DPs shine for short-handed United

Melbourne United head coach Dean Vickerman is taking plenty of positives away from his side’s opening round defeat to the Kings in Sydney.

Despite trailing by as many as 21 points, mid-way through the third quarter, United put together a strong comeback, reducing the deficit to just three points in the closing seconds, thanks in part to a fantastic pair of NBL debuts.

Development players David ‘DSav’ Okwera (19 years old) and Zac Triplett (20 years old) provided a much-needed spark for the defending champs, coming off the bench to combine for 15 points in limited minutes.

Speaking to the media in his post-game press conference, Vickerman praised the duo.

“I thought David Okwera, for his first game of NBL, was outstanding,” he continued.

“I thought Zac Triplett had a nice little impact, and that got us back in the game.

“To me, the takeaway from this game on a real positive note was to say we had a lot of guys play their first game for the club, we had two DP’s who came in and had a really good impact, and when we’re down 21, we don’t quit, and we fight.”

NBL veteran Brad Newley, who made his own United debut on Sunday, echoed Dean’s sentiments.

“I’m actually pretty proud of the way some of our younger guys came in and really picked it up a notch,” he said.

“There’s two guys who hadn't played an NBL game, and they come out with that enthusiasm. It goes through the group; really happy with the effort of those guys.”

Melbourne’s next home game will be its much-anticipated home opener, a Throwdown against South East Melbourne Phoenix, where United will raise the NBL21 Championship banner.

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