Blogg, Koppens to remain United for NBL26

Melbourne United is pleased to announce that Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens will remain with the team as Development Players for the NBL26 season.

Both players excelled at points of the last season, making an impact whenever they were injected into the lineup.

Koppens in particular found himself thrust into big moments, taking the court in three of United Championship Series games.

The 22-year-old said having the coaches' trust to play in high-pressure settings has only boosted his confidence heading into NBL26.

“It’s all about time experience from my perspective,” Koppens said.

“Getting the opportunity to play in the Championship Series has been key to my development. There was certainly a sense of belonging when the coaches called my number and I was on the court, which has given me a world of confidence heading into next season.

“I’m pretty excited to just get stuck into it.”

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Blogg returns to the lineup following an injury-interrupted NBL25, and is hungrier than ever to get back on the court alongside his teammates.

“I wanted to be a part of that Finals run and it was unfortunate that I got injured before that,” Blogg said.

“It has been a good opportunity to work on my body throughout the offseason, putting a lot of size through my legs, running faster, jumping higher, all of which will help me at both ends of the floor.

“Every year I just feel more and more ready to contribute whenever my name is called.

“As a Development Player, it’s always been about constantly improving and stepping up when the coaches need me. This year, I’m just aiming to take the next step in my development, which will hopefully show itself out on the court.”

Looking at the pair, Head Coach, Dean Vickerman, spoke glowingly of their development and ability to produce when called upon.

“I think over last season in particular, whenever either of them were injected into the game, they handled themselves really well,” Vickerman explained.

“For TK, it was a big step for us to throw him into the game throughout the Championship series, but we had the confidence that he would be able to contribute with his energy. 

“There’s always going to be an opportunity to play here when you defend, and that’s one of his great skills. He can guard one through four because of his mobility and versatility on that end of the floor.

“For Campbell, he’s doubled down on the work he’s been putting in this offseason coming off the injury which has been amazing to see.”

Blogg and Koppens will join Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Milton Doyle, Finn Delany, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson and Dash Daniels as signed players for NBL26.

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.