Warrnambool export Nathan Sobey says the lure of returning to family and friends in his home state is ultimately the catalyst for his decision to sign as a free agent with NBL outfit South East Melbourne Phoenix.
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The NBL champion and Olympic bronze medal winner will return to his home state of Victoria next season after signing with the Melbourne-based team.
The Warrnambool-raised guard officially signed with the Phoenix on Monday, April 15, 2024 on a two-year deal after 262 NBL games across a distinguished career with Cairns Taipans, Adelaide 36ers and more recently the Brisbane Bullets.
Sobey told The Standard it was an exciting feeling to get the deal done.
"Now that it's all official, it's nice to just get it out there," he said.
"For me, family and friends is the big thing, we've got two young kids and ones about to start school so having family around is important.
"South East have showed a lot of interest even before I re-signed with Brisbane and when it became a possibility they jumped at the opportunity."
The 33-year-old has averaged 11.7 points, four rebounds and three assists per game, earning All-NBL First Team honours in NBL21 and three All-NBL Second Team nominations across his career.
Sobey, who grew up playing with the Warrnambool Seahawks, was named Brisbane Bullets' club MVP on Thursday, March 28, only a day before reports emerged of his speculated move back to Victoria despite having a year to go on his lucrative contract.
He was a bronze medal winner for Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
Sobey said with the nature of free-agency, it was going to be exciting to see how the Phoenix' roster came together.
"There's only three returning guys and that's the nature of free-agency, so it's hard to see what the roster will look like but I'm sure they'll do a great job," he said.
"The goal is to push and hopefully make playoffs and play for a championship. Just small steps at a time and hopefully put together some quality basketball.
"South East made playoffs a few years ago and injuries put them on the back foot (last year) so I'm super excited for what's moving forward.
"It's time to get back to work."
Phoenix general manager of basketball operations Simon Mitchell said Sobey was a "coup" for the club with the guard to work closely with NBL star Mitch Creek.
"It's a great coup to have Nathan come across and his experience and leadership will be paramount to our plans in NBL25," he said.
"Above all, we look forward to the Heartland embracing Nathan, his wife CC and his two children as we gain momentum heading into the new campaign."
Sobey is the Phoenix's first acquisition in the free agency period heading into NBL25 and will wear his customary number 20.
Nick Creely
Sports reporter with The Standard
Sports reporter with The Standard
