Creek rises with Phoenix
Horsham basketballer Mitch Creek will return home to play for the newly formed South East Melbourne Phoenix in Australia’s NBL this season.
Creek spent the past year in the USA chasing his dream of playing in the NBA – a dream he achieved when he was awarded a 10-day contract by the Brooklyn Nets in January.
Creek played four games for the Nets during the course of two 10-day contracts before signing another 10-day contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in one game.
Creek spent the majority of the NBA offseason working out with the Timberwolves and playing for the club’s NBA Summer League team in the hope of earning a contract for the 2019-20 season.
Creek left no stone unturned in his contract chase, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in more than 25 minutes a game during summer league action.
He also showcased an improved three-point shot, shooting 50 percent from long range during the Timberwolves’ seven game summer league campaign.
Despite Creek’s impressive play he was not offered a contract for the upcoming NBA season and elected to return to Australia to play for the Phoenix on a two-year deal.
The 27-year-old last played in the NBL during the 2018-19 season when he led Adelaide to the grand final series against Melbourne United, falling just short of winning the title.
He said he was excited to continue his pursuit of an NBL championship with the Phoenix.
“I’m really excited to get back to Melbourne and start preparing for the NBL season,” he told the club’s website.
“The Phoenix has been really supportive of me the past few months, I couldn’t have asked for more, and I’m more than going to repay the favour.
“I did everything humanly possible to make my NBA dream come true and have no regrets.
“From the second I get out of bed until after I go to bed, I make sure I leave impressions on everyone. Knowing all that I can live with the results.”
Phoenix general manager Tommy Greer said Creek was ‘one of the best Australian players outside of the NBA’.