United add promising Australian big man Kyle Bowen

Written by Melbourne United Media

Melbourne United have added more exciting young Australian talent to its growing core in the form of promising forward Kyle Bowen for the next two seasons.

Following four years at St Mary’s College and a Championship winning season as a Development Player with the Perth Wildcats, Bowen will make the move to Melbourne to properly start his first season as a fully contracted player.

A bruising big man, Bowen carved out a strong career in the NCAA, and will look to do the same under Head Coach Dean Vickerman.

Speaking to MU Media, Bowen said he’s eagerly anticipating arriving in Melbourne.

“After four years of college and the American basketball experience, I’m champing at the bit to get back to Australia and play the style of game that I love playing,” he said.

“Melbourne United is a high calibre, big market team. I’m really looking forward to getting down there and getting to work with Dean (Vickerman) and this group.

“This is a special group of guys and I think we’re capable of big things this year. Winning is all that’s on my mind, I hate losing, so hopefully the fans can expect a lot of Ws this season.”

One person that knows Bowen’s game intimately is long-time friend and fellow Western Australian Luke Travers.

After going up against each other in the junior ranks, the pair joined forces for WA in the Australian Junior National Championships.

Looking at how Bowen will fit into United’s new-look lineup, Travers spoke with great optimism.

“We played a little bit against each other as juniors, but then played in a lot of state teams together and I just remember him being the ultimate team guy,” he said.

“He’s always been a really strong leader, he’s got great skills as a big man and has been shooting the ball really well.

“I think his ability to adapt to whatever situation he’s put in is really going to help us. He’s a special player and he’s going to contribute right away.

“It’s definitely cool to have a familiar face when I get here and it will be great getting to experience Melbourne alongside a guy I’ve known for a long time.”

Bowen will join Travers, as well as Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Ariel Hukporti, Tanner Krebs, Flynn Cameron, Zac Triplett and Campbell Blogg as contracted players for United for next season.

To lock in your seat to see Bowen take the court, become a United member today!

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