Waardenburg has ‘loved improving’ in United’s system

Following practice, and ahead of his matchup against his former team in the Cairns Taipans this Saturday, the versatile Sam Waardenburg spoke on his integration into Melbourne United’s system, along with his play so far this year. 

“I've loved it, you know, it's been a challenge and I've just loved improving, especially on the defensive end,” Waardenburg said. 

“I think something that I've taken big strides in, [is] being more physical out there… I love this group and our coaching staff, pushing me and everyone one step further each and every day.”

In his three years in Cairns, Waardenburg averaged 12 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as one of the focal points of their system, and won the NBL’s Next Gen Award in his first year in the league. 

“I'm going to enjoy being back up there,” he said. 

“I loved my time in Cairns and the people in the community up there, they love the team. [I’m] expecting a rowdy crowd, [and a] loud crowd it's going to be a lot of fun, especially for some of the guys who haven't been up there before.

“There's some people in the community up there that were really good to me and my partner while we were up there and I'm looking forward to seeing them as well.” 

Against the Kings last Sunday, Waardenburg was red hot to start the game, and set the tone for United from the jump. As Waardenburg continues to find his footing amongst this new look roster, Head Coach Jacob Chance outlined the potential that the stretch-big has to impact games to come. 

“He's just a really good basketball player,” Chance explained. 

“He's a guy that enhances those around him with his connection ability and defensively, we're tapping in a little bit more to his versatility and things he can do there.

“Offensively, his ability to get from one interaction to the next and cause problems [against] his coverage is something that really excites me for our group.

“He's finding his feet, he had a little injury there in pre-season…[but] I really like the progress we're seeing. I love what he brings to our group and I'm looking forward to seeing how that grows.” 

Waardenburg will next take the floor alongside his star-studded list of teammates as a part of the away side against the Cairns Taipans this Saturday the 31st of October at 7:30pm. 

The game will be live on ESPN via Kayo and Disney+ as well as 9GO and 9NOW. 

He will then return toJohn Cain Arena as a part of the home side against the New Zealand Breakers on Monday the 2nd of November. 

Get your tickets here via AXS 

If you can’t make it on the night, the matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN via Kayo and Disney+. 

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