Baba set to take the floor in LifeChanger Cup Game 3

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Despite landing in Melbourne less than a week ago, Yudai Baba is ready to get buckets.

The NBL21 Championship winning guard impressed his teammates and coaching staff on Tuesday afternoon when he hit the practice floor, showcasing the speed and tenacity that won him United’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, and SHARE Award last season.

Speaking after the practice, assistant coach Justin Schueller said it’s like the Olympian never left.

“It was a great reminder to see the ways Baba impacts the game yesterday in practice. He fitted right back in, it’s like he hasn’t been away from us at all.

“We are looking forward to him being able to provide an impact on Saturday and help us get back to the levels we expect.”

Baba could not be entering the lineup at a more crucial time, as Melbourne United heads into perhaps its most important Round of the season.

He will first get the opportunity to hoop in front of the league’s best fans on Saturday evening, when United host Illawarra in the deciding game of the LifeChanger Cup.

Tickets to see Melbourne potentially hoist some silverware on Saturday are available here.

This will be followed by a trip to Perth for a matchup with the Wildcats at RAC Arena on Monday night.

Melbourne will be hoping to continue their recent run of form in West Australia, having won their past five games in Perth dating back to 2020.

The road game will be broadcast on ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo.