Broekhoff Warns of Growing Pains

Returning South East Melbourne wing Ryan Broekhoff has warned that key players coming back from injury won’t necessarily result in a quick fix for the Phoenix. 

Broekhoff (hamstring), along with import Trey Kell (rib) and centre Zhou Qi are all expected to play for the first time this season on Saturday night. 

The Phoenix have experienced extensive injury problems so far this season. Co-captain Mitch Creek was sidelined for much of the pre-season, while Gary Browne is still on the comeback trail from a knee injury.

After beginning the campaign with a tight win over the JackJumpers, they enter this weekend's clash against New Zealand off the back of two straight losses.

“Hopefully it doesn’t take too long to gel,” Broekhoff told RSN. “There’ll be some growing pains of course, but we’re really good at communicating and talking through things. Hopefully that allows us to adjust quickly.

“It’ll take a little bit of time, but we’ve got such an experienced group, especially the guys who’ve been out have played for a long-time and played together for a little while.

“Some mistakes we can easily fix and address, and hopefully with some bodies coming back – some experienced guys coming back – we can take care of those.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don&#39;t miss the return of ???? ??, ???? ????????? and ???? ???? this Saturday night against the Breakers! ?<br><br>? Get Your Tickets ??? ?? <a href="https://t.co/RLWq21xE2m">https://t.co/RLWq21xE2m</a> <a href="https://t.co/BYlcMN5zYn">pic.twitter.com/BYlcMN5zYn</a></p>&mdash; South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1580099871368806400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Since arriving at South East Melbourne, Broekhoff’s NBA experience and veteran nous have turned him into a key player for the side. It’s no coincidence his season-ending shoulder injury last season coincided with the Phoenix’s downturn in form.

Having been unable to play so far this season due to a hamstring injury, he says he’s keen to put his injury frustrations behind him.

“It’s frustrating sitting on the sidelines, being close but not quite ready. With soft tissue injuries you have to be a little bit smarter as you get older like I am,” the 32-year-old said.

“I’ve done everything I can, and the physios and medical staff have done a great job bringing me along slowly and not having any setbacks so I don’t have to sit out any longer.

“It’s coming along really well, as long as there’s no setbacks today I’ll be suiting up tomorrow …  I’m feeling really fresh and I’m looking forward to the game.”

The Phoenix take on the New Zealand Breakers on Saturday night at John Cain Arena.