When the South East Melbourne Phoenix entered the NBL in 2018, they did more than add a new logo to the league. They arrived with a blueprint, a group of people whose ideas still echo through the team's locker room.
Who set the foundation?
The first head coach, Simon Mitchell, arrived from a successful stint in the Australian Basketball League. Mitchell’s philosophy centered on aggressive defense and quick transitions. He recruited veteran Mike Helms, a former NBA player, to mentor the young roster. In the club’s debut game on 14 October 2018, the Phoenix posted a 92‑84 win that still appears in highlight reels.
Which coach turned the tide?
In 2020, John Rillie took over the bench. Rillie, a former NBL All‑Star, introduced a motion‑offense system that emphasized spacing and three‑point shooting. Under his guidance, the Phoenix posted a 20‑10 record, the best in franchise history up to that point. He also gave Jae’Sean Tate his first start, a move that sparked a season‑long surge.
Who drives the club off the court?
Beyond the sidelines, Andrew Bogut, the club’s inaugural chairman, shaped the business side. Bogut negotiated the lease for the State Basketball Centre, securing a home arena that seats 3,200 fans. He also forged community programs that bring basketball to schools across Melbourne’s southeast.
Which figure keeps the culture alive?
The current general manager, James McKinnon, inherited a roster hungry for consistency. McKinnon’s recruitment strategy focuses on blending local talent with seasoned imports. In 2022 he signed Jae’Sean Tate to a three‑year extension, locking in a player who averages 14 points per game and leads the team in steals.
How does the coaching staff evolve?
Assistant coach Liam McMullan—a former NBL point guard—has become the go‑to voice for player development. He runs daily shooting drills that have raised the team’s three‑point percentage from 31% to 36% over two seasons. His emphasis on film study forces players to dissect opponents’ tendencies frame by frame.
The Phoenix’s story isn’t a single season; it’s a collection of decisions made by coaches, executives, and mentors. Each figure left a mark—whether it was Mitchell’s defensive grit, Rillie’s offensive flair, Bogut’s arena deal, or McKinnon’s roster philosophy. The club’s identity continues to evolve, but the DNA laid down by these leaders remains unmistakable. The next generation of Phoenix players will still hear the echo of those early meetings, the chalk‑drawn plays, and the roar of that first home crowd on a crisp October night.