‘Iron sharpens iron’ as United prepare for NBL24

You’ll struggle to find more competitive basketball being played in the country outside of Melbourne United’s recent scrimmages at Hoop City Cheltenham.

Featuring MU’s NBL24 playing group, as well as a collection of NBA and Euroleague stars, it has been non-stop action on the court across the preseason.

The runs have provided an opportunity for all players, such as incoming forward Kyle Bowen, to test themselves against the world’s best.

Speaking to Dwayne Russell on SEN Wednesday afternoon, Bowen gave fans an indication of what the games have been like.

LISTEN TO THE FULL CHAT HERE:

“It’s definitely been a big week, we’ve had some NBA and NBL talent all throughout Hoop City,” he said.

“A Lot of competition, iron sharpens iron so it’s been a great week for us… we’re all getting better in there for sure.

“I’m being a sponge right now. Being one of the young guys it’s kind of surreal versing and playing against these guys that you’ve watched growing up and kind of idolising.

“Just the way they carry themselves on court, the relentlessness and professionalism they all have, it's a beauty to watch in person.”

Despite standing nearly 10 centimetres shorter than the likes of NBA center Jock Landale and teammate Ariel Hukporti, Bowen has spent significant time during the scrimmages matching up at the five.

Undersized or not, Bowen more than held his own, telling Dwayne how he likes to beetle inside against bigger bodies.

“I love the physicality of the sport,” he continued.

Good run around today. @ChrisGoulding43 | @shili___ | @AlmightMoses21 | @LandaleJock | @au_hoop pic.twitter.com/R24N5XJ2Ri

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) July 12, 2023

“I’m not the flashiest or the most gifted offensive player but I’m that selfless guy willing to put his body on the line and love helping out a teammate with a good screen or an offensive glass crash.”

“Those little plays, I love doing for my teammates and my guys so hopefully the Melbourne fans can expect a lot of that this season.”

With so much excitement already surrounding United’s group, the time is now to make sure you’re in attendance at John Cain Arena when their campaign kicks off on September 28 against the SEM Phoenix.

Tickets to each and every MU game are ON SALE NOW, while full season memberships are nearly SOLD OUT!

Over 85% of memberships have already been exhausted, so if you want to make sure you’ve got your seat locked in for each and every United home game, become a member today.