South East Melbourne Phoenix injury replacement Jaye Crockett keen to stay in the NBL

Jaye Crockett was unfortunately cut from the Phoenix roster once import Tai Wesley recovered from injury. But the 28-year-old would strongly consider another NBL opportunity after showing he can match it at the level.

Jaye Crockett wants to lace up the shoes for another NBL club.

Under the NBL injury replacement rules, South East Melbourne Phoenix had no choice but to cut Crockett this week once import Tai Wesley recovered from a serious hamstring injury.

Crockett slotted in seamlessly at Phoenix in Wesley’s absence, averaging 8.8 points and 4.4 rebounds across nine appearances for the green machine.

“If the opportunity comes up (to return to the NBL) for sure,” Crockett said.

“This is one of my favourite leagues to play in so if I had the opportunity to come back I’d definitely consider it.

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“I’d be happy to come back to the NBL.”

Crockett didn’t look out of place in his nine appearances for the Phoenix. Pic: Micheal Klein

Crockett will be courtside for today’s clash with Perth Wildcats cheering on Phoenix from the back of the bench.

Crockett’s tenure ended just as the 28 year-old was starting to find a groove with the team.

“It came quick, I knew December 9th was my last day, but it moved pretty quick,” Crockett said.

“It’s part of the game, I understood the situation coming in, I had hopes that I could extend it, that didn’t happen which is cool because Tai is healthy.

“That’s who they started with and just being an athlete I don’t want to see anyone hurt.

“I was just glad I was part of the beginning of it.”

Crockett plans to spend time with family in New Mexico, as his agents works the phones trying to find a new job.

The forward wants to get another NBL opportunity. Pic: AAP

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Crockett sensationally can’t return to Lebanon, where he was playing before taking on the Phoenix gig, because the league there has collapsed amid economic tension and civil unrest.

“They have some problems with banking because they (teams) use US dollars and their Lebanese pound,” Crockett said.

“The TV company didn’t want to broadcast the games because they were broadcasting the riots whatever, so it was hurting the league and a lot of the sponsors had money in the city people are ruining so they stopped paying the teams – it’s got crazy.”

Originally published as South East Melbourne Phoenix injury replacement Jaye Crockett keen to stay in the NBL