Melbourne United sign Olympian Caleb Agada, completing NBL22 roster

Melbourne United is excited to announce the club has filled the final spot of the team’s roster for the upcoming 2021-22 Hungry Jack’s NBL Season, with Nigerian national representative Caleb Agada signing on a one-year deal.

Agada, a 196cm guard born in Canada, played his college ball for the University of Ottawa in Canada before beginning his professional career. Agada has spent time playing professionally in both Canada (with Hamilton) and Spain (with LEB Gold teams Prat and Melilla), before finding a home for the past two seasons with Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Israeli Premier League.

During the most recent season, Agada led the Israeli league in points (22.9 per game) and steals (2.4 per game), including an impressive 43-point game against the illustrious Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Although born in Canada, Agada also holds a Nigerian citizenship and represented the D’Tigers at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo. While it was a tough tournament for the Nigerians, it was in the pre-Olympic exhibition games where Agada impressed most. Agada helped the D’Tigers to a historic upset victory against Team USA, when he scored 17 points and was 3-of-3 from deep.

The dynamic 26-year-old is known for his talents on both ends of the floor, as well as his ability to get out in transition and score. Attributes that are well sought after by Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman. It was Agada’s two-way ability that earned him a spot on the Denver Nuggets team in the recent NBA Summer League, where over 5 games he averaged 19.6 minutes per game, with 11.2 points, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals.

Dean Vickerman said: “We couldn’t be more excited to have a player of Caleb’s ability and character joining our group for next season.”

“He has proven that he is an elite level scorer by leading the scoring in Israel last season. His speed with the ball and ability to get out in transition are elements of his game we really like. He also shoots the 3-ball at over 40%, so we expect him to add a good offensive punch to our team.”

“Caleb was also a 2-time defensive player of the year in college. I expect that with his combination of strength and foot speed, he’ll prove to be a great, versatile defender in the NBL.”

“Nigerian Head Coach Mike Brown recently said that he loved Caleb’s work ethic, scoring ability and willingness to buy into whatever it takes to win. That’s exactly the type of guy we were looking for, and is why we believe he will be a great fit for this roster.”

With Agada’s signing, Melbourne United’s roster for the upcoming NBL22 Season is complete. The season is now only a few months away, with the NBL recently announcing the season will start November 18, 2021. Melbourne United’s official pre-season is set to begin in September.

Melbourne United fans, the season is fast approaching and it is Time To Unite - NBL22 memberships are on sale now!