In The Post – United stars to play

Catch up on all the latest headlines from around the basketball world in today’s edition of In the Post.

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United stars to play

Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman expects stars Chris Goulding (hamstring), Matthew Dellavedova (ankle) and Caleb Agada (COVID) to all play on Sunday against the Illawarra Hawks.

“We expect them (Goulding and Dellavedova) both to be good for next week,” Vickerman said via the Illawarra Mercury.

United loving life

Things are good for the top of the ladder Melbourne United – just ask coach Dean Vickerman.

“We’re starting to just live a little bit better, (we’re) enjoying life and basketball right now,” Vickerman said via the Herald Sun.

Tassie legend defends Roth

Tasmanian basketball royalty Anthony Stewart has defended JackJumpers coach Scott Roth, after his confrontation with Illawarra forward Antonius Cleveland in Saturday’s game.

“I 100 per cent back him and if I was Roth I would’ve done the exact same, if not more. As a player I’d be putting Cleveland on his arse next time we play them,” Stewart told The Mercury.

Bruton delivered “hard truths” to Dufelmeier 

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton says Tad Dufelmeier has responded to the challenge he laid down to him.

“I’ve given him some hard truths, which he’s taken to heart, but he appreciates the comments because when you’re small in this game, there’s two things that you need to do consistently. You need to know every position and how to get everyone organised and you’ve got to play with your toughness and your heart. He’s done that, he’s earned that right,” Bruton said via Newscorp.

Pinder brings the energy

Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde has praised Keanu Pinder for constantly bringing the energy to the court this season.

“He absorbs energy. He gives out that energy, but he absorbs it too. When we’re running a bit flat, we can try to look to him to bring it,” Forde said via the Cairns Post.

Swaka Lo Buluk loves “great” Sydney vibe

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has opened up on his move from Perth to Sydney, as the two rivals prepare to battle on Saturday night.

“I wasn’t enjoying it either, things weren’t going well. It was a little frustrating, but I knew it was time to move on - it is what it is, everything happens for a reason. Then they brought me here to Sydney and from day one I just loved it, it was such a great vibe coming in,” Swaka Lo Buluk told The Sydney Morning Herald.