United sign former Hawks, NBA guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes

Melbourne United is excited to announce the signing of Canadian guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes to help bolster its roster heading into the 2022/23 Hungry Jack’s NBL season.

A potent scorer with the ability to create for his teammates, Rathan-Mayes helped lead Illawarra across NBL22, finishing second in the league’s Best Sixth Man voting behind Shea Ili.

United fans became very familiar with XRM last season when he put together perhaps his best performance of the season, a 25 point, eight assist, six rebound, four steal performance in an Illawarra victory over Melbourne.

Speaking to MU Media, Rathan-Mayes, who has spent significant time in the offseason working out at Hoop City, the home of Melbourne United, touched on his excitement at joining Victoria’s premier basketball powerhouse.

“I’m just super excited to be a part of an organisation like Melbourne United,” he said.

“I’m excited to get down there and join this group… I think we’ve got the chance to be really special. I’m going to have the ability to play with such great players and fit right in with the championship culture that Dean (Vickerman) and his staff have created.

“I love the city of Melbourne, I love John Cain Arena, it very much feels like an NBA arena, it was always super exciting to come play in front of the Melbourne United fans. Their rowdiness, their energy and the atmosphere they created was pretty awesome.”

Equally delighted at bringing XRM to United is Head Coach Dean Vickerman, who spent significant time with former Hawks and current Boomers coach Brian Gorrjian discussing the guard’s ability.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing in Xavier (Rathan-Mayes),” he said.

“We’ve seen him around Hoop City a lot this offseason and he really impressed us. Gorj (Brian Goorjian) couldn’t have spoken about him more highly, which means a lot.

“He showed what he can do in this league last season, and we’re confident he can do even more within our system.”

Outside of the NBL, the 193cm guard has spent time playing in the NBA, G-League, and top European competitions.

Rathan-Mayes will take up United’s second import slot, and joins Rayjon Tucker, Isaac Humphries, Makuach Maluach and Joshua Duach as new players on Melbourne’s NBL23 roster.

Featuring NBA level talent all over the court, as well as a collection for former and current Boomers and Tall Blacks players, United is quickly amassing one of the most impressive playing groups in recent NBL history.

With the hype beginning to build for the upcoming season, Melbourne United Memberships are selling fast, with some categories already sold out.

United Memberships are the best and most affordable way for fans to watch the NBL and be part of their favourite club, so now is the TIME TO UNITE!

Single game tickets will go on sale Wednesday, 10 August via Ticketek. Keep an eye on the Club’s social media for more information.