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“He’s fired-up…Malique’s trying to beat me back to Australia."

23 Jul
NBL.com.au

He's yet to touch down on Australian soil, but South East Melbourne Phoenix’s Next Star Malique Lewis' attitude has already caught the attention of head coach Mike Kelly. 

“Fired-up” and ready to train with South East Melbourne, the 6’8 wing has impressed Kelly with his eagerness to get started.

“He’s fired-up … Malique’s trying to beat me back to Australia so he can be working out quickly, and he’s super excited,” Kelly told Phoenix Media.

 

 

 

 

 

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Lewis most recently played with Mexico City Capitanes in the G League, averaging 9 points and 5.9 rebounds a game.

The highly-skilled sharpshooter, who converted at more than 38 per cent from three in the past season, is considered a potential first round pick in 2025. 

“I think if he (Lewis) comes in with that attitude and with the ability he has, he’s going to make a big impact on our group,” Kelly said.

Lewis will join an exciting, new-look roster at the Phoenix, including proven scorer Nathan Sobey and Championship-winning Sydney Kings Angus Glover, Derrick Walton Jr and Jordan Hunter.

The departure of Mitch Creek is a blow, but there's plenty of reason for optimism with players like Lewis coming in.

“Starting or not starting – is not to me so important, it’s more the minutes and the impact you have in those minutes,” Kelly said.

“With the depth that we’re creating so far ... I don’t know that we need stars, I think we need guys who are going to star in their roles. 

“If we are thinking like that, I think we’ve got a chance to be really successful.”

The Phoenix’s first game of NBL25 will fall on Friday, September 20 at the inaugural HoopsFest against the Perth Wildcats.

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