Star guard declares himself fit for blockbuster opener

14 Sep 2026

Cole Anthony declares he's fit and ready for Melbourne United's NBL27 season-opener against Adelaide.

By

NBL.com.au

Cole Anthony has declared himself ready to play ahead of Melbourne United's season-opener against Adelaide on Saturday night.

Anthony missed the CODE Sports NBL Blitz due to a calf complaint and lined up just once during the pre-season, leaving him with limited preparation. Still, after 367 NBA games, few players would be better equipped to step into a clash of this size.

"I'll be ready," he told ESPN's Olgun Uluc on Monday.

"I'll be there … I'll be on the court."

Melbourne United guard Cole Anthony (calf) on his status for Saturday’s #NBL27 season opener vs Adelaide: “I’ll be ready,” he told ESPN today. “I’ll be there… I’ll be on the court.”

That answer seemed ambiguous, so I followed up and asked if he’ll be playing: “Yes.”
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) September 14, 2026

Pressed further on whether he'd play against the 36ers, Anthony was definitive: "Yes".

The 26-year-old was one of several star signings for United in the off-season, alongside Luke Travers, Joe Ingles, Sam Waardenburg and Josh Oduro.

He arrives in the League with elite pedigree, having played for three NBA teams, and in the playoffs just last year with Orlando.

Melbourne takes on Adelaide on Saturday night at John Cain Arena from 7:30pm AEST, live on ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now.