The South East Melbourne Phoenix have secured their second import of the off-season, signing NBA veteran Skylar Mays for the 2026-27 NBL season.
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Mays, 28, joins Josh King’s reshaped roster and is expected to take on a key playmaking role. The 6’3” guard arrives with extensive experience across the NCAA, NBA and European basketball, making him an ideal fit for the type of player the Phoenix have been targeting this off-season.
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mays graduated from Findlay Prep in Nevada, where he averaged 10.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.7 steals during his lone season with the school.
He then committed to LSU, spending four seasons with the Tigers after arriving a year following Ben Simmons’ departure to the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.
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Across 130 games for LSU between 2016 and 2020, Mays averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 34.5% from three-point range (173-of-501). During his collegiate career, he shared the court with Australian Boomer Duop Reath and former Illawarra Hawks championship forward Darius Days.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, Days gave an insight into what Phoenix fans can expect from his former teammate.
“The fans should expect and crafty high IQ guard with a motor and can score at all three levels.” Days said.
“I do think he can adapt to the league, he’s a really great player that can figure anything out. He was supposed to be a doctor but he chose to play basketball.
“He has a lot of potential, honestly I don’t want to jinx anything but I feel he’s going to have a great year.”
Darius Days and Skylar Mays during their days with LSU.Source: Getty Images
Following a successful college career, Mays was selected with the 50th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, where he signed a two-way contract and split his time between the NBA and the G League’s College Park Skyhawks.
Over the next several seasons, Mays appeared for the Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Lakers, playing 114 NBA games. Across his NBA career, he averaged 4.3 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 10.6 minutes per game.
One of his best performances came in 2023, when he recorded 15 points and 12 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers while playing alongside Australian Boomer Matisse Thybulle.
Skylar Mays #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Although he was unable to secure a permanent role in an NBA rotation, reaching more than 100 NBA appearances highlights the level of consistency and professionalism he brings.
His G League numbers were equally impressive. Most recently, Mays played for the Iowa Wolves alongside former Melbourne United centre Jesse Edwards, averaging 12.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.5 steals across 19 games while shooting 39.0% from three-point range (39-of-100).
Mays’ most recent stop came with Budućnost VOLI in Montenegro, where he competed in both the ABA League and EuroCup. He also has previous EuroCup experience after spending the 2024-25 season with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe.
Neu Ulm, Germany – February 3: Skylar Mays of Buducnost VOLI Podgorica controls the Ball during the Basketball Eurocup match between ratiopharm ulm and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica at ratiopharm Arena on February 3, 2026 in Neu Ulm, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Last season, Mays averaged 9.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists across 19 games while shooting an outstanding 47.3% from beyond the arc (26-of-55), all in just 16.3 minutes per game.
His ability to score at all three levels and create opportunities for teammates fits perfectly with King’s offensive system. While Mays is expected to run the offence as the team’s primary playmaker, his versatility means he can adapt to whatever role is required.
If given the opportunity, don’t be surprised to see several 25-point performances and multiple double-doubles throughout the season.
Mays has previously faced NBL opposition, featuring for the Portland Trail Blazers during their 2023 pre-season exhibition against the New Zealand Breakers. Playing alongside fellow Australians Duop Reath and Matisse Thybulle, Mays helped Portland to a 106-66 victory, finishing with six points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals.
PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 10: Parker Jackson-Cartwright #6 of the New Zealand Breakers guards against Skylar Mays #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on October 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Phoenix General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell believes Mays will be a valuable addition to the roster.
“He’s a dynamic guard who can create his own shot, make plays for teammates, and defend multiple positions. Those qualities are invaluable in our league, and we’re confident our fans will enjoy watching him compete every night.“ Mitchell said.
The Phoenix now have one local roster spot and one import spot remaining ahead of the NBL27 season.