United battle looms as massive test

Melbourne United will be aiming for a perfect two-from-two start to their NBL24 campaign when they face Adelaide 36ers at the Entertainment Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Coming off a Throwdown win against arch rival South East Melbourne Phoenix 82-67 to open the NBL24 season on Thursday night, United unveiled some new weapons in their retooled roster.

Former Perth Wildcat Luke Travers continued his upward trajectory in the NBL, with a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds in the win against the Phoenix.

Head coach Dean Vickerman has had to go to his bench depth early in the season with injuries to star big man Jo-Lual Acuil (wrist) and Ian Clark (hamstring).

With an extra 24 hours break on the 36ers, United will be more rested but will run into an Adelaide looking to rebound in front of their home fans for the first time this season.

THE KEY
Matthew Dellavedova is back in the NBL and has made an instant impact in the United backcourt.

The 2016 NBA champions has returned to Melbourne after another NBA stint with Sacramento with a new and positive outlook at the offensive end.

Dellavedova scored 14 of his 17 points in the opening half as Melbourne took care of crosstown rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix 82-67 on Thursday night.

Left out of the Boomers' squad for the recent 2023 FIBA World Cup, Dellavedova has adopted a steak-fuelled diet and more aggressive approach in a bid to reinvent both his body and game.

Along with his 17 points, Dellavedova also added six rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead the United backcourt pairing with New Zealand Tall Black guard Shea Ili.

Chris Goulding had a quiet night in the season opener against the Phoenix in The Throwdown, which should make the 36ers coaching staff nervous.

The 2021 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist can catch fire from outside very quickly, and has had some big nights out against Adelaide in the past.

THE SECRET
After missing NBL23 due to an Achillies reconstruction, United’s NBL Next Star Ariel Hukporti is out to prove he is still an NBA Draft prospect.

Hukporti will be key to United’s season early doors with Melbourne missing star big man recruit Jo-Lual Acuil (wrist) and the Togolese-German seven-footer has displayed his elite athleticism and motor, outworking opposing big men and getting above the rim for constant highlights.

The 213cm centre was a force at the NBL Blitz, averaging 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, and also hauled in a game-high 14 rebounds against the Phoenix.

ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony believes Hukporti’s skillset is exactly what NBA teams are looking for.

“I think the sky’s the limit for Ariel Hukporti with the way that he plays pick and roll, the way that he’s guarding, moving his feet, blocking shots, playing with energy, NBA teams are looking for big men like that,” Givony said.

“He looks even more mobile, even more explosive, he’s playing with unbelievable energy.

“He made some big time plays defensively, he’s dunking on everybody left and right, Ariel Hukporti has helped himself big-time with NBA scouts.

“He’s moved himself legitimately into the draft conversation. I moved him into the second round today on my draft board and I want to see him continue to rise.”

DEPTH CHART
PG: Ili / Cameron / Blogg
SG: Dellavedova / Krebs / Triplett / Clark (inj)
SF: Goulding / Newley / Machar
PF: Travers / Bowen
C: Hukporti / Loe (NRP) / Lual-Acuil Jr (inj.)

THE FINAL WORD
Adelaide need to bounce back after the 36ers’ opening 86-71 loss to the Bullets in Brisbane on Friday night and United will be breathing fire.

The 36ers must control the glass and limit Melbourne to one tough shot after handing the Bullets 23 offensive rebounds in their 15-point loss.

Dellavedova will be pivotal at both ends of the court, with Mitch McCarron the man to stop the NBA champion, while Sunday Dech should get the job on stopping Goulding.

Isaac Humphries and Jacob Wiley need to continue their strong start to the season and attack the United frontcourt and create some foul trouble, which should open up the driving lanes.

This is a great test against arguably one of the best, if not the best side in the competition at the moment, and it’s time to make a statement.