Fans, teammates credited for Agada’s unguardable form

Expectations are always high for NBL imports.

When they succeed, they can take a team from good to great, and from great to immortal.

When they don’t, the pressure can mount quickly from all directions.

After a so-so pre-season, and a slow first two games of NBL22 action, Caleb Agada was feeling the pressure from his toughest critic: himself.

Coming off an Olympic run with Nigeria and a successful stint in NBA Summer League to join a Championship winning team, Agada was put in a situation he had never been in; a marquee man. 

“The beginning of this season was the hardest of any season I’ve had of any season to date,” he said.

“I’m not the kind of person to listen to the outside noise… I was demanding a lot from myself.”

Across his first two games, both losses, Agada averaged 13.5 points per game just over 30% shooting, a far cry from what he knew he was capable of.

Knowing he needed to give more to the team, it was support from his teammates that kept his confidence high.

“The coaches, staff, and organisation always did everything they could to support me and have my back.

“I remember having a conversation with Horse (Mason Peatling) at practice. He just told me to not even worry about anything… he wanted me to know that I wasn’t alone. That meant a lot to me.”

Knowing his team had united behind him, Agada’s first home game at John Cain Arena was turned into a look at what he could truly do in the NBL.

Buoyed by the roar of the Melbourne United fans, Agada scored 14 points in the first half before leading his side to a historic victory over the Sydney Kings.

Caleb believes hearing the love from the fans went a long way in propelling him out of his slump.

“That really kick started it, that first home game. Hitting some shots and hearing the fans go crazy. Since then, it’s been kind of like clockwork.”

That “clockwork” has been spectacular to watch, as Agada has dominated all comers across his last three games, all victories, averaging 21.6 points and 8.6 rebounds while knocking down 10 three-pointers.   

During this winning streak, Caleb has been beaming on the court, enjoying every second of success.

“Winning is fun, winning is amazing, winning is the best feeling in the world,” he said.

“But for me, I’m so happy in those moments because it’s validation that all the work I put in, all the late nights, early mornings, it’s all paying off.”

Not one to make things about himself, Agada credited the winning foundation that has been established at Melbourne United for not only facilitating his success, but also for lifting everyone on the team towards their ultimate goal.

“This team has a championship pedigree.

“United won the championship last year… It doesn't matter that there are all new pieces this season, the foundation is the same, the way we go about things remains the same.

“This is how championships are won, the unselfishness, the communication, the work we put in… this is what it takes to win a championship.”

The best way to watch Caleb for the rest of the season is to Unite and become a member, as well as tuning in to all Melbourne United road games across ESPN, Network 10 and Kayo.