All-NBL star Delany returns to NBL on two-year deal with United

Melbourne United is thrilled to announce the signing of New Zealand born forward Finn Delany on a two-year contract, with a second year mutual option.

A veteran of 183 NBL games, all with the New Zealand Breakers, Delany is set to return to the NBL following a standout season in the Japanese B2 League.

Playing for Shizuoka Veltex, Delany put up averages of 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, while helping lead his side to an improved season and playoff appearance.

Looking ahead to NBL26, Delany said he can’t wait to showcase what he’s capable of in front of the United faithful.

“I think this is the perfect environment for me to play my best basketball,” Delany told Melbourne United Media.

“This is a new chapter for me and it’s a chapter I’m extremely excited by. There is a standard of excellence at the club from the players, coaches and staff that was really appealing to me. They’ve done a high-level job of putting themselves in a position to compete year after year so it’s an organisation I can’t wait to join.

“Being able to compete for wins and playing with high-level players is the most important thing for me. There’s an expectation to succeed in Melbourne and a willingness from the group to do what’s required and make the sacrifices in order to achieve that success. 

“I want to come in, do my job, and do anything I can to help this team reach the highest level possible.”

In 2023, Delany was part of a Telekom Baskets Bonn team in Germany that claimed the Basketball Champions League Championship in Europe.

Having spent close to a decade game-planning against the former All-NBL Team member, Vickerman is excited to make the most of what the versatile forward can do within United’s system.

“During his time in the NBL, he’s been one of the premier power forwards,” Vickerman said.

“His ability to rebound, to push the pace, to be a really good screen setter, and then to be able to both roll to the rim or pop out to the perimeter and make plays is elite.

“Certainly looking at how he played in Germany in some big-time games against great competition, I think that was some of the best basketball he’s played in career.

“Then moving over to Japan, going against a lot of big imports, seeing how he can use his quickness has been really fun to watch. I think he gives us a lot of versatility on the offensive end.”

Across his international career, Delany has represented the Tall Blacks at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.

Delany joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson and Dash Daniels as rostered players for the NBL26 season.

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