NBL news 2024: South East Melbourne secure head replacement

Despite winning their first game of the season under interim coach Sam Mackinnon this round, the Phoenix have secured their replacement for sacked coach Mike Kelly, poaching Josh King from the Turkish league.

South East Melbourne has appointed a relative unknown to Australian shores in American Josh King.

King, 39, was contracted in Turkey with Darussafaka, but leaves the club to replace Mike Kelly at the now 1-5 Phoenix after they broke through against Melbourne United on Sunday under caretaker Sam Mackinnon for their first win of the season.

King moved into coaching after retiring from college basketball in 2008, leading NCAA Division III school Vassar College.

He spent the bulk of his professional coaching career at German club MHP Riesen, where, in 2018-19, he was hired as an assistant, before being promoted to the top job in 2022.

Mackinnon said, post win, he was aware of the situation but confirmed he wanted to be a head coach one day.

“I’m not sure how much I should say but I kind of know what’s going on and all I can control is my next day,” Mackinnon said.

Sam Mackinnon coached the Phoenix to their first win of the season this weekend. Picture: Getty Images

“These guys, they’re listening to me and I love them for that.

“We’re going to go to New Zealand on Thursday and do our best and what will be will be.”

It’s understood Mackinnon and assistants Luke Brennan and Adam Gibson will remain under King, who, in high school was named North Carolina’s Mr Basketball as well as AP Player of the Year.

Goulding constantly flops and cries about it, that sh*t is weak.... Great win for SEM, they earned it, so proud of the effort, way to keep fighting!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/8AOmWc6TMn

— Romie Chaudhari (@RRome44) October 20, 2024

Mackinnon will coach at least two more games, with King not set to arrive until after round 6.

The coaching appointment comes as Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari slammed Melbourne United star Chris Goulding after a series of heated incidents during Sunday’s 93-84 Throwdown win.

“Goulding constantly flops and cries about it, that sh*t is weak.... Great win for SEM, they earned it, so proud of the effort, way to keep fighting,” Chaudhary wrote.

It sets up another chapter in a tense rivalry that has been dominated by United but Phoenix hold the belt after a first win between the two teams since December 2022.

It’s understood King arrives in the Heartland on a multi-year deal.

Originally published as NBL news 2024: South East Melbourne secure head replacement