NBL21: Phoenix coach says passing big men Ben Moore and Yanni Wetzel channel legendary Nankervis brothers

Legendary Geelong brothers Bruce and Ian Nankervis loved to find each other on the footy field — and South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell reckons he might have found basketball’s version of the famed Cats siblings.

Twin towers Yanni Wetzell and Ben Moore handed out nine assists between them in Phoenix’s heart-pounding 96-89 overtime win over Adelaide 36ers Saturday night and Mitchell said the two talls had developed an understanding.

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Ben Moore effort and athleticism troubled the Sixers all game. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“Bit of waxing, like the Nankervis brothers on the backline there,” Mitchell laughed.

“They had a nice little synergy going there, which was great.”

Wetzell kept the Phoenix alive in the first half with 22 points, while Moore took over after the long break with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

Moore was, last week, inserted in the starting line-up, and the pair trained together, rather than against each other.

“They were good, they had a week to work together — usually they’re going up against each other at practice,” Mitchell said.

“They’ll get another chance to work together this week, but I thought they were both outstanding.

“Tremendously proud of both of them, they had a load to carry.

“We’ll get Dane up to par, hopefully pretty soon, and he’ll help out on the boards and help out with the defence.’

Adam Gibson made a welcome return from injury. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Dane, of the Pineau variety, saw his first action of the season against the Sixers and Phoenix co-captain Kyle Adnam said the return of the defensive dynamo and point guard Adam Gibson (calf) had buoyed the team.

“Dane and Gibbo have been amazing for our club over the last two years and I think that really helped us with energy,” Adnam said.

“Anytime he’s (Gibson) in the game he makes an impact and behind the scenes in training he’s incredible as well, so we expect that from him in a way.

“Dane obviously helps us on the boards and defence a lot and we’re super excited to have those two players back.”

Originally published asThe Phoenix stars channelling legendary Cats brothers

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