Okwera bringing growth, excitement into second season with United

Just by looking at David Okwera as he heads into his second season with Melbourne United, the growth is clear.

Coming in as a gangly teenager entering his first professional season, ‘Dsav’, as his teammates call him, said there was certainly an adjustment period, especially when it came to the physicality he was battling every day against the likes of Jack White, David Barlow and Mason Peatling.

“It was a big step up for me,” he said.

“It was a lot more physical than anything I had previously experienced. I learnt a lot going up against guys like Whitey (Jack White), (David) Barlow and Horse (Mason Peatling).

“They helped me a lot, and I think you could see that from the outside as the season went on.”

While his court-time was sparing, Okwera showed exciting flashes when he hit the hardwood, becoming the youngest Australian to score 10 points in an NBL game since Joe Ingles in his debut.

With plans to bulk up and add strength over the offseason, Dsav put in the work, playing a starring role for the Sandringham Sabres in the NBL1 South (12 points and 10 rebounds per game), while joining a Gold Medal winning Australian Boomers Squad for the FIBA Asia Cup.

Looking at his past few months, Okwera said he’s already feeling game-ready.

“I wanted to get stronger and build on my body so I can battle with some of the bigger guys in this league.

“It felt really good to be able to do that while playing a lot of basketball. Having Barlow as my coach (for Sandringham) was special, he and guys like Shea (Ili) and Dion (Prewster) helped me feel even more confident on the court.

“(The Boomers team) was a special group, we pushed each other to be great. I learnt a lot from that experience, and winning the Gold Medal was just the cherry on top.”

No longer a Development Player, Dsav is hoping to take everything he has gained throughout the past 12 months and turn that into a successful second season with Melbourne.

“I just want to help the team win,” he continued.

“I can play a role for this team doing whatever is needed, whether that’s bringing energy off the bench or playing hard defence, I’ll do whatever it takes to help us win a championship.”

To make sure you don’t miss any of Okwera’s continued growth across the NBL23 season, secure your membership and stand United today!

Full season, five and three game memberships are available now, and are the best way to support your team across the season.

Tickets for all 14 of United’s home games are on sale now, and with can’t miss events like the Open Air Game, The Multicultural Game, a pair of Throwdowns and much more on their way, the time is now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of Melbourne’s NBL23 campaign.