THE Melbourne United have added another impressive offseason addition, signing National Basketball League (NBL)1 guard William ‘Davo’ Hickey to a two-year Development player contract, with the second year containing a potential elevation. Hickey joins the NBL as a development player for the second time, having already been a part of cross-town rival South-East Melbourne Phoenix as a development prospect, but will hope to take the next step in his basketball journey, joining the defending NBL champions.
The athletic shooting guard stands at 194cm (6ft 4in) and has shown his strong ability to score in explosive fashion in the past. Hickey most recently played at the Ballarat Miners in the NBL1’s South Men’s division, where he averaged 18.2 points and 8.35 rebounds per game while shooting quite efficiently too at over 42% from the field. His numbers at the Phoenix were hard to judge, given he only played three minutes for the entire 2019-20 season.
A proud Wiradjuri and Gamilaroi/Gomeroi man, Hickey joins the club consistent with the NBL Reconciliation Action Plan to Strengthen Pathways for Indigenous Players program, and looks to be an impressive young talent, with plenty of potential moving forward. He will join the team in the coming days to prepare for the 2021-22 NBL season, where United will look to defend their recent title.
Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman said Hickey has been on the side’s watch list for quite some time, and also spoke of his talent on the court.
“I’ve enjoyed watching Davo’s growth during his time in NBL1. From his time at the Melbourne Tigers through to his recent season at Ballarat, we’ve had our eyes on him.” Vickerman said.
“We see Davo as an athletic guard who excels in transition but can also attack the paint and play above the rim. Combined with his length, intensity and activity, he can really step up on the defensive end as well. He’s also a great rebounder for his size, too, which is always helpful.”
Hickey completes Melbourne United’s roster ahead of the NBL22 season, with the side settled on its roster changes so far. With plenty of talent on the roster, Hickey will be looking to make his mark on this stacked United squad.
Picture credit: Australian Indigenous Basketball
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