United’s stars set to shoot for title
THE arrival of LaMelo Ball has sent tongues wagging around the NBL, but it is Melbourne United’s star-studded squad that has early dibs on the Championship trophy.
United will start the season as hot favourite to win the title after putting together arguably the best squad ever seen in the NBL.
Shawn Long, Melo Trimble and Casey Prather form a potent trio of imports, while United is also dripping with Boomers talent in the form of Chris Goulding, David Barlow and Mitch McCarron.
Sydney looms as Melbourne’s main rival for the title.
MVP Andrew Bogut has returned for another season, while Casper Ware, Kevin Lisch, Brad Newley and Didi Louzada round out a formidable line-up.
New Kings coach Will Weaver has been impressed by his players’ commitment and unselfishness — so much so that he claims he wouldn’t want to swap his roster for any other in the NBL.
But he couldn’t help but marvel at the squad United has put together.
“They’re significant favourites to win the league, and that’s fair,” Weaver said.
“They’ve got a championship coach and a number of championship winners on their squad.
“And they have a number of guys on the list I’m familiar with from my time with the Boomers — Mitch McCarron, Chris Goulding, and David Barlow.
“They’re some of the best NBL players on any team. So to all be on one team, alongside three of the biggest, most expensive and best imports in the league obviously puts them as the favourite.”
The US will take a keen interest in the NBL this season following the arrival of teenage sensations Ball (Illawarra Hawks) and RJ Hampton (NZ Breakers) as part of the Next Stars program.
Ball had 27 NBA scouts looking on during the NBL’s pre-season Blitz in Tasmania.
His hot performance against the Wildcats now has experts predicting he will be a top-three pick at the 2020 NBA draft.
Hampton is predicted to go at No.6 in the same draft.
The Kings have also struck it rich with the NBL’s Next Stars program, snaring Brazilian Didi Louzada, who was taken with pick No.35 in this year’s NBA draft.
How the trio fare will be a big talking point throughout the season. Another intriguing aspect will be the fortunes of the NBL’s newest franchise — South East Melbourne Phoenix. Journeyman import John Roberson looks like he’ll be a hot prospect for the Phoenix after starring at the pre-season Blitz, while responsibility will also fall on the shoulders of Mitch Creek and Tai Wesley.
The Wildcats are the defending champions and look to be a title threat yet again after retaining star imports Bryce Cotton and Terrico White.
Cairns and Adelaide are the two teams tipped to struggle the most, while the Andrej Lemanis-coached Bullets will need their Australian players to fire if they are to be a title smoky.