Next step for Machar as United roster builds

Melbourne United have promoted athletic forward Malith Machar to a full roster spot for NBL26, rewarding his steady development over the past two seasons as a Development Player.

The 26-year-old first joined the club in NBL23, spent two years as a DP, then returned as a training player last season before earning his place in the main squad to continue his rise.

"I’m super excited to be back with the team,” Machar said.

“I want to show what I have, fulfil my potential and be great for the organisation. This past year has just been about getting better, putting in the work without any distractions, and that isn’t going to stop now. I’m fully committed to being the best player possible for this team.

“I’m a completely different player to when I was a DP here. I’m more confident, I feel like I’ve improved in all areas and I’m only going to continue building from there."

Head coach Dean Vickerman added: "When we identified Malith three years ago, we knew he was an amazing athlete with really great defensive instincts, and was a really good person.

“Over the course of the last three years, we’ve been able to strengthen his body, keep him injury free, and see his game develop to a really strong level.

“His three-point shot is at an elite level in the NBL1, and his progress adapting to our system has put him in a place where he’s ready to play.

“I think as a team we want to play a little bit faster this season and that’s an area which he can really shine in. He’s got the ability to really put heat on the rim in transition, to cut from or make three-balls out of corners. He’s an extreme athlete, and we want to see him fly up and down the court.”

Machar joins Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Milton Doyle, Finn Delany, Tyson Walker, Kyle Bowen, Tanner Krebs, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Wilson, Dash Daniels, Campbell Blogg and Tom Koppens as signed players for NBL26.