Vickerman on Doyle: ‘He thrives in big moments’

Mainland Milton has officially arrived to start the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 season.

Suiting up in his first official game for Melbourne United, Doyle was masterful in the biggest moments of the game, cashing in on buzzer-beating buckets to close the first and second quarters, before scoring seven decisive points in the final minute to secure the road win.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Dean Vickerman praised the American’s ability to deliver down the stretch.

“I’m learning more about him, he’s just so relaxed,” Vickerman said.

“Talking to him today, asking ‘Where do you want the basketball in key moments?’ and (he said) ‘Just give it to me in the middle of the floor and I’ll make something happen.”

“I just love the calmness that he plays with, and I thought he was really solid defensively tonight as well.

“I thought the build up to the game… You could see an intensity lift from him. He thrives in big moments and he delivered today.”

Also a huge factor in the victory was our effort on the glass, as we out-rebounded the JackJumpers 54-39, including 22 offensive boards.

“We were in a really good place rebounding the ball tonight,” Vickerman explained. 

“It might be the best we’ve ever done down here rebounding the basketball, so real positive signs.”

Playing in his 200th game, Fabijan Krslovic led from the front, tallying 12 boards across his 19 minutes.

Set to play his first game as a member of Melbourne United in front of our fans on Sunday afternoon, Krslovic touched on his excitement

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Melbourne,” Krslovic said on Thursday night.

“We’ve got to get ready, we’ve got a game Sunday, first home game for us so hopefully we get a lot of energy from our crowd as well.”

We face off the New Zealand Breakers at 2pm on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Arena. Tickets are on sale here.