Boomers Eye Asia Cup Threepeat as Caporn Warns of Asian Threats
August 2, 2025
Owen Foxwell
- Nationality: AUS
- Date of Birth: 17/08/03
- Place of Birth: Bulleen (VIC)
- Position: GRD
- Height (CM): 188
- Weight (KG): 81
- Junior Assoc: VIC - Bulleen
- College:
- NBL DEBUT: 5/02/22
- AGE AT DEBUT: 18
- LAST NBL GAME: 8/02/25
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 21
- NBL History: South East Melbourne 2022-26
- Championships: 0
- None
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.
FAMILY: Owen’s brothers Austin and Joel Foxwell also both played in the NBL
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
Recognising 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.”
2024/25
The Phoenix entered NBL25 in rebuild mode after finishing bottom of the ladder the year prior. Franchise star Mitch Creek, the team’s all-time leading scorer, departed for Turkey, and import big man Alan Williams was released despite averaging a double-double in NBL24. Other exits included Rhys Vague (to Tokyo), Reuben Te Rangi and Gorjok Gak (both to Tasmania).
To address the mass turnover, South East Melbourne recruited heavily. They signed veteran guard Nathan Sobey (via Brisbane), championship-winning duo Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover (via Sydney), and a new import trio of Derrick Walton Jr., Joe Wieskamp, and Matt Hurt. Malique Lewis was added through the Next Star program.
Head coach Mike Kelly was retained for a second season despite the prior year’s results with the goal of turning things around. The season began disastrously however, with the Phoenix slumping to 0–5 following a 2-point loss to Brisbane on October 12. Kelly was promptly dismissed, and assistant Sam Mackinnon stepped in as interim coach. Mackinnon oversaw an immediate 93–84 win over rivals Melbourne United, powered by Jordan Hunter (20 points, 9 rebounds) and Sobey (16 points). He followed up with a 26-point blowout win over the Breakers before a narrow loss to Illawarra. Shortly after, the Phoenix appointed American Josh King as head coach.
King debuted with a gutsy 79–77 road win against Tasmania and then crushed Perth 100–76 in his home opener. His high-tempo, energetic style catalysed a stunning revival—the Phoenix went 16–8 under King, finishing the regular season with a 16–13 record and climbing from 10th to 4th on the ladder. It was the first time a team had ever made the NBL finals in the 40-minute era after starting 0–5. King was named runner-up for NBL Coach of the Year.
South East Melbourne’s resurgence was driven by breakout performances from its revamped core. Matt Hurt (20.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) emerged as the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, delivering back-to-back 30-point outings in January and a 33-point masterclass in Cairns. Nathan Sobey (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists) returned to All-NBL form with seven 20+ point games in nine outings mid-season. Jordan Hunter (10.6 points and 7 rebounds) offered toughness and consistency inside, while Joe Wieskamp (10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds) provided spacing and shooting.
With Derrick Walton Jr. (11.8 points, 4.8 assists) sidelined for large chunks of the year due to dual hamstring strains—including a high-grade tear suffered on a slippery court in Traralgon—South East Melbourne leaned on its depth. Angus Glover (9.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) filled in admirably, and Owen Foxwell (7.9 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 28 games) emerged as a critical piece in the Phoenix’s backcourt. Foxwell delivered a career-high 22 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds in a 103–100 win over Illawarra on November 30, followed by 20 points on perfect 7-of-7 shooting in a loss to Brisbane on December 12. He matched his career high with another 22-point performance against Adelaide on February 2, connecting on five triples in just 12 minutes. Foxwell also added 10 points in South East Melbourne’s must-win Game 2 semi-final victory, highlighting his ability to contribute in high-pressure moments.
The Phoenix qualified for the inaugural NBL Play-In Tournament. After a seeding loss to Perth, they hosted Adelaide in a do-or-die game and fell behind 26–45 at halftime. A furious second-half rally saw them surge to an 85–75 victory behind Matt Hurt (25 points) and Ben Ayre (17 points), securing a spot in the semi-finals for the second time in franchise history.
Game 1 of the semifinals saw South East Melbourne fall 101–94 in Wollongong despite 22 points from Joe Wieskamp and 11 assists from the returning Walton Jr. In Game 2, the Phoenix responded with a 101–94 win at home. Hurt dominated with 30 points, Sobey added 25 points and 8 boards, and Foxwell’s 10 points off the bench proved vital. Game 3 saw the Phoenix bow out in a 126–96 defeat, with Wieskamp’s 25 points not enough to stop Illawarra’s offensive onslaught. The playoff run ended 2–1, but the Phoenix’s transformation from cellar-dwellers to contenders under King was one of the stories of the NBL season.
Owen Foxwell currently plays for the South East Melbourne Phoenix and has played 92 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists since entering the league in 2021.
CURRENT CONTRACT:
South East Melbourne Phoenix – 2 Year Deal (2024-26)
HIGHLIGHTS:
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 22 | South East Melbourne | 16-8 (2) | 19 | 175.9 | 221 | 59 | 79 | 40 | 19 | 23 | 4 | 26 | 46 | 79 | 192 | 41% | 25 | 75 | 33% | 38 | 47 | 81% | 52% | 48% | 20 |
| 2024-25 | 21 | South East Melbourne | 16-13 (4) | 28 | 464.8 | 222 | 46 | 70 | 31 | 15 | 16 | 8 | 17 | 68 | 75 | 148 | 51% | 25 | 54 | 46% | 47 | 62 | 76% | 63% | 59% | 22 |
| 2023-24 | 20 | South East Melbourne | 10-18 (10) | 24 | 263.7 | 103 | 31 | 28 | 8 | 23 | 12 | 1 | 18 | 22 | 34 | 97 | 35% | 10 | 37 | 27% | 25 | 37 | 68% | 45% | 40% | 16 |
| 2022-23 | 19 | South East Melbourne | 15-13 (5) | 17 | 278.2 | 65 | 29 | 22 | 15 | 14 | 21 | 5 | 13 | 30 | 21 | 58 | 36% | 10 | 31 | 32% | 13 | 21 | 62% | 48% | 45% | 13 |
| 2021-22 | 18 | South East Melbourne | 15-13 (6) | 4 | 42.3 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 43% | 1 | 2 | 50% | 1 | 2 | 50% | 50% | 0% | 4 | Totals | 92 | 1225 | 619 | 171 | 201 | 98 | 73 | 73 | 18 | 75 | 173 | 212 | 502 | 42.2% | 71 | 199 | 35.7% | 124 | 169 | 73.4% | 54% | 49% | 22 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 22 | South East Melbourne | 16-8 (2) | 19 | 9.3 | 11.6 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 4.2 | 10.1 | 41% | 1.3 | 3.9 | 33% | 2.0 | 2.5 | 81% | 52% | 48% | 20 |
| 2024-25 | 21 | South East Melbourne | 16-13 (4) | 28 | 16.6 | 7.9 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 5.3 | 51% | 0.9 | 1.9 | 46% | 1.7 | 2.2 | 76% | 63% | 59% | 22 |
| 2023-24 | 20 | South East Melbourne | 10-18 (10) | 24 | 11.0 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 4.0 | 35% | 0.4 | 1.5 | 27% | 1.0 | 1.5 | 68% | 45% | 40% | 16 |
| 2022-23 | 19 | South East Melbourne | 15-13 (5) | 17 | 16.4 | 3.8 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 3.4 | 36% | 0.6 | 1.8 | 32% | 0.8 | 1.2 | 62% | 48% | 45% | 13 |
| 2021-22 | 18 | South East Melbourne | 15-13 (6) | 4 | 10.6 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.8 | 43% | 0.3 | 0.5 | 50% | 0.3 | 0.5 | 50% | 50% | 0% | 4 | Total | 92 | 13.3 | 6.7 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.9 | 2.3 | 5.5 | 42.2% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 35.7% | 0.8 | 2.2 | 73.4% | 54% | 49% | 22 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 22 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- Eltham 2022-24
Played the 2021 season with Eltham in the NBL1 South Division.
In 2022, Foxwell returned to the Eltham Wildcats averaging 15 points and three assists for the season. This included multiple 30-point games and at the end of the season Foxwell was named the NBL1 South Youth Player of the Year.
In his third season with Eltham, Foxwell averaged 18.7 points, 5.1 assists and 1.9 steals.
FIBA EXPERIENCE
In 2025, Owen Foxwell was selected to the Australian Boomers for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, where the team won the gold medal.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- New Zealand - Taranaki (2025)
After the 2024/25 season, Foxwell signed to play with the Taranaki Airs in the NZNBL in 2025. At the time, the team had a strong aussie contingent being owned by NBL legend Chris Anstey, coached by Sam MacKinnon and with Harry Froling also in the lineup.
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