Phoenix Welcome Back Import

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will regain more valuable experience on Thursday night, with the return of import guard Gary Browne.

Browne has missed the opening three rounds due to a medial ligament strain, but joins Ryan Broekhoff, Trey Kell and Zhou Qi in returning to the Phoenix roster over the past fortnight. 

Simon Mitchell's team has fallen to a 1-3 start, and will go in as underdogs when they travel to New Zealand to play the Breakers on Thursday night.

But with reinforcements starting to arrive, can the Phoenix turn things around?

"I am really excited to get Gary back on the floor. He brings amazing speed and ball handling and can create good looks for his teammates in broken plays, which is something we are missing right now," Mitchell told the club's website.

"With Gary, Trey, Rowdy and Zhou all in uniform, we can start to build on the vision we have for this team. We know it’s still going to take some time before the game fitness returns and the chemistry flows, but having everyone on the floor is a start."

Browne will bring added leadership and basketball IQ, having been signed by the Phoenix for his low shot clock finishing and passing ability.

After a delayed start, he's raring to go. 

"I feel good, I had a really good rehab with the team; it was very helpful, not only physically but mentally. I know it’s going to be a long trip being my first game to New Zealand, but I feel it’s a great challenge for me, I’m looking forward to it," Browne said.