"No Better Spot" Than United for Travers' Career Jump

New Melbourne United recruit Luke Travers is so close to the bright lights of the NBA that he could just about taste it, but playing alongside the very best in the world is the furthest thing on his mind as he prepares to suit up for his new side in NBL24.

Travers was selected with the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 56^th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and, ever since, the Cavaliers have not only kept an eye on his development but have played an active role in it.

The ball-handling forward blossomed in the back half of last season with the Perth Wildcats and is looking to continue to develop under one of the NBL’s most successful coaches.

“Obviously being from Australia, there’s not many of us that do it,” Travers told ABC Radio about transitioning to the NBA.

“There have been a lot more recently, and I’m looking to be another one added to the list.

“I think there’s no better spot to do it than Melbourne United and under Dean Vickerman’s system, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.

Jock Landale is one of a number of players who have passed through Melbourne United en route to the NBA.

“The task at hand now is to win a championship with Melbourne United, and I’ll look to do that this year [and] try my best to help the team get there.”

Travers is one of the most highly-anticipated new recruits of the crop of signings United has made heading into NBL24.

Alongside the 21-year-old, Melbourne has brought former MVP nominee Jo Lual-Acuil Jr back to the club, as well as new recruits Tanner Krebs, Kyle Bowen and Flynn Cameron.

Travers said regardless of how the season goes with Melbourne United, his ultimate goal is still to make it to the NBA.

“After that I’ll just sort of play it by ear,” he said. “If it’s back in the NBL for another year after that, it is what it is, and I’ll just keep pushing away and try and do my best to help teams win.”

Travers’ first competitive appearance in a Melbourne United uniform will come in the side’s first game of the season against crosstown rivals South East Melbourne on September 28.