Championship winning, All-NBL import Milton Doyle signs with United

Melbourne United have secured one of the biggest signings of the NBL offseason, inking import guard Milton Doyle to a one year deal.

The American guard comes into United’s lineup having put together three dominant seasons with the Tasmania JackJumpers, in which he was twice named to the All-NBL Team (NBL23 & NBL24) and claimed a Championship victory (NBL24).

Across the past three seasons the Chicago native has put his stamp on the competition, leading all players in total steals, while ranking second in assists, fifth in points and three-pointers made and seventh in rebounds.

Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Doyle touched on his elation at the move.

“I’m very excited, it’s a new journey for me,” he said.

“Playing against Melbourne throughout my career in the NBL has been great, a lot of rivalries going on, so getting the chance to play with these guys that I’ve been going against is going to be fun.

“I knew I wanted to be in the NBL with a team that makes a push every season to go deep in the playoffs, that shows professionalism, grind, and has a winning mentality. Melbourne has all of that, so it was exciting to get a call.

“You can see it in the way the team is structured, how they play, the way Dean coaches. I think I can fit right in within that type of system.”

Basketball has taken the 31-year-old across the globe over the course of his career, starting at Loyola Chicago University, where he ranks top-10 in school history for points, assists and steals. 

From there, Doyle spent time with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, playing 10 games, before beginning his international career, which saw him head to Spain, Israel, Italy, Turkey, Australia and most recently, Puerto Rico.

Looking at the calibre of competitor Doyle is, Melbourne United Head Coach, Dean Vickerman, is thrilled to be adding the dynamic American into his NBL26 lineup.

“This was the first move that we wanted to make of the three imports and I think it has the ability to shape how we go with the other two,” he said.

“What we saw in Milton was someone who has been in our league, understands it well and has been a top player with the ability to close games as well as anyone.

“I think having him and CG on the floor down the stretch of games is going to present opponents with a big problem. Then there’s the elite IQ that he possesses, I think he can act as another coach on the floor for us during games.

“We’re seeing it right now in Puerto Rico, he’s got the ball in his hands and the assist numbers have been great.

“Playing with talent around him, he’s making people better, and that is a trait I think he shares with some of the greatest imports to have played in this league.  He can lift everyone around him, but then can own the game in the biggest moments.”

Doyle is set to complete his campaign in Puerto Rico before arriving in Melbourne to begin his pre-season with his United teammates. He takes up the our first import spot of the NBL26 season.

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

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