Former NBL coach of the 12 months Mike Kelly has been unveiled as South East Melbourne Phoenix’s new coach.
Kelly joins the Phoenix from the Perth Wildcats, the place he had served as affiliate head coach for 2 seasons. He additionally led the Boomers to a championship victory on the Asia Cup final 12 months.
Before that, the American-born 55-year-old coached the Cairns Taipans for 3 seasons, named coach of the 12 months for guiding them to the semi-finals within the 2019/20 season.
As a participant, Kelly was named grand remaining MVP when the South East Melbourne Magic received the NBL title underneath Brian Goorjian in 1996.
Kelly replaces the Phoenix’s basis coach Simon Mitchell, who stepped down in February after 4 seasons on the helm.
“My family and I are excited to come back to South East Melbourne, where so many memories were built, on and off the court,” Kelly stated.
“I appreciate the people that have helped me get here, and the South East Melbourne Phoenix for entrusting me with helping this team compete for championships.”
He joins a Phoenix outfit trying to construct on an early exit from the post-season in Mitchell’s injury-plagued remaining 12 months in cost.
The NBL’s free company opened on Thursday and the Phoenix have already secured import Alan Williams and marquee participant Mitch Creek for an additional marketing campaign, in addition to Reuben Te Rangi and Owen Foxwell.
Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer stated he was trying ahead to working with Kelly because the aspect crammed its roster.
“Mike’s coaching resume is outstanding and he is a great leader who we strongly believe will help our club achieve great success,” he stated.
“Following the interview and presentation process, we aligned the candidates with our values and priorities as a club, and it became very clear Mike was the right person to take us to the next level and evolve our organisation.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
