Tears, but Erin leaves basketball with no regrets

SOUTH Australian basketball great Erin Phillips has made one of her most emotional decisions by calling time on her decorated basketball career to focus on the AFLW.

Erin Phillips at West Lakes on Tuesday. She has retired from basketball because she found it impossible to juggle football with her first love, Aussie rules. Picture: AAP Image/DEAN MARTIN

SOUTH Australian basketball great Erin Phillips has made one of her most emotional decisions by calling time on her decorated basketball career to become a one-sport athlete.

Phillips, 32, made the call after speaking to Opals coach Sandy Brondello and realising she would have no chance of combining the preparations to make the Commonwealth Games team while playing for the Crows in the AFLW and tending to a young family.

Erin Phillips in action for the Australian Opals against Belarus at the basketball world championships.

Erin Phillips during the 2017 AFLW Grand Final against the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

She said there were tears — and that it wasn’t the ideal way to leave the game — but will look back at her long and distinguished time in the sport with fond memories.

“It (the decision) has been while going but I kind of left the door open for the Commonwealth Games and try to work out how I could juggle the AFLW, playing for Australia and even being a parent as well,” Phillips said.

“Probably in the back of my mind I knew it was just a slim chance but now it’s pretty clear so I’m really comfortable with the decision.

“I’m happy with what I’ve achieved in my basketball career and now looking forward to just focusing on AFLW. It was really emotional (making the decision).

“Throughout my career it has been one thing to another and you don’t really stop to reflect too much on what you do. It was a good moment to look back ... it’s overwhelming.

“I would’ve loved to finish on better note, on home soil in front of family, but not everyone gets to end it how they wish.”

Erin Phillips with her wife Tracy Gahan and children Brooklyn and Blake. She will split her time between Adelaide and Dallas.

Phillips will remain in basketball in a coaching capacity, having accepted a full-time assistant gig with her last club, the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.

She was hopeful of combining her two sports — even though only one as a player — for years to come.

“I’ve got my first-full time gig in a professional environment (in Dallas) is amazing and I’m really looking forward to that.

“It gives me an opportunity to go back to Dallas where (wife) Tracy is from and then come back here and come back and play for the Crows. I really love the two because I can switch off from footy in the off-season and completely focus on something else. If I can keep managing it like that I will.”

ERIN PHILLIPS BASKETBALL CAREER

Age: 32

Height: 173cm

Position: guard

TEAMS

2002—2008 Adelaide Lightning

2006 Connecticut Sun

2008—2009 Electra Ramat Hasharon

2008—2009 Connecticut Sun

2009—2010 Lotos Gdynia

2010—2013 TS Wisła Can-Pack Kraków

2011—2013 Indiana Fever

2014 Phoenix Mercury

2015 Los Angeles Sparks

2016 Dallas Wings

ACHIEVEMENTS

Dual WNBA champion (2012, 2014)

Olympic Games silver medal (2008)

World championship gold medal (2006)

World championship bronze medal (2014)

WNBL champion (2008)