NICKNAME/S: Foxy

BIO: Owen Foxwell was born in Bulleen (VIC) and played junior basketball with the Bulleen Boomers since under 14’s. Foxwell spent time with various clubs in the lead-up to his NBL career, including NBL1’s Eltham Wildcats.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Owen Foxwell made his NBL debut with the South East Melbourne Phoenix at 18 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.

After making their first Finals appearance the previous year, South East Melbourne Phoenix sought to advance further in the NBL22 season. The team started by re-signing head coach Simon Mitchell to a one-year deal, then focused on retaining core local players, including Kyle Adnam, Ryan Broekhoff, Izayah Le’Afa, and star Mitch Creek.

While Keifer Sykes departed for the NBA and Yanni Wetzell joined New Zealand, the Phoenix filled their spots with Tohi Smith-Milner (from Melbourne), Chinese national team player Zhou Qi, and imports Zach Hankins and Xavier Munford. Foxwell initially joined the Phoenix for an open run during the preseason and impressed coach Simon Mitchell enough to earn a development player role, allowing him to keep his college eligibility by waiving his commercial rights for the season.

South East Melbourne started the season strong, winning three of their first four games. However, injuries to Qi and Broekhoff disrupted their momentum, and the Phoenix won just six of their final 14 games, finishing in sixth place (15-13). A highlight of the second half was a dramatic overtime win over Perth (102-100), which ended the Wildcats’ 35-year playoff streak.

Foxwell benefited from the team’s injury issues and COVID-19 protocols, making four game appearances. His debut came during Throwdown XVI in front of Melbourne’s largest crowd of the year, where he immediately made an impact. Commentator Andrew Gaze expressed surprise at Foxwell’s early entry, only to watch him sink a corner three-pointer on his first touch, to which Gaze exclaimed, “well, I guess that’s why he’s in the game.”

🦊 @Owenfoxwell is in the game and on target early 🎯

📺 Tune in on @ESPNAusNZ via @kayosports or @foxtel pic.twitter.com/BEKnFLdHu0

— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) April 7, 2022

2022/23
Foxwell re-signed with South East Melbourne on another one-year development player deal in July 2022. Averaging 3.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, he played a more significant role in the team’s rotation as the Phoenix finished fifth with a 15-13 record. One of Foxwell’s standout moments came against reigning champions Sydney, where he held his own defensively against Derrick Walton Jr., making key stops that helped the Phoenix secure a thrilling double-overtime victory in front of an enthusiastic Gippsland crowd.

2023/24
Recognizing Foxwell’s growth, South East Melbourne elevated him to the full-time roster, signing him to a two-year contract in March 2023. CEO Tommy Greer praised Foxwell’s development and commitment to the club, highlighting his intensity on defense as a key asset.

“I’ve loved witnessing Owen’s development over the past two seasons, and I’m really excited about his potential in the NBL as he continues to grow his game,” said Greer. “His intensity on the defensive end of the floor is something, as a club, we want to emphasise going into next season. For that reason and others, we are very happy to see him signing on as a fully rostered player for the next two seasons.”

Owen Foxwell currently plays for the South East Melbourne Phoenix and has played 73 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 5.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists since entering the league in 2021.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

South East Melbourne Phoenix – 2 Year Deal (2024-26)

HIGHLIGHTS:

Dan Boyce (827 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.