rest of the competition as he replaces Mike Karena.

The signing of Broekhoff is a huge coup for the side with the guard/forward able to hit the scoreboard with relative ease given his frame and general prowess. Although only averaging four points a game with Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA (14.2 points per 36 minutes), there is no denying that Broekhoff is a real livewire that can inject strength and excitement into an already potent attack for the Phoenix. Broekhoff is regarded as one of Australia’s top shooters given his overall accuracy shooting at above 40 per cent from the field and beyond the arc making him a huge target for opposition teams to lockdown. On an international level, Broekhoff has played a role in the FIBA Oceania Championships in 2013 and 2015 while also featuring in the Olympic teams making him well versed when it comes to dominance on the big stage.

With the squad headlined by the likes of captain Mitch Creek and import Keifer Sykes the Phoenix have no shortage of players that know how to attack the rim and pile on the points. Creek currently boasts an average of 18.5 points a game at 56 per cent from the field showcasing just how much damage he can do when he gets going, while also amassing seven rebounds and 3.13 assists each time he steps out on court. Partner in crime, Sykes, is also a stalwart for the Phoenix posting an average of 18 points a game. Sykes has proven to be a handy inclusion to the side racking up an average of 4.6 rebounds along with seven assists as he has dragged his side over the line on a number of occasions.

Lucky to have two key playmakers in their side the Phoenix also have a number of support players that are able to step up to the plate and ply their trade with the likes of Kyle Adnam registering 13.75 points a game and Yannick Wetzell making a splash with his 10.38 points average but the introduction of Broekhoff will only make the side more commanding. His output alongside Creek and Sykes could make for an extremely damaging trio that could take the competition by storm given their proficiency and create a potential finals tilt.