“I’m not messing about”: Krebs locked in for NBL27

The rivalry between Throwdown opponents South East Melbourne and Melbourne continues to grow each and every year.

During the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season, there will be another element injected into the rivalry, with sharpshooter Tanner Krebs recently signing a deal with the Phoenix.

This comes after the 30-year-old wing spent three seasons with United, helping them reach two Championship Series.

“I've received a lot of messages of support from Melbourne United fans, as well as Phoenix fans, which I'm incredibly grateful for,” Krebs said on NBL Now.

“[But] if they [United fans] do hate me, that's fine. I'm not going to hold it against them.

“United fans are fantastic, they're so supportive and have been great.

“[As a whole] I'm so grateful for the club taking a chance on me three seasons ago.

“I'll always speak fondly of Melbourne United as a club and as an organisation, because it's a true professional environment.”

During that three-year tenure, United went “devastatingly close” to winning a title in NBL24 and NBL25.

The desire to go one step further and achieve the ultimate team success is one of the many reasons Krebs chose to join the Heartland club.

“[Winning a title is] absolutely driving me, I want one really bad,” he said.

“I know those guys in the Phoenix locker room want the same thing.

“[Similarly], they haven’t been able to get over that hump the past few years, and I hope what I bring on and off the floor can help us get over that hurdle.”

The other reason is how Krebs fits both in Josh King’s system, but also with the franchise’s returning core of Nathan Sobey, Angus Glover and Jordi Hunter.

“First and foremost, it's no secret about the style of play that Josh runs, defend up the floor and shoot a lot of threes, fits my game perfectly,” he said.

“I love the way Josh instils confidence in everyone, and just the way the team goes about their business, aiming to get better each and every day.

“Then the core guys they’ve got, I’ve played with previously, and I believe I can be a seamless fit alongside.

“Especially Sobes (Nathan Sobey), who is one of the best teammates I’ve had. He’s ultra competitive, but also the first guy to celebrate his teammate’s successes.

“Finally, it allows my family and me to stay in Melbourne, a place we’ve built a home and made connections.”

By already being based in Melbourne, Krebs, who is currently playing for Casey in NBL1 South, made his transition easy, as he ramps up preparations for the 2026-27 campaign.

"I signed with the club on Sunday, and I was in [the Phoenix facility] on Monday. I'm not messing about,” he said.

“I’m just going to keep putting in the work, so I’m as ready for NBL27 as I can be.”

Joining Krebs, Sobey, Hunter, and Glover on the Phoenix’s roster next season are Owen Foxwell, Hunter Goodrick, Pat Ryan and Ellis Biggar.