NBL22 Debrief - David Barlow

Entering his 19th professional season of basketball and coming off his fifth NBL title, some people questioned just what was left for David Barlow to do in the league.

One of the greatest shooting forwards in Australian basketball history, Barlow simply did what he’s done for the better part of two decades; tune out the noise, get in the gym, cash threes.

Taking on the role as a coach on the floor and an invaluable locker room leader, DB played a huge part in United’s ladder-leading season, and cherished every second of NBL22.

“I’m very grateful for the time that I had this season with the team and the club as a whole. I’ve loved coming to work every day.

“We had brilliant moments, we had some down moments, for the most part we had a great season.

“We had a great win against Sydney at home where we really kind of showed how we could be at home. We had some good wins over South East Melbourne in rivalry games, had a big win in Perth… We went on a journey that for the most part was going as planned.

“I’m forever grateful to be doing this with the people that we have at this club.”

Perhaps what Barlow was most grateful for was his teammates, who he shed blood, sweat and tears next to across NBL22.

“I’ve got nothing but love and respect for all of my teammates, but I definitely think of friendship because this is a wild environment that we are a part of.

“We go out and compete incredibly hard against one another in an effort to be our best and compete for a championship. Going through those battles just strengthens those friendships and makes you become incredibly close with teammates.

“This year we had a special group of people, a special group of players… you wish we had a better result, but no one will ever take away the experiences we shared together.”

One of only two players in Melbourne United history to have played over 200 games for the club (Chris Goulding being the other), DB has always embraced the energy the John Cain Arena crowd has provided.

After two years of games in front of little/no crowds, Barlow said hearing the roar of the United faithful once again was special.

“It was brilliant, I don’t know how else to put it.

“Especially when things are going well and we’re playing the way we can and the scoreboard’s leaning in our favour and the fans' energy is helping that, I love it.

“We have so many great moments in this profession, but it’s hard to go past the moment where things might be close and things start to go your way and you start to run over the opposition, and the energy of the arena is so extreme.

“It is absolutely brilliant, it is possibly the best part of our job, and to be able to experience it again multiple times this year was a pleasure.”

To be a part of United’s energy-boosting crowd, secure your NBL23 membership today!

Offering can’t-miss access and experiences within the club from as little as $105, standing United with Melbourne is the best way to support your side!