Legendary mentors guiding Bowen with United

Since arriving at Melbourne United, Kyle Bowen has been blown away by the support surrounding him within the club.

Following a four-year college career, Bowen signed with United and is looking to make an immediate impact with his bruising style of play.

While he played sparingly during the 2019 season as a Development Player with the Perth Wildcats, the former St Mary’s Gael has looked towards legends of the league to help him prepare for the NBL24 season.

One person in particular that has worked extensively with Bowen is Assistant Coach David Barlow, who boasts a 387-game resume within the NBL, as well as a wealth of international experience.

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/the-extra-pass/ep-11-kyle-bowen/embed" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Ep 11 - Kyle Bowen"></iframe>

“I wasn’t sure what our relationship was going to be like, especially him being on the coaching staff, but it’s been everything I’d hoped for and more,” Bowen explained.

“He’s just so intelligent. Whenever someone asks me to describe Barlow, I just say ‘he’s just wired differently’.

“The way he looks at the game, it’s so simple and complex at the same time for him, so I’ve been a sponge around him. Having him in my workouts and having him one-on-one teaching me what he did to be successful as a four-man at Melbourne United, I’m all ears with that guy and I’ve got a lot of respect (for him).”

With Barlow steering Bowen’s development off the court, United’s collection of veteran leaders on the court have been ones the big-man has watched closely.

<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@melbutd/video/7271143385992269058" data-video-id="7271143385992269058" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@melbutd" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@melbutd?refer=embed">@melbutd</a> Ever wondered what Kyle KB Bowen gets up to during a workout? We were curious too so we mic’d him up to find out ?? <a title="micdup" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/micdup?refer=embed">#micdup</a> <a title="basketball" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/basketball?refer=embed">#basketball</a> <a title="nbl" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/nbl?refer=embed">#nbl</a> <a title="training" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/training?refer=embed">#training</a> <a target="_blank" title="? original sound - Melbourne United" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7271143403059055362?refer=embed">? original sound - Melbourne United</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>

This includes Brad Newley, who has transitioned to playing more of the four position across the past two seasons.

“(Newley) is almost double my age, he’s been around the league and all around the world playing this game so to see someone have such a light-hearted approach to the game but also have so much knowledge and know certain wrinkles to still be playing this game and be successful, it’s just something I’m keeping a close eye on.

“We’ve got a lot of not only veterans in this team, but a lot of successful veterans. We haven’t had CG (Chris Goulding) or Delly (Matthew Dellavedova) or Shea Ili on the floor as much as !’d have liked to have so far throughout the seasons. I'm excited to learn from those guys too.”

With so much excitement surrounding the group as they move through the preseason, the time is now to BRING THE BLUE and become a Melbourne United Member.

Full season memberships are nearly SOLD OUT, so get in quick to secure your seat for each and every United home game at John Cain Arena.