Welcome to the Phoenix: Gary Browne

South East Melbourne Phoenix is excited to announce the signing of import point guard Gary Browne on a one-year deal.

An elite-level point guard who controls the tempo of a game, Browne was raised in San Juan in Puerto Rico before moving to the United States for high school in Florida, and then playing college at West Virginia University.

"Normally, we would wait until after Summer League to sign our import point guard, but when you get the opportunity to add a player like Gary to the roster, you don't wait. Not only is he an elite level player, but he's also an elite leader," Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said.

"The leadership on both ends of the floor that Gary has displayed throughout his entire career, including his time as the Captain of the Puerto Rican national team, will be critical in seeing us make our way back into the finals."

(Browne played college basketball at West Virginia University.)

Browne was drawn to the Phoenix after several conversations with Phoenix head coach Simon Mitchell and Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer.

"One of the main things when I sign somewhere nowadays, I have to make sure that the coach and the GM are on board of who I am as a player and as a person too. When they sit down and describe me as a player, that's something I take pride in, and they understand who I am and what I can bring to the table, the team, and the franchise. That's a huge deal for me," Browne said.

"Throughout the whole year, I have the same role, so nowadays, I don't have time and space to switch up roles. Them understanding the role I play in each team I am on, it's big."

At 29-years-old, Browne's international career has included stints in Turkey, Italy, Israel, and Puerto Rico; he is currently a member of the Puerto Rican national team.

"I'm going to bring leadership to the team; I think I have a lot of experience through the years. I understand how the international game works; I'm a teammate guy and like to involve teammates on the court. I know what I can do individually, but I also know what I can do collectively to help my team improve.

"My whole thing is to make the guys better. I don't worry about myself as much as I worry about how good they are doing. Because for me it's important with how they are doing because it's a team sport, it's not about if one guy plays well every night, it's about everyone playing together so we can be able to win games and be able to go to the playoffs, make through the finals too."

Browne has shown an ability to close out games throughout his career at all levels and make things happen late in shot clocks.

"The understanding of what it takes to win, understanding that we have to do it both ends of the floor, understanding how to win games consistently, being able to put ourselves in an excellent spot for the playoffs, to have a home-court advantage—also being able to close out games too as well. Many of the games I have played with the national team come down to the last two or three minutes, so I am already used to those types of games like this.

"Watching a couple of games last year, it seemed hard to close out games, but not because they were missing a guy or anything like this; I think it was just more being able to control that part of the game at the end of the four minutes. I feel like that's when I come in this year," Browne commented.

(Browne is currently the captain for the Puerto Rico national team.)

Browne spoke about his excitement about coming to play in Australia and the NBL.

"I have never been to Australia and have heard Melbourne is a fantastic city. I have always watched many of my guys who have played out there. I talk to them, and they all say it is a great environment and league. I'm excited this year that I am going to be part of that league and excited to be part of the program.

"Matter of fact, (ex-NBA player) Carlos Arroyo and I have often talked about which league we want to play in; he has an amazing career, but he never got to play in Australia, and I always mentioned Australia. Just knowing that having that conversation and these opportunities coming up this year it's something that I am excited about," he said.

He had several conversations with head coach Simon Mitchell during the recruitment process and already feels they are on the same page.

"We've had great talks. I think last year, we spoke about our family and his kids and had a great conversation. I think it goes a little bit further than basketball, I think we got to know each other in the short amount of time in the little talk we had, and we spoke a lot about basketball.

"The team has the same expectations and goals I have, which is to make it to the finals," Browne commented.

(Browne is excited to come to Australia and join the Phoenix for NBL23.)

Mitchell praised Browne's leadership and toughness and is excited to add him to the Phoenix roster.

"I am excited by what Gary brings to our team. Leadership, toughness, and a floor general who makes those around him better. He makes us better defensively; he picks up the ball early, he will pressure 90 feet and won't get hit in pick and rolls," Mitchell said.

"He makes us better in late clock situations; he can create off the dribble for others, score in isolation, and make good decisions at the end of games. He does what it takes to win and demands the same from his teammates."

Browne is currently in Puerto Rico playing for the Piratas de Quebradillas. He is expected in Melbourne by early September. He joked about the long flight but voiced how excited he was to get to Australia, meet everyone at Phoenix and start the season on a high.

"I will be in Australia as soon as possible; I would love to come out. It's a long flight. It's going to be the longest flight I have ever had, besides maybe going to China,' Browne laughed.

"I'm looking forward to doing my job; I'm looking forward to meeting everybody in the franchise, the teammates, the coach, the CEO, the media team and front office staff. I think having a great environment in the group, whether you are winning or losing, is very important because we will be together for six months. Of course, it's basketball, and you want to win and all these things, but I think it makes it easier when we understand that it goes a little further than basketball, and we are human beings; everybody has their own lives."

Browne is thrilled to be joining the Phoenix and had the following message for Phoenix fans.

"Phoenix fans, I'm excited to be part of the team this year. My expectations are always going to be higher than everybody else. I think that this year we'll make it happen in terms of being able to win and giving 100% when we are on the court. But it also plays a huge part that you guys come to the games and show your support to the teammates and me, the coaches and everybody from the franchise.

"So, if the fans are there sometimes, it gives a little boost and shows why we play basketball. It goes further than basketball for me. It's important for you guys to come; I would love to see you out there, take pictures and sign whatever and be as available as you guys will be for me," Browne said.

ENTER HERE to celebrate the signing of Gary Browne, WIN a meet and greet and a signed Jersey from the new recruit.

Phoenix Media (15/6/22)