Vickerman outlines Free Agency plan

With NBL Free Agency officially underway, Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman has provided an update on off-season strategy.

Currently, Vickerman has seven players locked in for next season; Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Flynn Cameron and Tanner Krebs.

Looking at his group, the reigning coach of the year said he is excited to build upon the strengths his stars possess.

“We want to get better, we have to get better,” he said.

“This league just continues to grow and you’re already seeing in Free Agency what teams are starting to put together and it’s important for us to say ‘we were close, but we weren’t good enough, we need to get better and we’re excited about how we build this roster to be better than last year.”

With Jo Lual-Acuil Jr departing for overseas opportunities and Ariel Hukporti potentially heading to the NBA, there is the potential for United’s big-man rotation to look very different in NBL25.

Vickerman touched on how he will look to fill those vacancies.

“As we try and fill those roles, we’ll look for the defensive element that was really potent for us this year but we’ll also look to add, if we can, a little bit more shooting to our bigs as well,” he explained.

“Jo has had some amazing opportunities over the last few years… We wish him absolutely the best in his pursuit of those overseas opportunities.

“There’s obviously opportunities with Ariel. Does an NBA team want him in a stash situation… I’m sure he’ll go to Summer League and it’ll be difficult for an NBA team not to put him on their roster.”

United opted to sign just one import in NBL24, Ian Clark, who played spectacularly, taking home the league’s Best Sixth Man trophy for his efforts.

Seeing how well he fit with the club, Vickerman talked through his desire to keep the American guard.

“We absolutely loved what Ian Clark offered us as a veteran high level scorer, great shooter and perfect culture fit for our club so there will certainly be conversations with him moving forward about the opportunity if he wants to come back and it’s a good fit.”

To keep up to date with all of United’s Free Agency news, keep your eye on our Offseason Hub and download the Melbourne United app on iOs or Google Play.