Ingles in line for a full circle moment against the Breakers

Over 18 years ago, at just under 19 years old, a fresh faced Joe Ingles stepped onto an NBL court for the first time. Through years in grassroots basketball with the South Tigers in Adelaide, and expanding his game at the AIS in Canberra with future Boomer teammate Patty Mills, Ingles had worked countless hours to get to where he was. 

For the South Dragons in their 2006-2007 season opener against the Breakers, he had an NBL Local Debut record 29 points on 11/15 shooting, making four threes in a close loss. 

The rest of his inaugural season in the NBL was no less excellent than his first game, as he averaged 15 points 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 2006/07 on his way to the Rookie of The Year award, whilst helping the South Dragons, in their first season, make a finals run. 

Almost two decades later, with a historic NBA career in the rear view mirror, hoops has brought him back to where his professional basketball journey began. 

The wily veteran will take on the same team he faced in his first NBL game, the New Zealand Breakers, this Monday as a part of Hungry Jack’s Rookie Round, and if this game is like any other in NBL27, he will make as much of an impact on this contest as he did back in 2006. 

Now at United, he is averaging 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists on an insane 60% from the field and 42% from three as a key playmaker and ball handler for Melbourne’s second unit. 

Following Sunday’s win against the Kings, Ingles explained the significance of playing out the twilight of his career in Melbourne. 

“[There’s a] bit of history here (in John Cain Arena) and it’s just nice for us to be back as a family in Melbourne,” He explained. 

“Getting to play with my kids sitting three, four rows behind the bench, which is pretty special for our family. [I’m] lucky to do it with an awesome club and team. 

“Hopefully we can get a few more wins in front of our home fans.”

Depending on the result of Saturday’s game against the Taipans in Cairns, the matchup with the Breakers may be an opportunity for Ingles and the team to bring their record into the positive for the first time in NBL27. 

To see one of Australia’s greatest ever hoopers, as well as the rest of United’s star-studded lineup, take on New Zealand inside John Cain Arena this Cup eve, get your tickets here via AXS

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