Nicolas Tata signs as Nominated Replacement Player

Melbourne United is excited to announce the signing of Nicolas Tata as our Nominated Replacement Player (NRP_ for the NBL26 season.

Standing 208cm tall with the ability to sky high for dunks and blocks, Tata provides an elite vertical threat to the lineup.

The big-man spent NBL25 as a Training Player, helping the team stay sharp leading into gamedays.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Tata touched on his feelings following the signing.

“This really is a dream of mine,” he told Melbourne United Media.

“To play for Melbourne United, my hometown team, means the world to me. I will do whatever I can to help us compete for a championship.

“Since coming into the program, I really feel like I’ve taken strides towards becoming the best version of myself on the basketball court.

“Putting in the work alongside some of the legends of our sport, I’ve learnt what it takes to play at the highest level, and I’m going to continue putting in that work to stay ready for whatever the team needs from me.”

Across the recent NBL1 South season, Tata suited up for the Nunawading Spectres, appearing in nine contests including a 17-point, 17-rebound performance. 

United Head Coach Dean Vickerman said he believes the 25-year-old is ready to contribute right away if called upon.

“Tata is a player we’ve seen tremendous growth from across his time with the program,” Vickerman explained.

“He is a truly unique athlete for his size and is capable of playing the way we want to at the NBL level. He can make plays above the rim and has developed his ability to defend out on the perimeter.

“Having him on the roster as the NRP provides us great insurance at the big-man spot.”

Tata joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Milton Doyle, Finn Delany, Tyson Walker, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson, Dash Daniels, Malith Machar, Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens as signed players for NBL26.

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