Darryl McDonald to depart United, join Bullets as Assistant Coach

Written by Melbourne United Media 

Melbourne United assistant coach Darryl ‘D-Mack’ McDonald is set to depart the club after agreeing to join the Brisbane Bullets as an assistant coach under Justin Schueller.

McDonald came back to Melbourne United for the NBL21 season as an assistant under Dean Vickerman, having previously coached the club in an interim capacity during the 2014-15 season.

The Victorian basketball legend’s impact was immediately felt, helping guide United to a Championship victory in NBL21.

Speaking to MU Media, McDonald thanked the organisation for their support and love across the past three years.

“The three years I’ve been at United, I was learning every day,” he said.

“Being able to work under Dean and alongside (Justin) Schueller and Rhys (Carter) has been really special. Now this is a new opportunity to head up to Brisbane and look to help get that program back on the map.

“I want to thank the organisation as a whole, from Dean and (former CEO) Vince Crivelli to Nick Truelson and Mark Boyd, they created a very special environment for me to learn and improve as a coach every day.

“The fans have always been great to me. When I came back to the club, they welcomed me with open arms.”

Having worked closely with McDonald as his Head Coach, Vickerman said he’s proud to have been able to share the bench with the NBL legend as they enjoyed great success together with United.

“It’s been amazing to have D-Mack back with Melbourne United and a part of this coaching group over the past three years,” Vickermen continued.

He’s played a great role in our success with his knowledge of the game, ability to connect with and develop players and his work within our basketball community and academy.

“We’re a club that wants people to come through our organisation and improve in whatever they do, and that’s something I believe D-Mack has achieved as he moves on to this new opportunity.”

Melbourne United strive to be a destination club on and off the court, with this move going down as another example of a professional coming into our organisation to develop before going onto their next opportunity.

From the entire Melbourne United organisation, we wish D-Mack the best in Brisbane, and can’t wait for the exciting matchups to come.