The South East Melbourne Phoenix are poised to name American Josh King as their new head coach, sources told ESPN. The move comes after the Phoenix endured a dismal 0-5 start to the 2024-25 NBL season, resulting in the firing of former head coach Mike Kelly.
According to insiders close to the situation, King has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Phoenix, signaling the franchise’s commitment to long-term stability and success under his leadership. The 39-year-old coach brings a wealth of international experience, having recently served as the head coach of Darüşşafaka in the Turkish Basketball Super League.
A Fresh Start for the Phoenix
The Phoenix’s decision to part ways with Mike Kelly after just five games into the season underscores the urgency for change within the organization. The team’s winless start, coupled with mounting pressure from fans and stakeholders, necessitated swift action.
Enter Josh King, a rising star in the coaching world who has honed his skills in various leagues across Europe. His most recent stint with Darüşşafaka, albeit brief, showcased his ability to lead a team in a highly competitive environment.
From Interim to Long-Term Solution
In the wake of Kelly’s dismissal, Sam Mackinnon stepped in as interim head coach, guiding the Phoenix to their first win of the season against Melbourne United. However, sources indicate that Mackinnon’s tenure will be short-lived, as the team is eager to install King as the permanent solution.
“Josh King’s appointment is a statement of intent from the Phoenix,” a close source revealed. “They believe he has the vision, the experience, and the leadership qualities to turn this ship around and build a winning culture.”
– Close source
A Proven Track Record
King’s coaching journey began in the college ranks, where he served as an assistant for several prestigious programs, including UMass Lowell, Marshall University, and the University of New Hampshire. His success at the collegiate level caught the attention of international teams, leading to his first head coaching opportunity with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in the German Basketball Bundesliga.
During his time in Germany, King demonstrated his ability to develop young talent and implement effective game strategies. His team’s performance caught the eye of Darüşşafaka, who brought him on board to lead their squad in the Turkish Basketball Super League.
The Road Ahead
As King prepares to take the reins in South East Melbourne, he faces the daunting task of turning around a team that has struggled to find its footing. The Phoenix’s roster boasts talented players, but they have yet to gel as a cohesive unit on the court.
- King’s first priority will be to instill a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
- He will need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each player and devise a system that maximizes their potential.
- Off-court, King must foster a culture of accountability, hard work, and resilience.
The Phoenix faithful are eager to see how King’s leadership will translate to on-court success. With a multi-year deal in place, he will have the time and resources to implement his vision and build a sustainable winning program.
A New Era Begins
As the South East Melbourne Phoenix embark on this new chapter, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely. The appointment of Josh King as head coach marks a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history, one that could define their trajectory for years to come.
With King at the helm, the Phoenix have the opportunity to rise from the ashes of their disappointing start and soar to new heights in the NBL. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with the right leader in place, anything is possible.
The basketball world eagerly awaits the impact Josh King will have on the South East Melbourne Phoenix. Will he be the catalyst for change that the franchise so desperately needs? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: a new era has begun in South East Melbourne, and the future looks brighter than ever.
