How Machar’s growth led to contract opportunity

When Malith Machar first stepped onto the court for Melbourne United in NBL23, the then Development Player was only scratching the surface of what he was capable of.

Having flashed his ability in the NBL1 Central, Machar came into the program as an athletic prospect, capable of skying for eye-opening jams and highlight blocks.

There were however many areas of his game in need of refinement, something then-teammate and now-coach David Barlow identified early.

“I still remember Malith’s first day in the building,” he explained.

“He had a rough day, mostly due to the completely new environment he was coming into, but right off the bat you could see the talent that he had to go along with being a terrific person.

“It’s been a few years now and there’s a lot of things that he’s done and he’s improved on to become the player he is now.”

Throughout his two years as a Development Player with United, Machar worked tirelessly on his body, putting himself in a position to endure the physicality of an NBL season.

Following this, Machar was not featured in NBL25 playing squad, but remained with the organisation as a training player, working with the coaches to help prepare his teammates for whatever challenges they had throughout their campaign.

This beget more development, both physically and mentally, ultimately leading to the 203cm swingman earning a spot back in the lineup as a fully rostered player for NBL26.

Barlow broke down what he has seen over the past 12 months from Machar, and his excitement to see what the 26-year-old can produce back in the NBL.

“He is an athlete that still has untapped potential,” he said.

“You can see the work he’s put in with the strength and conditioning team to get himself stronger, more prepared for the rigors of professional sport, and that is hugely beneficial. Adding that strength and stability to his athletic ability; his speed and vertical game, makes him even more of a high-level player.

“You can see how his confidence within our home-base concepts has grown throughout his time with the team. It can be really difficult, but he’s at a point now where there’s confidence in his ability to be in the right places, cut into space at the right time and be in the right position defensively.

“He wants to win. He wants to be the best version of himself, he’s always trying to do the right thing. He listens, he tries his hardest, he knows when he makes mistakes and is always ready to improve because of it.

“He’s just come so far in so many areas, which I think is a big reason he’s ready to contribute at the NBL level.”

Few people have been able to experience Machar’s growth more than Barlow, who still plays alongside the rangy shooter in the NBL1 with the Sandringham Sabres.

Currently in the midst of an 11-game winning streak, Barlow touched on the trust he and the coaches have in Machar in big moments.

“His ability to do what we’re asking him to do is elite.

“To be a piece of what we’re trying to achieve, while allowing his gifts to shine through, he’s done a really good job for us this year. You see that manifesting itself in good performances, but also trust from the coaching staff in crucial times.

“There’s a sense of trust that in big moments, he can guard key guys, he can get a bucket and target defenders.”

The only way to make sure you don’t miss a second of Machar on the court this season is by becoming a member today!

Premium, Gold, Silver and Bronze full season memberships are now officially sold out – with General Reserve the only full season option still available. A limited number of 3 and 5 Game packages remain across selected categories, but they’re going fast!

Not sure how many games you’ll make it to this season? Single game tickets are now on sale via Ticketek. With 14 huge home games locked in at John Cain Arena – including two home Throwdowns, our Open Air Game, and the Multicultural Game – there’s something for everyone.