In a major announcement, Tommy Greer, the foundation CEO of South East Melbourne Phoenix, has revealed his decision to resign after six successful seasons with the club. Greer, a pivotal figure in the Phoenix’s establishment in 2018, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering its rapid growth within the National Basketball League (NBL).
Interestingly, this announcement follows closely after the recent release of head coach Mike Kelly, marking a significant period of transition for the club. Just three weeks ago, AussieHoopla ran a fan poll asking who the Phoenix would part ways with first, following their disappointing 0–5 start to the season. Over 55% of voters predicted Kelly would be the first to go, which has since come to pass. Greer, who also received 12% of the votes, stepping down now adds weight to the predictions of significant change at the club.
0-5 … who do the Phoenix say goodbye to first?
— AussieHoopla (@aussiehoopla) October 12, 2024
At the end of NBL24, Greer penned an open letter to fans, committing to a thorough review process, adjusting recruiting strategies, conducting more rigorous medical checks, and revamping the structure of the performance department to minimize the risk of lost games due to injuries and ensure the team was better prepared for success in the upcoming season. However, eight games into the new season, with the Phoenix sitting at a 2-6 record, it appears those efforts fell short, as the team continues to struggle with both form and injuries, raising questions about the effectiveness of the planned improvements.
Greer’s leadership saw the club make an immediate impact, not only in the NBL but also in the broader basketball community. Over the next few months, he will remain in his current role, working closely with the club’s ownership to ensure a smooth transition as they search for his successor. Post-transition, Greer will continue to provide strategic guidance in an advisory role through June 30, 2025.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the trust Romie Chaudhari and the ownership group placed in me to build a club from the ground up. The passion of our supporters has made my time here truly special.” Greer said, reflecting on his tenure.
Phoenix Managing Owner Romie Chaudhari acknowledged Greer’s profound impact on the club, praising his vision and dedication.
“Tommy’s work has been instrumental in making Phoenix one of the fastest-growing clubs in the NBL. His legacy will be felt for years to come, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.” said Chaudhari.
During Greer’s tenure, he oversaw successful moments, such as the club achieving its highest average attendance in five years, with a remarkable 37% growth in NBL24. The Phoenix signed marquee Australian talents like Mitch Creek and Ryan Broekhoff, as well as international sensation Zhou Qi, further boosting the club’s profile.
The team also saw full houses at key fixtures, including John Cain Arena, and sold out every game at the State Basketball Centre and Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium. Additionally, the club surpassed its membership target of 4,000 by round one, finishing with nearly 4,500 members. Under Greer’s leadership, the Phoenix transitioned into the newly upgraded $132 million State Basketball Centre, solidifying their place in the heartland of Australian basketball.
As a former player with the Melbourne Tigers from 2005 to 2014, Greer’s deep connection to the sport saw him win two NBL championships in 2006 and 2008 before transitioning into his influential administrative role with the Phoenix. His contributions to the growth of basketball in Australia, particularly in Melbourne’s southeast, have left a lasting imprint on the sport. The recent changes at the Phoenix highlight a crucial phase in the club’s journey as they navigate a new era of leadership and direction.
Which Aussies in college are most likely to become future NBL players? These ten stand out for their production, professional experience and the roles they could earn in the league. The focus is their prospects of securing an NBL contract after college or later in their careers. The full Australian men's Division I player list follows below. 1. Ben Henshall — Ole Miss Henshall brings three seasons of Perth Wildcats experience to Ole Miss, including a final NBL season in 2025–26 averaging 8.9 points, 3.5…
READ MOREGold Coast councillors have backed further work on an NBL expansion proposal, raising the possibility of a new team entering the competition in 2027/28. The proposed Gold Coast franchise is expected to revive the Blaze name, with Mayor Tom Tate indicating its identity has already been decided. “They’ve already got a name but I can’t tell ya.”Tom Tate Tate has been a leading supporter of the expansion bid and was part of the original Blaze ownership group formed in 2006 alongside David Claxton and Owen…
READ MOREImagine working in a warehouse where employees repeatedly slip on the same section of flooring. Management knows about it, workers have complained, and someone has already suffered a serious injury. Under Australian workplace safety laws, employers are expected to investigate and manage foreseeable risks, not simply rely on an industry safety certificate. A business found to be in breach of safety obligations could face a WorkSafe improvement notice requiring the hazard to be fixed. A serious breach could lead to prosecution, with companies in Victoria…
READ MOREBrisbane Bullets forward Harry Rouhliadeff joins the Aussie Hoopla podcast to discuss his journey from growing up a Bullets fan to captaining the University of Hawai‘i at March Madness, before returning home to begin his professional basketball career. Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms. Host Dan Boyce chats with Harry about his first NBL start, the faith new coach Will Weaver has shown in him, and the challenges facing the Brisbane Bullets as they look to turn their fortunes around. Having grown…
READ MOREOver the past three NBL seasons, clubs have spent almost $97 million assembling their rosters, but how much of that money has translated into wins, and which teams have delivered the best value for money? These figures represent cash spend, not salary cap spend. Cash spending includes player salaries and additional costs such as agent fees, bonuses, import related expenses and luxury tax, rather than simply the amounts counted against the league's salary cap. How much have NBL teams spent over the past three seasons?…
READ MORELarry Bird believed players began tuning out coaches after three years. Pat Riley reportedly put the limit at five, while Steve Kerr admitted his Golden State players were tired of hearing him in his fourth season. Now Justin Tatum is in his fourth season with Illawarra, and the Hawks have gone from NBL champions to the bottom of the ladder. Could they be experiencing the same problem? Justin Tatum transformed Illawarra from one of the NBL's worst teams into champions. But ahead of today's clash…
READ MOREIn 2002, the Melbourne Tigers were fighting for survival when they identified an opportunity to attract supporters from their biggest rivals. Their plan to honour Brian Goorjian was blocked by the Victoria Giants, potentially changing the course of Melbourne basketball history. In 2002, the Melbourne Tigers devised a plan that could have changed the future of their club. The Tigers were emerging from financial administration, crowds were falling and the club had been forced to abandon its home at Vodafone Arena, now known as John…
READ MOREA new funding proposal, a crucial November meeting and renewed interest from the NBL could finally provide a pathway for professional basketball to return to the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast's long-running push to return to the NBL has reached another critical stage, with Mayor Tom Tate preparing to meet Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie in November to discuss the future of the proposed $1 billion Gold Coast Arena. After years of negotiations, changing timelines and funding setbacks, the city's hopes of securing an NBL…
READ MOREHAVE A TAKE ON THE GAME?
Love Australian basketball? Have a story to tell or an opinion worth sharing? We're keen to hear from passionate basketball fans, writers and aspiring journalists. Pitch your idea and be part of the Aussie Hoopla writing team.