Landale, Baba headline Melbourne United club award winners

On Friday night, Melbourne United emerged from the toughest NBL season in history as Champions. Once the trophy had been lifted and the confetti had fallen, the club’s players, coaches, staff, friends and family gathered to celebrate the season that was NBL21.

As part of the post-match celebrations, the club presented trophies to the winners of the Melbourne United club awards.

After claiming his NBL Championship Ring and the Larry Sengstock Medal for Finals MVP, Jock Landale was awarded the Melbourne United MVP, to cap off his incredible debut NBL Season.

The 211cm Victorian native finished the season averaging 16.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 blocks per game to go along with at 39.3% 3-point shooting average. Often proving to be un-guardable at times during the season, the all-NBL First Team member Landale also demonstrated his ability to defend, run the floor and provide consistent energy to his teammates. Melbourne United fans will certainly agree that Landale is a worthy winner of the MVP accolade.

The Melbourne United Defensive Player of the Year was awarded to cult-hero Yudai Baba. Known for his elite speed and tenacious ability to defend opposition guards, Baba quickly became a favourite amongst the Melbourne United faithful. Amassing 31 steals and 9 blocks across the course of the season, the Japanese national also threw down the two-handed dunk that sealed the Championship-winning game.

Baba was also awarded the club’s ‘SHARE’ award, an honour that is voted on by the playing group after each game, that goes to the player who best upholds the squad’s values across the course of the season.

Melbourne United’s Head of Membership and Ticketing Fiona Gant was aptly recognised for her incredible efforts across the course of the NBL21 Season and received Melbourne United’s Club Person of the Year award. This particular award is to be now known as the 'Vince Crivelli Club Person of the Year', in honour of the club's out-going CEO. Gant constantly battled COVID-related disruptions posed to ticketing and membership throughout the season but rose to the challenge without hesitation.

The club would like to thank all fans, members, partners, and sponsors for their incredible support, patience and loyalty that was consistently shown across the course of this championship-winning season.

With the NBL Free Agency period now underway, Melbourne United’s attention now turns toward rebuilding a roster for the NBL22 Season. Melbourne United fans are also encouraged to sign on with the club, with NBL22 Membership expressions of interest now open.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST.