NBL 2025: Mitch Creek, Phoenix, part ways in seismic shift for Australia’s top basketball league, speaks about departure
South East Melbourne’s greatest player Mitch Creek has split with the Phoenix saying that it is time to explore more opportunities and ‘push the limit of what he can do.’ He spoke to MICHAEL RANDALL in his only interview.
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After a period of soul searching in China, Mitch Creek’s path became crystal clear.
The star forward had become a household name in Aussie basketball circles, having spent five years embedded with South East Melbourne as the face of the expansion NBL franchise.
But, now 32 and realistically closer to the end than the beginning of his on-court career, Creek’s stint in the unique northwest province of Xinjiang left him coveting broader horizons in foreign lands.
“Playing in the NBL again was always something that I wanted to do but, for me, I think I’ve been in Australia long enough,” Creek told Code Sports in his first interview since he departed the Phoenix.
“It’s about time I really went overseas and push the limit of what I can be doing.”
South East Melbourne’s greatest player split with the Phoenix was confirmed earlier on Thursday, in a seismic shift for a club which had, until now, enjoyed a stunning off-season roster rebuild.
Not three months ago, fan favourite Mitch Creek told Code Sports there was a possibility he could leave the Heartland with a season to run on his contract.
Now, the last remaining player from South East Melbourne’s debut 2019-20 season won’t wear Phoenix colours in NBL25, both club and star, this week, agreeing to part ways.
After a season carrying a heavy burden for an injury-riddled squad that finished on the bottom of the NBL ladder, the 32-year-old has hopped the globe with stops in China, Puerto Rico and Canada, and decided the time was right for a fresh start.
“China was a great place. I love the culture. I love the people, the food, really just the quiet of it all, to be honest, a slower pace — No distractions.
“It’s just about doing the work and working on yourself. It’s a really great place to be.”
He admits it was a “tough conversation” with South East Melbourne, but he said he was met with understanding and support, as he’d experienced throughout his time with the Phoenix.
“The club was and has always been supportive of me pursuing the best outcome for my life in basketball,” he said.
“They understood, but it certainly was a hard conversation to have as they’ve been so amazing to me over the past five years and I can’t thank them enough for all their support.”
It is in Xinjiang with the Flying Tigers Creek would like to be, although his agency Mogul Sports is in talks with several clubs in China and overseas, with no shortage of interest in a player who, in the NBL’s 40-minute era, has scored the fourth most points (4779), grabbed the fourth most rebounds (1756), handed out the 10th most assists (703) and pinched the seventh most steals (297).
Creek’s found a respectful recognition across the Asian nation, built organically through playing alongside giant Chinese national team centre Zhou Qi, who had two stints with the Phoenix, and is conscious of setting himself up for when he eventually bounces a ball in anger for the last time.
“When you play in China, everything else kind of elevates, so I’m trying to take advantage of that experience,” he said.
“Understanding that I’ve got a bit of a brand over there from my time with Zhou Qi and then just creating a good culture with Xinjiang Flying Tigers and then opening that door a little bit wider.
“Hopefully that’s where we want to try and end up but for me, right now, with time ahead, kind of closing down on my career I want to try to have new experiences but also make sure that I’m maximising every dollar I can earn.”
The very biggest contracts in the NBL hit around $1 million, which is chump change compared to what an import can earn in the Chinese Basketball Association — tax free — and why players like Creek make business decisions to make the most out of their abilities as they possibly can.
Creek is the South East Melbourne Phoenix’s all-time leader in nearly every major statistical category — points, rebounds, assists, steals, three-point makes, free throw makes — and, while he lamented never getting over the hump for an NBL championship, he did lead the club within a win of the 2021 semi finals, falling to eventual champion and arch rival Melbourne United.
The ferocious 2021 slam dunk over Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova immediately went viral as one of the most-watched highlights in NBL history.
It is a big hole to fill.
How will Phoenix cope without Creek
Under now Phoenix basketball boss Simon Mitchell — who coached Creek through the club’s first four seasons — the franchise has brought in a bevy of talented new faces for NBL25.
Sydney championship trio Derrick Walton Jr, Angus Glover and Jordan Hunter and Tokyo bronze medal Boomer Nathan Sobey were, this month, joined by highly-rated former NBA forward Joe Wieskamp and Trinidadian teen Next Star Malique Lewis.
It’s a nucleus that, even without Creek, gives the club plenty to work with, as Mitchell and coach Mike Kelly scour NBA Summer League for what is now two players — an import and a local — to fill out their roster.
The journey from Horsham to NBL star
A foundation Heartland star, Horsham-born Creek was among the expansion franchise’s first signings after splitting eight seasons at Adelaide 36ers with achieving his NBA dream in 2019 with Brooklyn and Minnesota.
He quickly became the face of the Phoenix, cherished among fans for his commitment to the club and to them as a warrior who played injured and always had time for selfies, signing autographs and conversation.
“There is something truly special about the Phoenix fans,” Creek said.
He has used his platform to champion many social causes, including the NBL’s Pride Round.
Not fans, family
He holds a special place in the hearts of the Phoenix faithful.
And the feeling is mutual, with Creek, who views the club’s supporters as “family”.
“I’ve watched so many young boys and girls grow up, I’ve learnt their stories, joined them in the celebrations and in the sorrows,” he said.
“The memories that mean the most are the ones that happen pre and post game.
“The small conversations with volunteers, the excitement on young faces as you give away your game shoes and take photos with the next generation.
“Being told to hurry off the court as security is getting told off but they hold out a little longer to make sure everyone gets the same treatment.
“That’s what I’ll miss most.”
There are plenty of Phoenix fans feeling a little mournful after news of Creek’s departure, but he insists there’s no need to despair, leaving the door open for a return to the NBL, one day.
“It’s a choice to play overseas — I’m not dying or retiring, just yet.“
The Green and Gold
After a 2018-19 stint in the NBA, Creek’s decision to return to the NBL was, at least in part, motivated by a desire to fight his way into Boomers calculations.
Despite MVP-level seasons, that hasn’t eventuated, and, while he admits he’ll never give up on the dream of wearing the green and gold again, he’ll cheer as the Boomers head to the Olympics with designs on shocking the world.
“I’ll always continue to put my hand up for the national team and if it ever works out to be in my favour then great. If not, then that’s okay, too,” Creek said.
“I think the team they’ve put out there is a great team and I think Goorj can push them to another medal run.
“We’ve seen with the lead up games they’ve done a great job of competing, I thought they did a great job against the USA and Serbia, so it’s going to be exciting to see what they can do in Paris.”
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Originally published as NBL 2025: Mitch Creek, Phoenix, part ways in seismic shift for Australia’s top basketball league, speaks about departure
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