Vickerman talks adjustments, growth across games against Bullets

Despite coming away from his two recent games against the Brisbane Bullets without a win, Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman believes the contests have helped push his side in the right direction heading into the NBL Blitz.

After reviewing what he described as a ‘horrific’ defensive performance in United’s loss in Ballarat, Vickerman said he was encouraged by the response his players came up with on Saturday night.

LISTEN TO HIS FULL BREAKDOWN OF THE GAMES HERE:

“I think anytime you have your first couple of preseason games, you’re trying to establish an identity,” he said.

“In the past years it’s been about our defence and we were pretty horrified about our defensive performance in Ballarat.

“To be able to turn it around and hold a team under 80 points, that was the goal (on Saturday) and we achieved that well. Generally a much improved performance with how we went about it (on Saturday).”

One clear standout for Melbourne across the two games was star import Rayjon Tucker, who thrived in his first taste of NBL competition.

‘Tuck’ averaged 24 points and eight and a half rebounds across the pair of outings, while making his way to the free-throw line 22 times.

Speaking about the new addition, Vickerman said he’s going to put major pressure on opposing defences and referees throughout the season.

“He’s a matchup problem,” Vickerman continued.

“With the speed that he plays at, with his athleticism, his three-ball is coming along as well. He’s going to challenge referees to get to the foul line.”

Melbourne United will next face the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday evening at 8pm in Darwin as part of the NBL Blitz. The game will be streamed live and free on Kayo Freebies.

This will be the first of three games for United, with the others coming against the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday 21 September at 8pm, and against the Brisbane Bullets on Friday 23 September at 8pm.

With just 20 days remaining until Melbourne open their season at John Cain Arena, time is running out to secure your membership and lock in your seat to see your team hit the court!

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.