Phoenix recruit Jaye Crockett fired up for NBL debut
Tai Wesley’s injury replacement Jaye Crockett will step straight into the South East Melbourne Phoenix line-up just 72 hours after arriving from Lebanon and says he’s ready to fire.
Basketball
Don't miss out on the headlines from Basketball. Followed categories will be added to My News.
South East Melbourne Phoenix recruit Jaye Crockett can’t wait to get into the Melbourne Arena “Firepit”.
The American, 28, will make his debut there on Saturday night against Illawarra Hawks less than 72 hours after arriving from Lebanon.
He is an injury replacement for Phoenix import Tai Wesley.
“I’m glad I get put right into the fire because I was already in season in Lebanon, so I’m glad I get to come over here and get into the games,” Crockett said.
“I just want to be a guy that brings energy and gets some of the garbage buckets, hits some open shots if I need to, get some dunks, use my athleticism.”
Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial >
Crockett played college basketball with Phoenix star John Roberson at Texas Tech.
While Crockett has not joined a team previously as an injury replacement, the versatile big man is under no illusion of the role he needs to play.
“We got a lot of shooters that spread the floor so I’m sure that I’ll be able to slash and get into the paint and get some easy buckets for the guys,” Crockett said.
“The main thing is just to bring some energy and do the things other people don’t want to do.”
Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell expects Crockett to adapt to the NBL quickly.
“He’s such a blue collar worker, he works so hard at both ends of the floor he’s the kind of guy that probably fits into most situations,” Mitchell said.
“It’s a certain type of person that we allow into our club and we made sure that he was that kind of guy before we signed him, we weren’t going to sign the first player that came along.”
Crockett arrived in Melbourne on his birthday direct from Lebanon.
The 201cm New York State export played professional basketball in France, Italy and Switzerland previously.
“He’s a wonderful bloke,” Mitchell said.
“He came in on his birthday so got a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ before anyone had the chance to introduce themselves. He’s going to be fine.”
While grateful for the greeting, Crockett is glad he walked into a basketball team and not a singing group.
“I think everybody gets a zero from me,” Crockett said.
“They’re pretty equal as far as who’s the worst (singer), there was no professional singers in there.”
Originally published as Phoenix recruit Jaye Crockett fired up for NBL debut