Vickerman to tap into MVP-like role for Travers

At just 21 years of age, the sky's the limit for new Melbourne United star Luke Travers.

Having made the move to United following four years in Perth, in each of which he took further strides towards becoming the versatile threat he is today, those around the league are previewing a breakout season for the NBA Draft Pick.

After a successful NBA Summer League stint which saw him average 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.2 blocks per game across six undefeated games resulting in a Championship victory, pundits believe Head Coach Dean Vickerman could unlock a version of Travers not too dissimilar from NBL23 MVP Xavier Cooks.

Speaking on The Marketplace, Liam Santamaria said he expects Travers to thrive playing within United’s system.

“I love Luke Travers in this power forward spot for Dean Vickerman at Melbourne United,” he said.

“I think he’s going to tap into the Xavier Cooks type of blueprint for Luke Travers to say ‘you’re going to be our connector on the offensive end.’

“A little bit of what we’ve seen on the NBA floor at the Summer League, the ability to rip in, push, run and make plays off drag screens and pick-and-rolls… he’s got some playmaking upside that I think they’re going to tap into.”

Former SEM Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell echoed these sentiments, outlining how Travers’ ball-handling and passing can open up opportunities for his new teammates.

“That’s what I love about Luke Travers at the four, he brings the ball-handling,” Mitchell added.

“With the addition of Luke Travers… you’ve got that extra ball handler out on the floor. They (Melbourne United) are loaded from top to bottom.”

As excitement builds towards the start of United’s NBL24 campaign, the time is now to lock in your seat for each and every game at John Cain Arena!

Premium, Gold and Silver full-season memberships are already sold out, so make sure you don’t miss out and Bring The Blue today.