Travers soaks up wisdom in NBA return bid

Luke Travers is set to tap into the wealth of NBA experience at Melbourne United as he chases a return to the US.

But his ambitions don't stop there, with the forward also targeting MVP standards in the NBL and a regular spot in the national team setup with the Boomers.

Speaking to nine.com.au, the 25-year-old said the NBL27 season was all-important in his basketball journey.

"I want to play in the Olympics, I want to get back to the NBA, I want to be an NBL MVP kind of guy," Travers said.

"I'm still trying to get better. I've only just turned 25. It's still early days and a lot of room for improvement and that's what I'm going to do, and the results have spoken for itself."

Through four games, Travers is averaging 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 26.8 minutes a night, highlighted by 10 rebounds against South East Melbourne and 6 assists in two of his outings. He's provided a steady presence as Melbourne has stumbled to a 1-3 start.

He played 24 NBA games across two seasons on a two-way deal with Cleveland, averaging 1.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.0 minutes, while starring for G League affiliate the Cleveland Charge, where he posted four triple-doubles in 2024–25 alone. He was waived in February and suited up for Milwaukee at Summer League in July before returning to United.

Travers says he'll look to the likes of Joe Ingles, Cole Anthony and even coach Jacob Chance, who has spent significant time coaching in the G League, to help him get back to the NBA.

"Obviously they've both [Ingles and Anthony] done it at the highest level, so the talent is there, the basketball IQ as well and just to have those guys there helping us every day is great," he said.

"Any time you can be a sponge and learn from them it's good, not just for me but for the whole group."

The former Cleveland Cavalier is confident Melbourne can turn its early-season form around, particularly once the roster settles, with Chris Goulding and Shea Ili among those to have spent time on the sidelines.

United take on Adelaide on the road in an Ignite Cup clash on Wednesday night, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> NBA hopeful staring down ‘scary thing’ after teaming with Ingles