Carter breaks down NBL26, outlines NBL27 outlook

Written by Melbourne Sport & Business Program student, Kayden Gonsal

The NBL26 season was a bit of a rollercoaster for Melbourne United.

Off to a boiling hot start, going 9-0 to start the season, everything was going right, then before you knew it, 12 losses across the next 20 games derailed their campaign. 

Sitting down with Assistant Coach Rhys Carter, he provided his viewpoint on the season and how Melbourne United can get ready for next season.

“Overall, I’d probably say it was a disappointing season,” Carter explained.

“I think we couldn't keep people on the floor, which was a big part of the problem. Injuries, sickness, a few of those things, and obviously Shea Ili missing time, being a big key part of the team, that really hurt us.

“I think we probably asked a few people to do quite a lot, and those guys I think got worn down.”

When asked about the focus points for this offseason, he emphasised the importance of depth to help cover for potential injuries.

“We’re trying to get the roster where we have coverage in every position,” he continued.

“So we really want to make sure we get, first of all, the best talent, and the best people we can possibly get, but then also have a balance on our team where whatever position is out or injured, if it happens again, that we have coverage.”

Another big question was the shooting. Across NBL26, United shot just below 32% from beyond the arc, the lowest figure in the club’s 12 year history.

“Shooting-wise, we had a lot of guys probably down on their career numbers. You could say ‘Good shooters getting decent shots, but didn't get them in. Why is that?’

“Were we training too much? Not shooting enough at training? Were we playing them too many minutes, were they too tired, their shots landing short?”

While Carter, along with fellow Assistant Coaches David Barlow and Jack Fleming go over those parts of the review from last season, the process is well and truly underway to ensure the team can succeed in NBL27.

Ahead of the appointment of the club’s next Head Coach, Carter said the trio are working diligently to make sure everything is ready for a seamless transition.

“We are stockpiling lists of players and potential players that could help us, watching some European teams and NBA stuff to gain ideas, but that'll be something we'll build on once we have a Head Coach.”

With a core local contingent already locked in, featuring stars like Joe Ingles, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili and Sam Waardenburg, the club is in a strong position heading into the remainder of the offseason.