Eight United players confirmed for NBL23

After another ladder-leading season, Melbourne United have quickly set their sights on bolstering its roster in hopes of making another championship run in NBL23.

Currently, eight of United’s players are confirmed to be coming back for next season.

All-NBL backcourt partners Matthew Dellavedova and Chris Goulding are both contracted with the club through the NBL23 season, with Delly and Melbourne sharing a mutual option for the following year.

Fellow starter Jack White returns after a year which saw the Traralgon native average career-highs in points, rebounds and field-goal percentage.

White recently extended his contract through to the end of the 2024/25 season.

Melbourne’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year and SHARE Award winner Shea Ili will be back, as well as dynamo Next Star Ariel Hukporti, who will look to continue pushing his name up NBA Draft boards.

Championship winning forward Mason Peatling will also return, bringing his relentless brand of hustle with him at the forward spot.

Development players David Okwera and Zac Triplett will both remain with United, however the former will transition onto a fully-rostered contract.

Head Coach Dean Vickerman said bringing back the core of Melbourne’s finals team is crucial not just in terms of continuity, but also in fortifying the organisation's culture.

“Culture is the first thing we look at when we evaluate talent and how people will fit into this club.

“Certainly having the continuity of having a core group of players returning each year that can not only teach, but demonstrate what it is to be a United player is pretty critical.”

The cultural aspect, paired with United’s proven track record of elite player development, is something that should not only have fans excited for the players coming back, but will be huge when attracting new players to the club.

“Players see continual success in terms of making the playoffs and see people advancing and growing during their time at the club and there’s no better example of that than Jo Lual-Acuil Jr over the past three years.

“Even players that have moved on; players see the development of someone like Mitch McCarron before he moved on.”

With a number of spots left to fill, keep your eyes on the Melbourne United App on iOs and Android for all major updates around the club.

To secure your seat to see United’s quest for another Championship, become a member today! Memberships for NBL23 are available now!