United prepared for ‘biggest challenge’ of the season

Looking at the next three games on our schedule, Head Coach Dean Vickerman is aware that the team must be prepared to face perhaps our most challenging stretch of the season.

After an extended break, we will play three games in six days across Round 7 and 8, all against teams with something to prove early in the season.

That starts on Monday evening when we host the Sydney Kings leading into the Melbourne Cup Public holiday.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Vickerman broke down the team’s upcoming stretch, and touched on the dangers the Kings lineup presents.

“It’s the biggest challenge we’ve had so far in the season to play the Kings and Illawarra; both teams that are both desperate to find winning form right now, and then a cross-town rival that is playing really good basketball as well, and that wants nothing more than to beat us,” he explained.

“We understand the motivation of other teams, we understand the motivation of someone wanting to be the first team to beat us… how long can we fend that off.

“When they (Sydney) are at pace, they’re a real problem.

“Their shooters, Kuot Noi, (Tim) Soares, gives room for Cooks to get downhill. Cooks was really good last time we played them, scored in the mid 20s, got to the foul line a lot so we have to do a better job on him.

“Kendrick (Davis) hasn’t shot the basketball from the three at a great clip but that can change at any moment.”

Monday will also see the return of Matthew Dellavedova to John Cain Arena to face us for the first time in Melbourne. Across three seasons, Dellavedova played 95 games with United.

Tickets are selling fast, so make sure you’ve got your seat secured by heading to Ticketek.com.au today!