French connection: Phoenix lock in third import

The South East Melbourne Phoenix announced on Thursday the signing of French big man Yannis Morin for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season.

The 6'10 Morin brings more than a decade of professional experience to the Phoenix, having played across France, Spain and Japan, as well as spending time in the NBA G League with the Oklahoma City Blue.

Morin's career has included a number of stops in France's top division, including Le Mans, Nanterre 92, Champagne Châlons-Reims and SIG Strasbourg, before joining Chorale Roanne Basket in 2022.

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Phoenix coach Josh King said Morin's experience and versatility would be an important addition to the team's front court for NBL27.

"We are really excited to have someone of Yannis's calibre join our team," Morin said.

"We really prioritise players who are versatile, defend well and can score at different levels - and we have that in him.

"His ability to play both the four and five will give us great flexibility with our squad and that international experience will be invaluable to help our younger players learn and thrive."

The 32-year-old also spent time in Spain with UCAM Murcia, where he averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 10 Liga ACB appearances, before moving to Japan with the Akita Northern Happinets.

Morin most recently played in Japan with the Toyama Grouses, before returning to Spain with Joventut Badalona.

A French junior international, Morin represented his country at both the under-16s and under-18s European Championships and has established himself as an experienced frontcourt presence throughout his career.

Morin is the club's third import and joins Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover, Jordi Hunter, Skylar Mays, D'Shawn Schwartz, Tanner Krebs, Dash Daniels, Hunter Goodrick, Akech Aliir, Ellis Biggar, Daniel Foster and Patrick Ryan on King's NBL27 roster.