Phoenix land 'missing piece'

Having played for their crosstown rivals for the past three seasons, Tanner Krebs has watched South East Melbourne’s continued improvement from close range.

Now the 30-year-old wing, who’s penned a two-year deal with The Heartland club, believes he can be the piece that gets them over the hump, after back-to-back Playoff exits.

“I think watching from a close distance, I really liked what Josh [King] was all about coaching-wise,” Krebs said to Phoenix Media.

“I liked that he instilled confidence in his players, and you can see that from the results, especially when I look at guys like Angus Glover and the growth he's taken in the last couple of years.

“Nathan Sobey is another one who's obviously a superstar in this league, but he's been able to take his game to the next level. That really excited me.

“Then, the way that I play definitely suits the style that Josh is asking for.

“This club has come really close the last couple of years, has a great core of players, and I believe I'm a piece that can hopefully take us to the next level.”

That fit to Phoenix’s system, Krebs talks about, appears “seamless”, as South East Melbourne’s General Manager of Basketball Operations, Simon Mitchell said.

The wing’s career-best 39.3 per cent from downtown will complement the likes of sharpshooters Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover and Jordi Hunter, who all helped the Phoenix convert a league-best 423 triples during the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season.

“I’m very confident [in my shot], as I’ve put a lot of time and effort into it,” Krebs said.

“There's been a lot of work with my shot over the last three years. A lot of it has to do with my balance and just how quickly I'm able to get my shot off, which has definitely helped my numbers go up statistically.

“[Overall] the more threes we can get up, the better we'll be off, as that's the system that we want to play and Josh wants to roll.

“[In saying that] I'm definitely looking to keep improving that area of my game. I want to earn my spot in this team, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

“As well as my shooting, I’ll bring my good leadership, ability to guard multiple positions, rebounding and pushing the pace.”

After a couple of near misses in the Championship Series with Melbourne United, Krebs, who is excited to get integrated into the club’s system and culture, explained how driven he and the franchise are to achieve the ultimate goal together.

“Every day I think about how close we [United] were [to winning those championships],” he said.

“I talk about legacy a lot, and for me, when it's all said and done, that's what I want. I want to be Tanner Krebs, NBL champion. I want that under my name.

“I'm gonna do whatever it takes to get there, and I know guys in this locker room will do the same.”

The Phoenix also have Owen Foxwell and Ellis Biggar, as well as reported signing Hunter Goodrick, contracted for next season.