United recruit throws down MVP gauntlet

The MVP battle during the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season between Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis was one of the best in the League's history.

The two elite guards were separated by just two votes, with Adelaide's Cotton claiming his incredible sixth MVP award.

While the race in the coming NBL27 season looms just as tight, another star is sure to be right in the thick of the MVP conversation.

367-game NBA talent Cole Anthony, who penned a one-year deal with Melbourne United, shapes as one of the leading contenders for the League’s top individual honour.

When asked why he could win the prized award, Anthony said on NBL Now: “I feel like I could be MVP for a handful of reasons.”

"I feel like I'm gonna make my teammates better. I'm going to score, rebound, and guard.

"I feel like I can affect the game in several different ways.

"But for me, the biggest thing is going to be coming down [to the NBL] and winning.

"I know if we do that, we win, we go out there and do what we have to do, the rest of that will take care of itself.

"Maybe we'll look back in six months from now, and I might have that award, but for me, it's all team-oriented goals. I want to win."

With Anthony and fellow recruits Joe Ingles, Luke Travers, Sam Waardenburg and Josh Oduro at the helm, as well as the returning Chris Goulding and Shea Ili, United appear well placed to do just that.

If they do achieve those wins, Anthony explained it would repay the faith United have shown in him.

"It felt like the right decision to me," he said.

"This organisation expressed a lot of interest and a lot of love.

"I felt wanted, and that felt really good.

"I can't wait to get out there and be around the team."

Anthony and his United open their NBL27 campaign against potential MVP rival Cotton and his 36ers at John Cain Arena on Saturday, September 19.