United lures MVP big out of NBL retirement

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Rob Loe has signed for Melbourne United as a nominated replacement player.

Former New Zealand Breaker Rob Loe has reversed his NBL retirement decision, signing with Melbourne United as a nominated replacement player (NRP) for NBL24.

An NRP is eligible to train full-time with the club they have signed on with, however can only be elevated to the active roster and suit up for games if another player is injured.

Loe’s signing comes after star centre Jo Lual-Acuil Jr underwent wrist surgery earlier this off-season. The South Sudanese international is currently expected to miss United’s first ten games of NBL24.

Loe was recently named as the NZNBL MVP for his performances with Auckland Tuatara. He averaged 19.6 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, and was also named as the competition’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t really pass up, I’m really excited for it,” he told United's website.

“Obviously I’ve been retired for a few weeks now, but when Dean (Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman) got in contact with me about coming in as a potential replacement for Jo and to help the boys with the start of the season, it was really appealing.

“To be able to help what is a really successful club try to achieve their goals while continuing to play basketball in the interim is something that I had to jump at.

“Melbourne’s got the highest expectations in the league in terms of Championship pedigree. I’ve jumped at this role because I’m fit, I’m coming off a reasonably strong NZNBL season and this is a short-term role where I can bring my family with me and they can enjoy a bit of a holiday while I’m working.”

Melbourne will be the third NBL team Loe has played for in his career, following six years with the Breakers and one season with the Cairns Taipans.

In all, he's played 173 games in the League.

“In this short-term recruitment, he [Loe] provides exactly what we need in terms of understanding our league, understanding our scouts and understanding how we play. That combined with his leadership made him someone that we wanted to bring into our program,” Vickerman said.

“Coming off a dominant NZNBL season, we know he’s going to bring a lot to us on the court. His skill package as a stretch five, good rim protector, good rebounder and quality person made him attractive to us.”

Melbourne tips off its season against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday, September 28.