Vickerman targeting high-level import trio

With NBL26 fast approaching, Melbourne United’s roster build continues to move forward.

Having already added an exciting collection of new local talent such as Finn Delany, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson and Dash Daniels, Head Coach Dean Vickerman and his recruitment team are firmly entrenched in their search for a trio of talented imports.

Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Vickerman provided some insight into the sort of players fans can expect in a United uniform next season.

“This year we’ve moved back to a three import model which always takes a bit more time,” he said.

“The first one, the one that we’re prioritising right now is to put a guard next to Shea (Ili) and CG (Chris Goulding)... A really high level scorer, a really good two-way player.

“We’re certainly looking at different guards, smaller shooting guards but also shooting guards that can play small forward and have that bigger size. That will really shape what our other import guard looks like.

“The other position we've got is our starting center. We’ve had some pretty elite people in Ariel Hukporti, JLA (Jo Lual-Acuil Jr) and Marcus Lee over our time. Some of those guys are still on the table but we need to fix or improve on our rebounding.

“He's going to be a high-level rebounder, great defender, anchor our defence, great mobility and ability to play above the rim.”

The process of locking in the perfect players to fit into United’s system is a meticulous one.

While Vickerman didn’t rule out making another roster move should the right player present themself, he and his team are also ready to go deep into July in order to cast the widest net possible.

“It’s a constant, every day job, talking to agents, watching leagues from around the world,” he explained.

“A lot of recruitment is timing. There can be decisions made on imports right now if you find the right one, but a lot of people in the world are making their decisions around that early July period, around that Summer League period.

“If we get the right guy before that time, we’ll lock them in, if not, we’re happy to go to Summer League and get the best quality import that we can.”

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