Delany looking to build on United tradition

Having enjoyed the luxury of some of the league’s best local four-men on his teams throughout the past few seasons, Dean Vickerman is confident incoming recruit Finn Delany can be a major contributor to winning basketball in NBL26.

The former NZ Breakers has shown how elite he can be across stretches of his NBL career, and is coming into United’s lineup off the back of a strong campaign in Japan.

Speaking about his roster build, Vickerman spoke glowingly about what he believes Delany will bring to the court next season.

“We’ve had elite, local four men over these past few years… we just feel like it’s such a connector position,” he explained. 

“Outside of the point guard, this four man initiates a lot of offence for us and we think he’s got the IQ that can really initiate our offence at pace.

"He’s got good ball handling ability, good passing ability, and then there’s the athleticism and toughness that he’s going to bring to us as well. 

“I think he can guard four, five and three. He’s versatile in what he can do for us defensively.”

These sentiments were echoed by journalist Jordan McCallum for The Pick and Roll, who provided his insight into just how Delany can impact the game at both ends.

“At his best, Delany offers an impressive blend of grab and go ability in transition (just like Jack White and Luke Travers previously), as well as bully ball in the post, pick and pop threes, and success attacking closeouts with his quickness advantage,” he said.

“Delany is set up to find his best form again in a favourable environment where both Travers and White thrived at the same position.”

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To read Jordan McCallum’s full article, click here.