REPORT: Phoenix plan to release import

The South East Melbourne Phoenix are reportedly set to release one of their imports on the eve of the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, Josh King’s Phoenix are planning to release Vrenz Bleijenbergh from his one-year contract.

Belgium forward Bleijenbergh, who signed with the Heartland club in July, played in the club’s two recent Perth Wildcats International Series fixtures against the Ryukyu Golden Kings and Sunrockers Shibuya, averaging 5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest, as well as at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz.

“I’m all good with SEM, they kept it all professional," said Bleijenbergh in an interview with CODE Sports.

“I loved being here, loved the club and I do like the city a lot.

"No bad blood at all, just an unfortunate situation.”

The Phoenix, who are reportedly now on the lookout for a third import to complement John Brown III and Hunter Maldonado, open their NBL26 season on Saturday against Cairns at John Cain Arena from 5.30pm AEST, live on ESPN.

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