AFTER a disappointing finish to a promising campaign last season, Melbourne United will be looking to make amends in the upcoming 2024/25 National Basketball League (NBL) season.

United finished at the top of the table last time around, but could not take home the ultimate prize and were defeated in five games in the Championship Series, letting a golden opportunity slip.

However, Melbourne is consistently in the title hunt and will undoubtedly be around the mark once again, given the amount of talent still on the roster.

Melbourne United

Last time around

United had built an ultra talented roster for the 2023/24 season, and finished the regular season as the best team in the competition. They had a record of 20 wins and eight losses, three wins better than the next team and good enough to take home the minor championship.

However, it was an extremely even postseason, and United faced some serious resistance in their title chase. They were pushed to three games by the Illawarra Hawks and ultimately fell over at the last hurdle, defeated by the Tasmania JackJumpers in the fifth game of the Championship Series.

Although they fell one win short of the championship, it was still a reasonably successful season from United, and they will be eager to reach a similar regular season record.

The off-season

United was dealt a couple of big blows over the off-season with both Jo Lual-Acuil and Luke Travers departing for overseas opportunities. Both players were crucial to Melbourne’s success last season, and would leave a big hole in the rotation.

However, United did pull off one of the biggest signings of the last few months, bringing back NBA champion Jack White after a stint with the Denver Nuggets. An athletic big man who has suited up for Melbourne in the past, and has already demonstrated in the Blitz that he is set for a big campaign.

Also returning to the team is Marcus Lee, who won a championship with the JackJumpers last season and will take up the starting centre spot. He is a high-leaper that can finish lobs and block shots, and should prove a big presence in the paint.

Projected starters (when healthy)

Shea Ili
Matthew Dellavedova
Chris Goulding
Jack White
Marcus Lee

One to watch

Fresh off a career-best season, Ili looks set to take his game up another notch if pre-season form is anything to go by. The point guard won the award for the NBL’s Best Defensive Player in the 2023/24 season, and could become a more prominent offensive presence in the upcoming campaign. Ili will undoubtedly be a disruptive defensive presence, and if he can add another 5-10 points per game, it will help United in a massive way.