Phoenix import earns early champion comparisons

Excitement is mounting for the Phoenix's latest roster addition, as new import Skylar Mays draws early comparisons to former Illawarra Hawks star and All-NBL First Teamer Trey Kell III.

"Skylar's a high-level player. I think we're going to get the best version of him and that is an all-league-type of player," Phoenix coach Josh King told CODE Sports. “A player comp would probably be a guy that South East Melbourne’s familiar with in Trey Kell."

Marketplace: Is this the biggest episode of the off-season?

Mays joins the Phoenix following a career that includes over 100 NBA appearances with the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The 28-year-old most recently suited up for KK Budućnost in Montenegro, following multiple seasons in the U.S. and a stint in Turkey.

He has built strong relationships with many Australian players and coaches and says he is arriving in the NBL with a "chip on his shoulder."

"One of my best friends, Duop Reath, played for Illawarra a while back and that was kind of my first time following the NBL," he said.

Ben Simmons, David Patrick (Boomers assistant), and Matisse Thybulle are among those Mays has worked with across an impressive collegiate and professional career.

"When you think about (Australian players) I expect that high, good, cheery vibe ... outside of the excitement around the game, I know Australians love basketball."

Mays says he has high expectations for his first season with the Phoenix.

"I don't think there's any secret... we're looking to get over the hump this year. I'm not going to say championship or bust, but, as far as the conversations that I've had with coach (Josh) King and all the staff, we're here to make things happen," he added.

Mays joins Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Jordan Hunter, Tanner Krebs, Dash Daniels, Akech Aliir, Ellis Biggar, Daniel Foster, Patrick Ryan, Hunter Goodrick, and fellow import D'Shawn Schwartz on Josh King’s roster for the 2026-27 campaign.

The Phoenix now have one local and one import roster spot remaining ahead of the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

Read the full story here >> Skylar Mays, the ex-NBA, All-NBL contender who can take Phoenix to NBL championship glory