Phoenix Add Power Forward Kiwi Tom Vodanovich
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Phoenix Media
The two-time NBL championship-winning power forward comes to the Phoenix with a wealth of international and NBL experience, including being a member of last-season's champions, Tasmania JackJumpers.
Vodanovich has played in 133 NBL games across the Kings, JackJumpers and the New Zealand Breakers, as well featuring in six seasons of the New Zealand NBL, which included a championship and an MVP title.
The Native Kiwi stands at 201cm and provides the Phoenix an option at both forward positions, and can play spot minutes as a small-ball centre.
General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell says the acquisition of the New Zealand big is yet another step towards what the Phoenix are looking to build.
“Tom brings championship success, toughness, physicality and is always a threat from deep,” Mitchell said.
“We’ve made no secret of our want for physical competitors, as well as shooting in the front court, and the fact Tom has strong relationships with guys we have signed this off-season is a bonus.”
Vodanovich is currently playing with Auckland Tuatara in the NZNBL and will begin pre-season with the Phoenix in mid-July.
The 29-year-old is also a part of the New Zealand Tall Blacks squad and is vying for selection for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Vodanovich joins Angus Glover, Nathan Sobey, Luke Fennell, Jordan Hunter and Derrick Walton Jr as off-season acquisitions, with Walton Jr’s contractual exit clause recently lapsing.