South East Melbourne Phoenix Sign Former NBA Guard Skylar Mays for NBL27 Season
The South East Melbourne Phoenix have added significant depth to their backcourt, signing veteran NBA guard Skylar Mays for the 2026-27 NBL season. The 28-year-old joins a reshaped roster under head coach Josh King, bringing a wealth of experience from the NCAA, NBA, and European basketball.
Who is Skylar Mays?
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mays graduated from Findlay Prep in Nevada before committing to LSU. Over four seasons with the Tigers, he averaged 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 34.5% from three-point range. He shared the court with Australian Boomer Duop Reath and former Illawarra Hawks championship forward Darius Days.
Selected 50th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, Mays played 114 NBA games across stints with the Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 4.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 10.6 minutes per game. His G League numbers were stronger: 12.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game with the Iowa Wolves.
What Can Phoenix Fans Expect?
Darius Days, who played with Mays at LSU, described him as a crafty, high-IQ guard capable of scoring at all three levels. Phoenix General Manager Simon Mitchell echoed that sentiment, calling Mays a dynamic guard who can create his own shot and defend multiple positions.
Mays most recently played for Budućnost VOLI in Montenegro, competing in the ABA League and EuroCup. He also spent the 2024-25 season with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe, where he averaged 9.8 points per game while shooting an outstanding 47.3% from beyond the arc.
Roster Implications for the Phoenix
The signing leaves the Phoenix with one local roster spot and one import spot remaining ahead of the NBL27 season. Mays is expected to take on a primary playmaking role, fitting well with King's offensive system.
FAQ
What is Skylar Mays' NBA experience?
Mays played 114 NBA games across three teams, averaging 4.3 points and 1.7 assists per game.
How does Mays fit the Phoenix roster?
He brings versatility and scoring ability, expected to run the offense as the primary playmaker.
What is Mays' shooting efficiency?
He shot 47.3% from three-point range in his last EuroCup season.