Pelican Poole excited to "make NBA history"

The historical significance of the NBAxNBL Melbourne Series hasn't been lost on New Orleans Pelicans star Jordan Poole.

During a media scrum following Thursday's open training session at Rod Laver Arena, ahead of the Pelicans' matches with Melbourne (Friday) and South East Melbourne (Sunday) at Rod Laver Arena, the 2022 NBA champion said he's making the most of every moment he has in Australia.

"This is my first time being in Australia and getting the chance to play in front of their amazing fans," 26-year-old Poole said.

"It's [special] to make NBA history, in being the first team to come down here.

"I've being trying to embrace the whole experience, while enjoying it and having fun."

In terms of the games themselves, Poole, who said it's a dream come true to see so many 'Poole' and 'Pelicans' jerseys on the other side of the world, stated his New Orleans outfit won't be taking a backwards step on either Friday or Sunday.

"I'm excited to play ball anywhere and this is no different," Poole said.

"We're obviously going to give them [Melbourne and South East Melbourne] the respect they deserve, as we know they're going to come out with some fire, which I'm confident we will match.

"It's always good to play people from other parts of the world, who have the same interests and love."

The Michigan alum, who averaged 20.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3 rebounds per game last season with Washington, went on to say he's grown to appreciate both the NBL and the Australian hoops thanks to former Wizards teammates Xavier Cooks, now with the Sydney Kings, and Alexander Sarr, formerly with the Perth Wildcats.

"I’ve been keeping my eyes on the NBL, and they’ve been growing," Poole said during an interview with CODE Sports.

"They [Australians] play so hard, and they play the game the right way, very much team-oriented, very much winning, very much sacrificing for each other, which is obviously the way that you want to play the game.

"[I'm a] big fan of the guys that you that Australia has been producing."

>> CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS

Here’s how you can watch the NBAxNBL games:

New Orleans Pelicans vs Melbourne United
Friday, October 3, 2025 – 7.30pm AEST
How to watch: Live on Amazon Prime Video, 10 Drama and NBA League Pass

New Orleans Pelicans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – 2pm AEDT
How to watch: Live on Amazon Prime Video, 10 and NBA League Pass

Events to come:

- NBAxNBL Fan Zone (Bounce Nation) - Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5 at Rod Laver Arena.
- NBAxNBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6pm AEST: A showcase event with player performances, basketball challenges, live entertainment and more.
- Southern Tip-Off Louisiana Luncheon – Sunday, October 5, 2pm AEDT: An exclusive lunch at Centrepiece, while listening to two-time NBA Champion and ten-time All-Star Ray Allen, 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett, six-time NBL MVP Andrew Gaze, and Olympic silver medallist Michele Timms.

>> CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS

‍Read the full story here >> $193m NBA star’s one demand for historic Australian tour