High-flying Dutch dunker Jesse Edwards signs for NBL26

Melbourne United is thrilled to announce the signing of former NBA centre, Jesse Edwards, for the NBL26 season.

Standing 213cm tall with a 226cm wingspan, Edwards has established himself as a dominant dunking and shot-blocking force.

Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Edwards voiced his elation ahead of his debut with United.

“I’m very excited to join Melbourne United,” he said.

“Obviously the team has been one of the best teams in Australia for a while and the NBL itself I’ve heard great things about.

“Just to be able to play with such a good team and such a good organisation, it’s exciting. Everyone I’ve talked to from the team has been amazing so I just can’t wait to get started.

“I wanted to be somewhere where I could play high-level competitive and winning basketball.

“That’s what most players want in their career, to be in a place where they can compete, have a staff and a fan base around them that really wants to win, and that’s exactly what United has; A winning culture and a great fan base that supports every game.”

Born and raised in Amsterdam, Edwards was a standout youth player, which led him to the famed IMG Academy in Florida, which has produced NBA big-men such as Zach Edey and Mark Williams.

From there, the rim-runner played at Syracuse University, where he starred four seasons and was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team in 2023, before moving on to West Virginia for his final collegiate campaign.

Despite going undrafted in 2024, Edwards quickly signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played a pair of NBA games and 34 G-League games, averaging 11.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per night.

Looking at his latest addition, Head Coach Dean Vickerman believes Edwards is a perfect fit for his NBL26 roster.

“Looking at our final import spot, we wanted to bring in someone that was an elite rim protector, which Jesse has been across his college and pro career so far,” Vickerman explained.

“We think he’s got great length, really good timing and elite defensive instincts. He’s also got the mobility to get out and play with pace, which really suits what we’re wanting to do this year.

“He can live above the rim, and I think our crowd is going to love it. He’s a great lob threat, and we’ve got the guards to put the ball in the perfect place for him to make big plays.

“I really believe he’s an NBA player, and it’s really exciting to have both he and Tyson Walker as young, talented imports that are at their athletic peaks.”

Edwards is currently playing with the Dutch National Team in 2027 World Cup Qualifying Games, and is expected to arrive in Melbourne ahead of the NBL Blitz.

Edwards joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Milton Doyle, Finn Delany, Tyson Walker, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson, Dash Daniels, Malith Machar, Nicolas Tata, Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens as signed players for NBL26.