Waardenburg stands United after signing three-year deal

Melbourne United have secured one of the most sought-after signatures of this year’s Free Agent class, signing forward Sam Waardenburg to a three-year contract, with a third-year mutual option.

Standing 208cm tall, Waardenburg possesses a versatile skill set with the ability to shoot it from deep, play in the post, push the pace on the fast break and protect the hoop.

Since coming into the league in NBL23, Waardenburg is one of only two players to have registered more than 90 three-pointers and 70 blocked shots.

Wanting to prioritise winning across the next phase of his career, Waardenburg explained why the decision to come to Melbourne was an easy one.

“I’m super excited,” he said.

“Obviously this being my first real Free Agency experience, I wanted to take my time with the process, but it was pretty clear from day one and the first conversation that Melbourne was a great place and a great organisation for me and my partner to be a part of. 


“It's just an awesome opportunity that I couldn’t really turn down and I just think it’s the best place for me and the next step in my career for sure. 

“I definitely wanted to prioritise winning. It's something that's super important to me right now. 


“I want to experience the playoffs, I want to experience a championship series, I want to experience winning a title. I just didn't think it was anywhere better than Melbourne United to do that.”

After claiming the NBL Next Generation Award in his rookie season, the New Zealand international has continued to develop, increasing his scoring output and honing his craft overseas, impressing during stints in Germany and Puerto Rico.

Able to play both as a power forward and center, Waardenburg opens up a range of intriguing options for Head Coach Dean Vickerman on the court.

The three-time Championship winning coach said he can’t wait to see what his new big-man is able to unlock for United at both ends.

“There's a lot to like about Sam Waardenburg,” Vickerman said.

“Sam was someone we recruited out of college, but we've always continued to track him and one of our goals this offseason was to add more size per position and being 6'10 at the four spot certainly does that. 

“He has the ability to shift to five and add shooting to that area which is something that we've enjoyed in the past.

"His athleticism and his quickness are both massive strengths, and then he has the ability to go get 20 on any given night. He can be your leading guy when you need it.

“We've had that position as a four-man be a real connector in our offence. We saw it with Finn Delany last year where we can put him in the middle on-ball and just let him create: he can pop, he can roll, he can be a facilitator and decision maker for us.”

Waardenburg is currently playing with Indios de Mayaguez in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (Puerto Rico).

The only way you can make sure you’re up to date with everything happening at Melbourne United this offseason is by downloading the Melbourne United App via the App store or Google Play store.

See our full roster below:

Contracted

• Kyle Bowen (NBL27)
• Dash Daniels (Next Star - NBL27)
• Chris Goulding (NBL27)
• Shea Ili (NBL27)
• Fabijan Krslovic (NBL27)
• Sam Waardenburg (NBL29)

Free Agents

• Milton Doyle
• Jesse Edwards
• Tom Koppens
• Tanner Krebs 
• Malith Machar
• Tyson Walker
• Tom Wilson

Departing

• Campbell Blogg - University of Northern Colorado (NCAA)
• Finn Delany – Exploring international opportunities
• Henry Sewell - Portland University (NCAA)

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