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Brandon Ashley set to join South East Melbourne Phoenix

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have secured their second import, gaining the services of former New Zealand Breakers big man Brandon Ashley.

The Phoenix are currently with one import, star guard Xavier Mumford after terminating the contract of Pennsylvania-born big man Devin Thomas after “multiple breaches of contract and breaches of the Phoenix code of conduct” last week.

Ashley had an impressive year with the New Zealand Breakers during the 2019-20 season where he averaged 10.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 0.8 blocks where he also joined the team mid-season after they released import Chris Obekpa.

Ashley parted ways with Italian based club Fortitudo Bologna this week after putting up 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. The Phoenix were incredibly fortunate to gain the big man’s signature after multiple teams had offered Ashley contracts, including big-name Euroleague club Pallacanestro Varese.

The 27-year-old played college basketball with Arizona and has had multiple stints in the NBA summer league with Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. Ashley spent last season playing for the G-League Ignite, a developmental basketball team affiliated with the NBA G League which provides an alternative to college basketball. The team includes a mixture of future NBA draftees and senior players who have a dual role of playing for the team as well as helping develop the future NBA talent. Adelaide 36ers centre Kai Sotto was a part of the program last year.

Ashley’s 222 cm wingspan makes him a solid defensive rebounding presence and offers some potential for Phoenix to play super small with Ashley at the five spot. Ashley provides incredible versatility to the Phoenix, allowing him to log minutes at either the four, playing alongside Zhou Qi or Dane Pineau or at centre with Mitch Creek and Ryan Broekhoff moving into the frontcourt.

Ashley is expected to join the team in two to three weeks after completing COVID-19 requirements.

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