Beware the sleeping giant
IT was a throwaway line to start the season.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman warned the “sleeping giant” of sport is awake.
The basketball tycoon meant the sport itself but the words could also be used to describe Melbourne United and its biggest weapon Josh Boone.
Having sold out (10,300) its home opener at Hisense Arena before half-time, United went about its business against New Zealand Breakers but ultimately fell short 76-88. Ex-NBAer Boone’s second stint in the NBL continued in blistering fashion – at both ends of the court.
From rebounds and blocks to dunks and the mid-range shots slicker than the fluoro pink Nikes Casper Ware laced up for the game, Boone’s influence was paramount.
But it’s depth not Boone that makes United so dangerous despite the home loss.
United lost nothing when the 208cm enforcer was on the bench, with Dave Andersen, Majok Majok and Craig Moller stepping in. The oldest player in the league – at 37 – Andersen is also one of the most decorated having played in four Olympics, the world’s biggest leagues and winning championships. But United has work to do after back-to-back losses.
The Breakers last night ensured United would be at the intersection of wasteful and wild.
Costly turnovers halted United’s momentum despite the best efforts of Boone (22 pts, 14 reb), Casey Prather (20 pts 2/2 3FG and five assists) and Ware (six assists) to cut the margin.