NBL: South East Melbourne Phoenix confirm American Josh King as new coach

October 22

South East Melbourne Phoenix have appointed American Josh King as their new head coach charged with turning their NBL fortunes around.

Two days after interim coach Sam Mackinnon enjoyed a shock win over Melbourne United in his first game in charge, the Phoenix announced King had signed as Mike Kelly’s permanent replacement on a two-season deal.

King, who left Turkish club Darussafaka Lassa for the Phoenix job, will arrive in the coming days and is slated to lead the club for the first time in their away game against Tasmania JackJumpers on November 1.

Kelly was sacked on October 13 after a 0-5 start to the current campaign that had the Phoenix anchoring the table, following a last-placed finish last season.

Phoenix general manager of basketball Simon Mitchell has been adamant the cellar dwellers could revive their season under a new coach.

“We feel like this season’s not over by any stretch of the imagination,” Mitchell said in a club video.

“We really feel like this team has the talent to push for a playoff run and the swiftness of bringing Josh in is going to enable that.”

Before his stint in Turkey, King, 39, was the head coach at Riesen Ludwigsburg in the German Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).

Mitchell expected the American to deliver a “high-energy brand of basketball”.

“Josh brings a strong reputation, a clear philosophy on what success looks like, and a game style that will inject great energy into our program,” Mitchell said in a statement.

“Tactically, Josh preaches a high intensity/high energy style on both ends of the floor, and this approach aligns perfectly with what we want the Phoenix DNA to be.”

Mackinnon, who stepped up when Kelly was sacked, will lead the Phoenix for two more games – against New Zealand Breakers on October 24 and leaders Illawarra Hawks two days later.

The Phoenix confirmed to AAP that Mackinnon, who had his eyes on the permanent head coach job, would stay on board as an assistant.

“Sam has stood tall during a very difficult period for the club,” Mitchell said.

“He has been incredibly professional, kept the players focused, and united the group through this transitional phase.

“His leadership has been fantastic.”

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