Landale can cause yet more damage

JOCK Landale has already set the NBL on fire in his first two games in the league, but don’t be surprised to see Melbourne United turn to the Boomers centre more when they hit Bendigo for the first Throwdown of the season.

Landale (below) came up big as Melbourne United led from start to finish in Monday’s 87-85 win against the Taipans at the Snag Pit.

He scored 17 points at 70 per cent from the field (two-fromfour at range) grabbed seven rebounds in a statline which included two blocks and a steal as Melbourne United went 2-0 to start the campaign.

While happy with Landale’s contribution, Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman conceded his side may look to get the ball into his hands more often.

“Certainly we need to get that up to him getting another four or five attempts in the game, and go to him a little bit more because he was pretty exceptional tonight,” Vickerman said.

“He does so many things well for this team and he’s an absolute competitor, and we saw that in the fourth quarter.”

It was Landale who laid down the gauntlet before the season, saying his side had the potential to go undefeated, how he had “monstrous expectations” for a team with “no weak spots”.

And, so far, neither Adelaide or Cairns have had an answer for the championship favourites.

He backed up the statement in a pre-game interview (“we definitely have it in our heads that we should win every single game”), then again where it matters most – on the court.

His battle with Taipans star Cameron Oliver was worth the price of admission alone.

“Every time I play against him it’s a good battle. He’s a hell of a player, so for us to get on the court together and really showcase what we an do against each other is fantastic,” Landale said. “It’s not just about us though, we’ve got great players all around.”