Superstar import makes NBL return with South East Melbourne

Former All-NBL nominee and Larry Sengstock Trophy winner Derrick Walton Jr will return to the NBL next season after signing a one-year deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Walton Jr was a crucial cog in the Sydney Kings’ NBL23 triumph, where he was inducted into the All-NBL First Team alongside then teammate Xavier Cooks, and was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player in the Kings’ title-triumph over New Zealand.

He has most recently featured for Chinese side Zhejiang Lions alongside former Taipan Cam Oliver, and boasts a wealth of international basketball experience, including with NBA sides Miami, Detroit and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Walton Jr is the third former King to link up with the Phoenix this season, following the confirmed signings of championship teammates Angus Glover and Jordan Hunter for next season.

“Derrick is another puzzle piece we’ve added to our burgeoning roster, and what an incredible player we get to have in the Heartland,” Phoenix General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell said.

“His scoring power and his game sense makes him one of the most damaging point guards we’ve seen in recent history, and the players around him will only benefit from that skillset.

“We look forward to welcoming Derrick to South East Melbourne when he returns to Australia ahead of NBL25.”