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Sport Nation
Why Copeland likes Phoenix star's MVP chances
Nicholas Quinlan • November 6th, 2025 5:12 pm
With an exceptional start to the NBL26 season, Lanard Copeland likes the chances of South East Melbourne’s Nathan Sobey winning his maiden Andrew Gaze Trophy (MVP).
In his second season with the team, the Australian guard has averaged 21.8 points (fifth in the league), 4.1 assists (16th in the league) across his first eight games.
His performances have contributed to the Phoenix winning their last four matches, which sees them in second place on the ladder.
But while he has been strong on the offensive side of the ball, Copeland noted the 35-year-old’s improvement has largely been defensively.
Currently, Sobey is averaging 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, which is the highest he has averaged in his NBL career.
And while the Melbourne Tigers’ legend has the likes of Adelaide 36ers’ Bryce Cotton as one of the favourites for the Andrew Gaze Trophy, he has been impressed by how Sobey has improved his defensive presence for the side.
“Bryce is still going to be Bryce, he’s always going to be in that group,” Copeland told SEN Breakfast.
“But I like Sobey. Sobey has been playing great basketball for South East Melbourne.
“They’re in second place (with a) 6-2 (record), and Josh King, you’re talking about the defensive side of things, and Josh pushes him to play defence.
“But Sobey has been able to play good defence and maintain his offensive skills, so I like what he is doing as well.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix will be hoping to continue closing the gap to Melbourne United when they take on the Tasmanian JackJumpers on Thursday.
SEN will have live coverage of the match beginning from 7pm AEDT through the SEN app, with tip-off taking place at 7:30pm.
