Melbourne United duo embracing journey to green and gold

Written by Melbourne United Media

Just one day out from Australia’s World Cup Qualifier against Bahrain, United duo Mason Peatling and Isaac Humphries can’t wait to don the green and gold together.

The pair have overcome a lot to reach this stage, with each of the big-men battling back from injury issues over the past 12 months.

After playing only six games across NBL22, Humphries showcased his durability for United this season, leading the league in blocked shots and providing a solid presence in the post.

Peatling on the other hand had a delayed start to NBL23 as he recovered from a knee injury in the offseason, returning to the squad in Round 7 to average the best rebounding numbers of his career.

Speaking to MU Media after Boomers practice on Wednesday afternoon, the pair touched on their journeys to reach this point.

“Having spent the last 12 months together at United, you can see the journey that it takes to put the green and gold on,” Peating said.

“We’ve both had our own individual challenges behind the scenes with the things you’ve got to do to get on the floor day-to-day.

“We’ve both put a lot of work into our bodies over the last 12 months to get us into a position where we can put the green and gold on, which is awesome.”

Humphries, who has already suited up for Australia at the senior level in the past, echoed Peatling’s sentiments, adding how helpful it is to have some familiar faces around the team, such as Head Coach Dean Vickerman and High Performance Manager Steve McAdam.

“You don’t forget but you get a bit distanced from how amazing it feels to be a part of this culture and this group. I’m very excited to be back involved,” Humphries continued.

“Coming into this environment, it can be really daunting, it can be high pressure and high intensity so having some familiar faces and people you’re really comfortable with help.”

For Peatling, this will be the first time he has represented Australia on the basketball court, and he couldn’t be more excited.

United’s workhorse for the past three seasons, Peatling was honoured with his Boomers jersey by a pair of his championship teammates in David Barlow and David Andersen.

“Having two of my NBL Championship teammates present me with my first Boomers jersey is something I’ll remember forever,” Peatling said.

“They were both pretty forthcoming with their stories playing for the Boomers, what it brought out in them and what they most loved about it so hearing that side of it was really cool.”

With both games set to be played at State Basketball Centre, Humphries is confident he and Peatling will be feeling the love from the local crowd.

“I imagine we’ll have some fans in the crowd this week… we’re in Melbourne and that’s our home so I hope everyone comes out and cheers us on.”

The Boomers will face Bahrain and Kazakhstan at the State Basketball Centre on Thursday 23 and Sunday 26 of February.