Former NBA big-man Josh Oduro stands United for NBL27

Melbourne United has added its first import piece for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season with the signing of former NBA big-man Josh Oduro.

The 206cm American spent last season with the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-way contract in the NBA, ultimately suiting up for three games, including one start.

Oduro played the majority of the past two campaigns with New Orleans’ G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, where averaged 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 combined blocks and steals across 87 games.

Eager to make his mark with United, Oduro said he can’t wait to get to Melbourne and start putting in the work alongside his new teammates.

“From everything I’ve heard and seen, Melbourne looks like an amazing city, and I’m excited to get on the court and give my all for United and our fans,” Oduro said.

“I really like what Melbourne is about. The coaches have been great throughout this process and I'm really excited for this roster and the teammates that I get to play with.

“The number one goal is winning. I want to come down here and dominate as a team, win a Championship, and hopefully that can lead to NBA opportunities for any of our guys striving to reach that level.

“'I’m a guy who's going to give my all. I play a really blue collar brand of basketball, I want to play hard and I want to play for the badge.”

Before turning pro, Oduro played five years of hoops in the NCAA. The first four were spent with George Mason, where he ranks sixth all-time in blocked shots and offensive rebounds, and was twice named to the Atlantic 10 Conference First Team.

His final season of collegiate basketball saw him follow his coach Kim English to Providence, where he teamed up alongside future NBA player Devin Carter.

A versatile player with the ability to cover multiple spots on the floor with his hustle and athleticism, United Head Coach Jacob Chance believes Oduro will thrive playing alongside the rest of the team’s front-court pieces.

“Looking at the roster we’ve put together, positional versatility and the ability for our guys to complement each other was high on the priority list,” Chance explained.

“Josh is someone that makes everyone better around him. He’s a high IQ big who can pass, defend at the rim and out on the perimeter, and score from multiple areas on the floor.

“More importantly, he’s a great person. He’s motivated to showcase what he can do in our league, and has already shown great buy-in of our culture and values.

“I think when our fans see how hard he works on every possession, he’s going to very quickly become very popular inside John Cain Arena.”

Oduro is the third player to sign with United this offseason after spending last season in the NBA, joining Joe Ingles (Minnesota) and Luke Travers (Cleveland).

The trio will add to a stacked roster featuring Kyle Bowen, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Fabijan Krslovic, Sean Macdonald (NRP), Malith Machar, and Sam Waardenburg, as well as Development Players Jensen Bradtke and Christian D’Angelo.

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