The South East Melbourne Phoenix have signed former Perth Wildcats import Devondrick Walker as a replacement for centre Keith Benson who was released from the team at the start of January.
“I’m excited to join the Phoenix; it’s a new club with a healthy aspiration of getting to the top of the playoffs. Every game matters at this point so it’s an exciting time of year for the club, and I’m honoured to be a part of it,” Walker said.
Although Walker is familiar with both the Australia and the NBL having been a part of the Perth Wildcats in 2017 he has never played an NBL game due to a fractured foot injury sustained at training during the NBL pre-season.
“It seems a bit surreal after missing the opportunity to play for Perth a few seasons ago till now playing my first NBL game against Perth. We all know the NBL is a great environment, so I’m excited to see and enjoy the moment,” he said.
At the time doctors, the Wildcats and Devondrick decided to take a non-surgical approach to repairing the injury. As a result, Walker was able to sign a deal with Enel Brindisi in prior to the end of their season in Italy’s premier basketball league, the Lega A (where former teammate Angus Brandt now plays).
He went on to average 11 points and 3 rebounds in 7 games.
Devondrick Walker also impressed NBA scouts while playing for the Utah Jazz in the Las Vegas Summer League in 2017 alongside Phoenix captain Mitch Creek during his NBA stint.
Walker originally came to Australia to play alongside his friend Bryce Cotton who hot chance to win his second NBL MVP this season for the Wildcats.
“We spent our rookie year together with the Austin Spurs in the D-League. The fireworks we had then in terms of our on-court chemistry was really good.”
Players must play seven NBL games to qualify for the NBL finals and the Phoenix only have eight remaining for the season.
“Missing the opportunity to play in the NBL has always bothered me, so being able to come back and play is something I always wanted to do. And of course, who doesn’t like the beach in January,” Walker said.
Although the Phoenix already lead the NBL in three point percentage, the addition of Walker will no doubt see that increase with the 6’5″ guard known as a prolific shooter, showing he showed off in the 2017 NBA D-League Showcase hitting all 12 of his shots from beyond the arc.
Walker had been playing for Chorale Roanne Basket of the French LNB Pro A before the opportunity to return to Australia arose. He was averaging 9 points and 1 rebound per game while shooting 47% from the three-point line.
Walker arrives in Australia this week and the Phoenix hope to suit him up for Friday’s game against the Perth Wildcats.
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.
