Drinkwise Preview: NBL25 - Pre-season, Game 1 v Brisbane Bullets

United basketball is back!

After a busy offseason, Melbourne United’s stars are set to return to the court for their first hit-out of the pre-season in front of their fans at Casey Basketball Stadium.

Returning stars like Jack White, who will suit up in the United blue for the first time since 2022, and fresh faces like Akech Aliir will look to showcase their skills against the Brisbane Bullets, led by former Melbourne assistant coach Justin Schueller.

Brisbane are coming into the game fresh off a victory over the Shanghai Sharks last Friday.

PLAYER TO WATCH

After a stellar off-season, Shea Ili heads into United’s opening game of the pre-season playing some of the best basketball of his career.

One of the best players in the NBL1 South all season, Ili also put on a phenomenal display playing for the New Zealand Tall Blacks in their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Greece.

Battling against NBA and Euroleague stars, Ili was amongst the best players in the tournament, averaging 23 points per game and shooting 80% from the three-point line.

Look for the NBL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year to be aggressive on both ends on Tuesday night.

KEY MATCHUP

In a battle of two players returning to the NBL, fans should be excited to see Jack White and Deng Adel clash on the court.

Since departing the league to play internationally, Adel has forged his craft playing in Canada, the G-League, Denmark, Bulgaria and France.

He will look to use everything he learnt abroad in hopes of slowing down White, who has grown into a more confident offensive threat throughout his two years in the NBA and G-League.

Both capable of producing highlight plays above the rim, keep your eyes on this matchup.

THE OTHER GUYS

Boasting a new-look team with a pair of imports making their debut in the NBL, the Bullets are hoping to make a splash in NBL25.

Coming in with years of experience playing in Europe, Keandre Cook and James Bateman have both shown an ability to be dangerous scorers.

The incoming American duo will look to support Brisbane’s interior anchor, Tyrell Harrison, who himself had a strong offseason playing with the Tall Blacks and in the NBL1. 

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GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Brisbane Bullets

Tip-off: 6:30pm AEST, Tuesday 27 August, 2024

Where: Casey Basketball Stadium, Cranbourne East

Watch: Stream available via the Melbourne United App.