Sourced NBL
Southeast Melbourne (SEM) have parted ways with Head Coach Mike Kelly, attempting to rebuild and reshape the team that couldn’t.
The news dropped yesterday after the Phoenix ceded their fifth loss, as SEM's General Manager stated in a press conference today that it was a difficult decision to come to.
“I don’t think it’s about losing the playing group; I think it’s about the values and the points of emphasis that Mike was pushing weren’t being fulfilled, we just feel moving forward that we may be able to push this team in another direction,” stated Mitchell.
I can’t imagine anyone would want to willingly leave their position as Head Coach, but Kelly took it on the chin and remained amicable about the decision stating to the NBL that “while it hasn’t worked out the way I would’ve liked, I’m thankful to the players, fans, sponsors and the Phoenix for the opportunity... I truly believe in the playing group and wish them all the best moving forward.”
Kelly has been Head Coach of SEM for 33 games and over the first five matchups in the NBL25 season, the Phoenix went 0-5, most recently falling victim to the Brisbane Bullets giving them their first win. Ouch.
Phoenix have accumulated 429 combined points this season so far which isn’t all that bad, ranking them 7th in points overall. Phoenix forward Matt Hurt is even leading the league in points averaging 22 ppg alongside Perth’s Bryce Cotton. The talent is there, they just haven’t been able to convert their losses.
I don’t think all blame should fall onto Coach Kelly. A team or an organisation is a delicate system that needs all parts working, and I understand that the Head Coach is one of the more integral pieces to that system; but there are many key components in creating success. The players are just as much responsible for their early downfall.
“Everyone’s got to shoulder a little burden and responsibility. We have some players who are down on form at the moment,” stated GM Mitchell.
Indeed they do. Nathan Sobey, one of their primary scorers is shooting at 34% from the field and 27% from three and is averaging almost 3 turnovers per game. Yikes.
Only Matt Hurt is putting up reasonable numbers with 57% shooting from the field and averaging 7 boards per game. The team's reliance on Matt Hurt is ironically hurting them.
SEM now need to shift into gear rather than continue to point the blame. The rising trend of ‘bucking the coach if all goes wrong’ has been successful in the past, but not always. I don’t doubt that Kelly would’ve found his groove eventually, but it was time to move forward.
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
GM Mitchell says they want to take their time with the decision process but also be prompt. Very specific.
“We’ve got to find that sweet spot where we get the right person to lead this team into the future,” said Mitchell.
“We will scour the planet and domestically to find candidates that we think can lead this team forward."
Assistant Coach Sam Mackinnon is stepping in as interim Head Coach and has the chance to prove himself in this new role as he is also being considered for the position.
Ex NBL player, Pete Hooley shared his opinion via the NBL NOW podcast stating that former Sydney Kings coach, Chase Buford could be a potential candidate. He’s an experienced coach who saw two championships during his reign in Sydney. But again, the looming question overall, as stated by Hooley, is can the new coach work with the current SEM roster.
“Whatever coach you go and get, if they don’t think they’ve got the right pieces to work with, you’re setting them up for failure in the future anyways,” said Hooley.
I love an underdog story, so I’m looking forward to seeing the Phoenix rise from the ashes with a new Head Coach who will give them the push they need and start seeing some dubs.
SEM still have 23 games left in the season, and as Mitchell compared their situation to that of Illawarra's last year who also went 0-5 to start the season yet still make semis; not all hope is lost.
SEM Phoenix go head-to-head against Melbourne United this Sunday afternoon for their first game without Coach Kelly and hopefully their first win under their belt.
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