Retiring Boomer makes title priority
Dual Olympian Brad Newley has confirmed this NBL season will be his last, adding fresh urgency to Melbourne United’s championship quest.
Yet to lift a major title across a sublime two-decade basketball career, just five more wins stand between a fairytale send-off for the 38-year-old as he hopes to “dance in the confetti” for the first time.
It is the one big piece of unfinished business that has driven the Adelaide-born forward, whose resume boasts NBA draft honours, greenand-gold glory and a European journey, sandwiched by stints at three NBL clubs.
In typical Newley fashion, the United everyman wanted to “get it out of the way”, so on Monday, he informed teammates of his decision before the club’s final-round double.
“I was probably always going to finish up this year, but I’d only really told my wife (Brigid), the kids and my mum and dad, although CG (teammate and friend Chris Goulding) would have had an inkling,” Newley said.
“I didn’t cry (when I told the players). There was a little bit of humour but probably more serious, with a lot of thankyous.
“I’m grateful for the (oneyear) deal this season and how United and Deano (coach Dean Vickerman) have been really good with me.” Newley’s worry he will be a distraction from United’s ultimate goal is misguided.
He will be more an inspiration when the club honours the NBL 325-gamer during clashes against Cairns (Friday) and Illawarra (Sunday). United will then shift focus to post-season preparations with an eye on the play-in tournament, which will determine their semi-final opponent.
The Newleys have made their home in Melbourne and Brad wants to stay in sport – preferably hoops.
It is a good thing United is keen, too. Club and player are working together to find a role that will help him transition.
“United have been really good about it all and I’d also like to do some commentary or media stuff – I like talking and I like talking basketball,” Newley said. “Working in the school system, too – not necessarily coaching but in the development space, working with kids as a mentor.”