The former NBA swingman is set to begin a new chapter with South East Melbourne Phoenix, bringing elite-level defence, big-game experience and a hunger to make an impact in the National Basketball League.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was just perfect timing,\u201d Iwundu said. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI did my homework, looked at all the offers, and this one just felt right. This was the perfect opportunity to get my feet in the door here in the Australian league and the NBL. I was like, \u2018Let\u2019s do it.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Australia will be new territory for Iwundu, but it\u2019s far from unfamiliar. He\u2019s heard plenty about the league from friends who\u2019ve played here before. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing but good things,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cVery fast-paced league. A lot of highlight plays. Very physical. Fun basketball.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Names like James Ennis and Barry Brown have already helped paint the picture, and Iwundu is ready to add his own brushstrokes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If there\u2019s one thing Phoenix fans can count on, it\u2019s Iwundu\u2019s defensive presence. The 30-year-old carved out his reputation in the NBA with his ability to lock in on that end of the floor. \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cDefence is always there for me – every game. That\u2019s where my impact is felt,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
But he\u2019s just as eager to show the other side of his game. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got a nice offensive game too. In the right situations, I can really blossom. Playmaking, scoring, getting guys involved. I\u2019ve had a lot of different roles over my career. Now it\u2019s about putting it all together.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His relationship with Phoenix head coach Josh King, forged during their time in Germany, was another big factor in his decision. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe knows my game. That was a big selling point. I trust him to put me in positions to be successful.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before he\u2019s even touched down in Melbourne, Iwundu has already been tuning in to the team\u2019s games. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched the last game. Man, the fight those guys showed in the fourth quarter, that was beautiful basketball.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jetlag won\u2019t hold him back either. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been training every day back home. Lifting, shooting, staying ready. Whether it\u2019s Thursday (against Adelaide) or Saturday (against Illawarra), coach and the staff will have a plan to get me in the mix.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Iwundu\u2019s arrival brings a valuable veteran voice to a young Phoenix squad, including Malique Lewis, a rising star in the Next Stars program and 2026 NBA Draft hopeful. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to share my knowledge with him. Keep him motivated. But also, I\u2019m learning from him too. This is my first time in Australia. I want to pick his brain about the culture, the league, everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With over 200 games in the NBA, @_Iwundu25<\/a> is looking to pass his experience onto @NBLNextStars<\/a> Malique Lewis when he arrives. \ud83e\udd1d pic.twitter.com\/uYmZfQ4GeK<\/a><\/p>\n