United to make McCarron “uncomfortable”

Don’t expect any hugs and kisses when Mitch McCarron and Melbourne United go to battle on Saturday night.

“We are going to try and make him as uncomfortable as possible,” United coach Dean Vickerman revealed.

The two will always be linked, as McCarron was a key driver of Melbourne’s championship winning team last season.

United decided to go in a different direction this year though, signing seasoned NBA veteran and Australian superstar Matthew Dellavedova.

It forced McCarron to find a new home and the Adelaide 36ers swooped and are reaping the benefits, as the 29-year-old flirted with a triple-double in Tuesday night’s upset win over the Perth Wildcats.

Vickerman is aware of the threat McCarron presents and is preparing a multi-dimensional plan to try and limit his impact.  

“Against Perth he was the most influential player on the floor,” Melbourne’s coach said.

“He is a quality player, and he is going to get defensive rebounds and push it at pace and make others better.

“It is a good match-up. (Dellavedova) will go and guard different guys and Shea Ili, Caleb (Agada), we have multiple people to throw at him.

“He is certainly a major area of focus for us defensively.”

As for McCarron, he isn’t concerned about facing his former side.

“For me it doesn’t really matter who it is at this point,” McCarron said via The Advertiser.

“But whoever comes into our gym, we’re trying to get the win and it just happens to be Melbourne United.”

The 36ers and United clash on Saturday night at 5:30pm AEDT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN via Kayo and Foxtel.