As the global basketball market continues to evolve, two players could have a significant impact on the remainder of the NBL off-season. Former Perth Wildcats forward David Okwera remains in limbo as his NCAA eligibility is worked through, while ex-Melbourne United import Jesse Edwards is edging closer to a move to Europe.
Elsewhere, the South East Melbourne Phoenix have locked in stability by securing head coach Josh King on a new long-term contract.
All of this and more in the latest edition of NBL Daily.
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RETURN OF THE KING
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have secured head coach Josh King for the long term, announcing the 40-year-old has signed a new three-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2028-29 NBL season.
King arrived midway through the 2024-25 campaign after the Phoenix parted ways with Mike Kelly following an 0-5 start to the season. Club legend Sam Mackinnon took charge in an interim capacity before King’s arrival.
His tenure could hardly have started better, leading the Phoenix to a dominant 100-76 victory over the Perth Wildcats in his first game at the helm.
Josh King, head coach of the Phoenix speaks to the team . (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Since then, King has compiled an impressive 40-23 record, winning 64% of his games while guiding the club to back-to-back playoff appearances. The most recent campaign was the best in the Phoenix’s seven-year history, with the club finishing third on the ladder with a 22-11 record before falling one win short of the Championship Series.
His work has also been recognised individually, finishing runner-up in Coach of the Year voting in each of the past two seasons.
King has quickly established one of the NBL’s most distinctive playing styles, built around high-tempo offence, relentless defensive pressure and an uncompromising intensity. His extensive coaching experience in Europe, particularly with German club Riesen Ludwigsburg, has also influenced the Phoenix’s recruiting strategy.
While not every signing has proven successful, imports including Vrenz Bleijenbergh, Hunter Maldonado, John Brown III and Wes Iwundu all fit the profile King has consistently targeted, players with European experience who suit his demanding system.
Josh King, Coach of SE Phoenix reacts during the round 21 NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Tasmania Jackjumpers at John Cain Arena, on February 14, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Phoenix CEO Simon Derrick said securing King was a major step in the club’s long-term vision.
“Josh has made an enormous impact on our Club in a relatively short period of time, both through the results we’re building on the court and the culture he’s helped build off it,” Derrick said.
“He has earned the respect and trust of our players, ownership, staff, members, partners and the wider basketball community, and we’re excited to have him leading our program for years to come. This provides important continuity and momentum, for our whole coaching group, as we continue building a Club capable of sustained success.
“We are delighted that Josh, Sihem and Shirin will continue to be part of the Phoenix family for years to come.”
Josh King, head coach of the Phoenix speaks to the team during the round eight NBL match between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena, on November 10, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Phoenix General Manager of Basketball Simon Mitchell said King’s influence had transformed the club’s identity.
“Josh has a clear style of play, with uncompromising standards that our players have embraced. He’s developed a program built on accountability and selflessness, while consistently getting the best out of his playing group,” Mitchell said.
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“To reach consecutive Playoff series and come within one game of the Championship Series the past two seasons shows the direction this program is heading, and we’re excited about what we can continue to build together.”
OKWERA INELIGIBLE?
With 110 NBL games already under his belt at just 23 years of age, David Okwera could quickly become one of the most sought-after remaining free agents if he returns to the Australian market, particularly given the shortage of quality local big men.
Okwera has reportedly attracted significant interest from BYU in the NCAA, with a potential NIL deal believed to be worth as much as $1 million, which would represent the biggest payday of his career.
However, sources told Fox Sports Australia that, as of last week, that move is no longer considered likely. The rapidly evolving NIL landscape, combined with complications surrounding Okwera’s age and eligibility, has created significant hurdles to any potential agreement.
David Okwera could become one of the most sought after free agents. (Photo by Ethan Miller / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
If a move to the NCAA does not eventuate, several NBL clubs are expected to closely monitor his situation. Teams such as Melbourne United and the Cairns Taipans could see value in adding a proven local frontcourt player in a market where quality Australian bigs are in short supply.
Okwera is coming off the 2025-26 season with the Perth Wildcats, where he appeared in 34 games and averaged 5.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 11.4 minutes per game.
He has since returned to the NBL1 West with the East Perth Eagles, producing strong numbers with averages of 19.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 55.8% from the field.
The Boomers forward was also part of Australia’s squad for last month’s FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Perth. While his minutes were limited, he has now represented the Boomers on 13 occasions.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 06: David Okwera of the Boomers warms up during the FIBA World Cup Qualifier match between Australia Boomers and Philippines at RAC Arena on July 06, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
With Okwera’s eligibility situation continuing to evolve, and the NCAA landscape changing almost weekly, NBL clubs are expected to keep a close watch on developments.
FORMER UNITED IMPORT OFF THE TABLE?
Melbourne United may have suffered a setback in its search for an import centre, with former big man Jesse Edwards reportedly closing in on a move to Europe.
United is yet to sign an import this off-season after recently announcing the arrival of Australian forward Luke Travers, but a reunion with Edwards now appears increasingly unlikely.
Dash Daniels, Jesse Edwards and Chris Goulding of Melbourne United look on from the bench during the NBL Play-In Game between the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United at RAC Arena, on March 07, 2026, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Sources close to Fox Sports Australia have indicated Edwards has a deal in principle with Italian club Roma SPQR, a newly established organisation partly owned by NBA superstar Luka Dončić and backed by an investment group led by veteran executive Donnie Nelson.
The club was created with the ambition of returning elite basketball to the Italian capital and is expected to compete in both the Italian league and, eventually, the EuroLeague. While Roma SPQR is still assembling its basketball operations and is yet to appoint a head coach, the former United import has emerged as one of its key early targets.
Edwards made a strong impression during his lone season in Melbourne, averaging 13.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks across 33 games while recording eight double-doubles.
Some of his best performances came against the Perth Wildcats. In one meeting, the 211cm centre collected eight offensive rebounds in a 98-87 victory, before producing 18 points and 17 rebounds against Perth just two months later.
Jesse Edwards of United celebrates with Milton Doyle of United during the round six NBL match between Melbourne United and Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena, on October 26, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
While the agreement with Roma SPQR is not yet official, sources believe the announcement could simply be delayed as the club finalises elements of its launch, including its public and digital presence.
Should negotiations unexpectedly fall through, a return to Melbourne United cannot be completely ruled out. Edwards would slot nicely in United’s frontcourt, providing proven size and experience for new head coach Jacob Chance.