CG43, Newley guiding Maluach ahead of first NBL season

Written by Melbourne United Media

For Makuach Maluach, every stop on his young basketball journey has led him to Melbourne United, where he is ready to showcase his immense talent.

Following four successful years at New Mexico University and a debut professional campaign playing in Finland, the Sydney native will suit up for his first NBL season in United colours.

Coming into the team looking to learn and improve, ‘Kuach’ naturally gravitated towards a pair of Melbourne’s stars who are no stranger to how to succeed in this league; Chris Goulding and Brad Newley.

Boasting over 650 games of NBL experience, Maluach found himself working with the pair of veterans often as he looked to fully integrate himself with United.

“To be a part of this club, I’m just very grateful and can’t wait for the season to start,” he said.

“Playing with people like Chris Goulding and Brad Newley, those guys I used to watch when I was a kid. They have been amazing working with me and making me comfortable within the system.

“We've been putting in the work, going over all the things that are going to help us contend for a championship.”

Looking at how Maluach has seamlessly transitioned into the playing group, Newley heaped praise on the 24-year-old, touching on the excitement he believes the new recruit will help propel United to another successful season.

“I think Makuach has done a good job at settling in so far,” he said.

“He’s got elite athleticism and a nice outside shot, all things that will help our system this year. He’s still young, and you can see that he’s a player that’s just going to get better and better.

“The best thing about him is that he’s a guy that’s willing to listen. He’s played at a high level in college and overseas, so he’s going to bring a lot of excitement to the team and to the fans at John Cain Arena.”

Maluach will look to repeat the success he had in the NBL1 North with the Salties when he returns to Darwin with United for the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz.

Having played a starring role in leading the Salties to the postseason in their first year of NBL1 competition, ‘Kuach’ is hoping he and Melbourne United will be feeling the love from the top-end crowd.

“I want those Salties fans to cheer hard for United.

“I appreciated the support they gave me and the team all season, my time in Darwin was amazing, and now that I’m with Melbourne, I’m going to give this team everything I’ve got to help us win a championship.

“We’re going (to Darwin) to win games, but most importantly we’re going to get better, execute our stuff, work through different lineups and make sure the little things are all working smoothly.”

Maluach and United will head up to Darwin tomorrow as they look to secure the first piece of silverware for the season, the Loggins-Bruton Cup. Fans can catch each and every game live and free via Kayo Freebies.

United’s Blitz Schedule: 

Vs Illawarra Hawks, 8pm AEST, Sunday 18 September

Vs Perth Wildcats, 8pm AEST, Wednesday 21 September

Vs Brisbane Bullets, 8pm AEST, Friday 23 September

With just 17 days remaining until Melbourne open their season at John Cain Arena, time is running out to secure your membership and lock in your seat to see your team hit the court!

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

Tickets for all 14 of United’s home games are on sale now, and with can’t miss events like the Open Air Game, The Multicultural Game, a pair of Throwdowns and much more on their way, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.