Club legend’s return completes Melbourne United coaching staff roster

NBL legend and former Melbourne United Head Coach Darryl McDonald has re-joined the club as an Assistant Coach for the 2021 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

McDonald is well-known as an incredible player who won three NBL Championships during his illustrious career – one in his first year (1994) with the North Melbourne Giants and two over his last three seasons with the Melbourne Tigers.

Since retiring from competitive play in 2008, McDonald dedicated himself to coaching, working with a variety of players and organisations including two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Melbourne Tigers.

During the 2014/15 NBL Season, McDonald was selected as an Assistant Coach to Chris Anstey for Melbourne United, but was elevated to the position of Interim Head Coach following Antsey’s departure after one game.

McDonald will join Justin Schueller and Rhys Carter, rounding out Dean Vickerman’s coaching staff roster for the 2021 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season.

After his most recent coaching stints in Big V, NBL1 and school sport, McDonald spoke of his excitement to return to the NBL.

“I’m really happy to be back with Melbourne United, and to join this coaching group under Dean Vickerman is really exciting,” McDonald said.

“This group is really talented and eager to achieve, and I feel as though I can contribute knowledge and experience that will help bring another championship to the organisation.

“We just can’t wait to get back out on the court in order to compete – it has been way too long between basketball for all of us.”

Head Coach Dean Vickerman also expressed his delight of having the NBL veteran return to the Melbourne United ranks.

“D-Mac is an absolute legend of our sport and this league and will bring a wealth of knowledge to our group that shall only help us get better,” Vickerman said.

“In conjunction with his incredible amount of experience, he will bring a different set of eyes and an alternate view that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.

“He’s a seasoned winner, and any addition to our group that helps us win is great for us.”

“Everyone knows what a great player he was, and we think he shall really help players like Shea (Ili) and Mitch (McCarron) with their point guard decision making, and the way they see the court.

“He will also help us drive an inclusive culture in the team that is focused on that championship-winning mentality.”

The 2021 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season gets underway on January 10^th, when Melbourne United play the South East Melbourne Phoenix in Throwdown V.