ONE OF the competition’s perennial contenders has loaded up once again, as Melbourne United gear up for their seventh National Basketball League (NBL) championship during the upcoming 2025/26 season, which kicks off later this month.

United are always among the heavy-hitters during the NBL season, reliably around the mark with Dean Vickerman at the helm and typically a talented roster, and this season should be no different despite the playing field being much more even.

Now, bringing back their big guns while adding some proven winners to their roster, United should be in the right window to contend for what should be one of the hardest championships to win in competition history.

Melbourne United

Roster

Campbell Blogg, Chris Goulding, Dash Daniels, Fabijan Krslovic, Finn Delany, Jesse Edwards, Kyle Bowen, Malith Machar, Milton Doyle, Nicholas Tata, Shea Ili, Tanner Krebs, Tom Wilson, Tom Koppens, Tyson Walker

United added some championship DNA to its team in Doyle and Krslovic, some serious presence in the frontcourt via Delany and Edwards as well as some youth in their Next Star Daniels. Although Melbourne lost some impressive talent over the offseason, the ins are just as exciting and impactful when it comes to a title shot.

Key player – Milton Doyle

One of the most shocking moves of the offseason came when NBL champion Doyle made the move across the Bass Strait, joining United after a successful stint with the Tasmania JackJumpers. A certified shotmaker during his time in the Apple Isle, Doyle’s best was up there with the best players in the competition, and he played a crucial role in getting the team to their maiden championship. The guard has received All-NBL honours on two occasions in the past, and if he can return to that level of form in Melbourne, the team’s championship hopes will certainly get a boost.

Key to success – Letting defence do the talking

One of the biggest storylines to come out of the Blitz was how defence-oriented United were during their two outings, something that looms as a massive factor for their title hopes. It started with Edwards, who will be starting at the five and is more known for his impact on that side of the floor. Melbourne has been a defensive powerhouse since Vickerman took the helm, and in the fourth quarter of their preseason clash against the Brisbane Bullets, it was on full show. They held the opposition to just four points through pure defensive intensity and that could prove a winning formula once again.

In a sentence

United are always around the mark in the NBL, and will likely be in the finals contenders again despite other teams having more active off-seasons, and if Doyle can get back to his offensive best to pair with elite defence, another trophy could enter the cabinet.