United boasting roster full of starters says Barlow

Much has been made about Melbourne United’s lineup heading into the NBL24 season.

Built around one of the strongest local cores in recent memory and bolstered by an NBA and NBL champion in Ian Clark, and perhaps the most imposing Next Star in league history in Ariel Hukporti, hopes are high for a team looking to jump back into contention for the NBL’s ultimate prize.

Having been a part of United’s lineup for its entire existence, new assistant coach David Barlow believes just about anyone on MU’s playing list has the talent to step into the starting lineup.

Speaking on SEN yesterday, Barlow elaborated on the strength of Melbourne’s roster.

<iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/melbourne-united-audio/assistant-coach-david-barlow-on-sen-12-september-2/embed" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write" width="100%" height="180" frameborder="0" title="Assistant Coach David Barlow on SEN - 12 September, 2023"></iframe>

“We have a roster full of talented and versatile players and I think we have virtually a whole roster of guys that are capable of starting, and who starts on any given night I’m not 100% certain,” he said.

“I think it could change from game-to-game to be honest. Depending on health, on scout matchups, performance potentially, but you could say there’s a world where Shea (Ili) and Delly (Matthew Dellavedova) both start along with CG (Chris Goulding) on the perimeter and (Luke) Travers at the four and Ariel (Hukporti) at the five.

“Ian Clark is obviously a gifted player, he can play the one and the two, so there’s surely a world where he starts as well.”

United fans will get an extended look at how the team’s rotation may play out at the NBL Blitz, which kicks off when they face the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday 16 September from 7:30pm. All games will be streamed live on Kayo Freebies.

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