NBL 2021: Ryan Broekhoff to make South East Melbourne Phoenix debut against Cairns

UPDATE: Frankston-born NBA star Ryan Broekhoff has passed a medical test and will make his NBL debut for South East Melbourne Phoenix tonight.

Ex-Dallas Mavericks star Ryan Broekhoff will make his debut for the South East Melbourne Phoenix against Cairns on Friday night. Picture: Kiel Egging.

UPDATE: Australian NBA star Ryan Broekhoff is set to suit up for the South East Melbourne Phoenix and make his NBL debut against the Cairns Taipans on Friday night.

According to the Phoenix’s Facebook page, Broekhoff, who arrived in Melbourne this week after two weeks’ quarantine in Sydney, has been cleared to play after speaking to club doctors on Thursday afternoon.

He told Leader on Thursday he was probably more likely to play Sunday’s match against the New Zealand Breakers.

“There’s a chance on Friday, I’m not going to say ‘yes or no’,” he said.
“We’ll talk to the coaches and medical staff this afternoon and make a decision, and if not, I’d say Sunday is a good bet.”

Broekhoff, a Frankston native and former swingman for the Dallas Mavericks, was in Upwey on Thursday as the Phoenix announced a new community programs partnership at the town’s Bendigo Bank branch.

He has signed with the Phoenix for the rest of the NBL season after having his contract waived by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Broekhoff has spent the week getting match-fit after being without a basketball for his two-week quarantine stint in a Sydney hotel with wife Katie and 20-month old son Jackson.

“We could only pack so much in our suitcase and so many toys to keep him (Jackson) occupied … he became my weights and jumped on my shoulders a bit,” Broekhoff said.

“The first couple of days coming out was about getting the touch back, my rhythm and shooting and all that stuff.

“I’m feeling better each day but I’m just trying to work my way through it.”

Broekhoff made a quick trip to a Frankston North retirement village earlier this week to introduce Jackson to his grandma.

In between helping Phoenix’s championship tilt, he wants to visit a few attractions on the Mornington Peninsula and play golf with friends while he’s back in Melbourne.

“I spent most my time at Frankston Basketball Stadium (in my youth), and a lot of my close mates I’m still really close with now grew up there playing basketball,” he said.

“A few of them are teachers and the school holidays are coming up so we’ll have some time to hit some golf balls and catch up.”

Broekhoff will also use his time with the Phoenix to lock down his spot in the Australian Boomers squad for this year’s Tokyo Olympics, as they aim to win their first medal.

“We’re going in with the belief we’re going to win gold, that’s how the group wants to think,” he said.

“That was one of the big reasons I decided to come back, to get back playing good minutes, make sure I’m in the best place possible heading into the Olympic campaign and put my hand up for selection.”