Keilor duo make NBL leap with Phoenix

South East Melbourne Phoenix’s guard rotation has a fresh Keilor Thunder flavour in NBL26, with Daniel Foster and Pat Ryan both suiting up in the Phoenix’s emphatic opening round win over Cairns Taipans.

Foster was a standout for Keilor in NBL1 South during 2025, averaging 18.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game before joining the Phoenix as a Development Player. His pre-season progress was rewarded with elevation to the main roster on a two-year deal, and he contributed six points, four rebounds and an assist in just over 13 minutes on debut.

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Ryan also impressed in NBL1 South 2025, producing 7.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game across the season. After time as a Phoenix training player, including appearances during the NBL Blitz, the 22-year-old secured a Development Player contract. He made his first NBL appearance on Sunday, hitting a three-pointer and collecting a rebound in five minutes of action.

Keilor Thunder head coach Ash Arnott said the milestone was significant for both players and the program.

“As a club, we are incredibly proud and excited for Daniel and Pat on their signings with the Phoenix. This achievement is a fantastic reward for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism they have shown throughout the year. Both athletes consistently demonstrate the traits required to succeed at the next level, and we can’t wait to see them flourish in the NBL.

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“For Keilor, seeing Daniel and Pat earn NBL contracts is also a reflection of the club’s commitment to developing athletes and providing a pathway to the highest levels of basketball."

"While the credit goes to them for the way they’ve applied themselves and grown, their success also highlights the strength of our program and the opportunities that exist for players who commit themselves both on and off the court,” Arnott said.

Foster and Ryan’s elevation continues Keilor’s record of providing a pathway to the professional level, with both guard contributing to South East Melbourne’s 114–77 season-opening victory over Cairns.