How Erin Phillips is driving the 36ers to greatness

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Two-time WNBA champion and Australian Opals World Cup winner Erin Phillips is having an immediate, positive impact of the Adelaide 36ers.

Phillips, 40, joined the NBL club in August to help build culture after what appeared to be a tumultuous NBL25 campaign that included the suspensions of Kendrick Davis and Montrezl Harrell after a melee broke out against Melbourne United in Melbourne and now a barbed fill off-season in which both players traded verbal blows before Harrell was cut by the Sixers.

Phillips is also a three-time AFLW premiership player, two-time league best and fairest and retired from basketball after leading the Woodville Warriors to the 2025 NBL1 Central championship.

Former NBA centre Isaac Humphries coming off a 12-from-15, 24-point, five rebound, two assists, three steals and a block in a solid 98-89 win against the Tasmania JackJumpers at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday night spoke about his growing relationship with Phillips and the importance of her in the program.

"Mike (Wells) told me she’d be involved, so I reached out to her myself," he said.

"We met for coffees — I just wanted to learn from her about leadership and culture.

"She’s given me great advice on how to move this group forward positively. We have weekly catch-ups and check-ins.

"It’s my first time as captain, and I’m leaning on her. I want to be the best leader I can, and if that means mentorship, who better than Erin Phillips?

"It’s been a privilege learning from her — and having a woman in the group brings a different, positive dynamic."

Wells said Phillips was cool under pressure and that was flowing through the team.

"She’s really impacted our group," Wells added.

"There’s a calmness and wisdom about her. I probably get too ramped up sometimes — Ice is probably looking at me like I’m crazy — but when I look over and she’s sitting there calm, it reminds me to be that way.

"She’s been great for our players and coaches. With so many new faces, her presence helps us move forward quickly.

"The season goes fast — we don’t want to waste the opportunity."