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The Melbourne United Franchise

In 2014, after 30 years of the famous Melbourne Tigers, the difficult decision was made by the Melbourne Tigers ownership to rename and refocus the club; becoming Melbourne United. It was a decision that evoked angst and emotion, but it was a decision taken after long, relentless and thorough research, with the best interests of Victorian and Melbourne basketball at hand.

The Melbourne United name and brand was introduced to create and forge their own lasting legacy and history. It has become its own brand, has forged an identity in the NBL and it represents all of the past clubs, while uniting Melbourne’s basketball-loving public.

In its inaugural season, former Melbourne Tigers legend Chris Anstey took reigns as head coach. Around him was a talented squad, boasting players such as Daryl Corletto, David Barlow, Mark Worthington, Lucas Walker and Nate Tomlinson. Daniel Kickert joined, along with imports Jordan McRae and Stephen Dennis. Not a bad squad for a first season in the league! In the end, Chris Anstey resigned, with another Tigers legend, Darryl McDonald replacing Anstey as interim coach. The first season of the navy blue logo of Melbourne finished 5th with a 13-15 record.

The second year was an opportunity to build on a promising first season. United hired well-respected US coach Dean Demopoulos, while also recruiting forward Todd Blanchfield, Majok Majok and imports Stephen Holt and Hakim Warrick. The club also welcomed back franchise player Chris Goulding, meaning this years squad was capable of doing damage. In a massive coup for the organisation and brand, United finished as minor premier with a 18-10 record but lost to the New Zealand Breakers in the first round.

2016 was a disappointing year. The squad was joined by big-time recruits Tai Wesley and David Anderson, but three changes to their import spots midway through the year meant their was no cohesion and saw them miss the playoffs.

Season 2017/2018 was one of anticipation. The hiring of NBL championship head coach Dean Vickerman from the New Zealand Breakers was huge, while the mid season import duo of Casper Ware and Josh Boone were ready to go. Oh, and adding two-time Perth Wildcat Casey Prather was the piece that rocketed them to title favouritism. United had a squad of Goulding, Ware, Boone, Anderson, Barlow, Prather and Wesley among others, making it one of the strongest line-ups the league has seen. United finished minor premiers again for the second time in three years with a 20-8 record. They swept the New Zealand Breakers in the first round, then faced the Adelaide 36ers in a best of 5 grand final series. With the series tied 2-2, and the deciding game on Melbourne’s home deck, there was no chance they would let this one slip. They didn’t, and fan favourite and star of the league Chris Goulding won the finals MVP, a thoroughly deserved achievement for a Melbourne basketball great. It was their first championship under the United brand only three years into their tenure. 

Seasons 2018 and 2019 finished disappointingly. 2018 saw them have a successful regular season and reach another grand final appearance, only to be beaten by the high-flying Perth Wildcats. 2019 was much the same, with the club loosing to the Sydney Kings in the first round of the playoffs. 

The major signings of Shawn Long, Mitch McCarron and Melo Trimble during this time has meant the squad is still strong heading into the 2021 season, while also retaining United franchise players Goulding and Barlow. Furthermore, the additions of Duke Blue Devil Jack White and Japanese international Yudai Baba have meant the team is looking a force again.

Only 6 years into their history as a franchise, and Melbourne United has established itself as a dominant, feared, respected, successful and winning organisation in the NBL. With home games at Melbourne Arena sold out, the club is now a powerhouse of the league. Additionally, with the introduction of Melbourne rival South-East Melbourne Phoenix, it has added a rivalry to be enjoyed for years to come.

Across its short history, the United brand has attracted some of the biggest overseas players the league has seen. Hakim Warrick, Casper Ware, Casey Prather, Jordan McRae, D.J Kennedy, Josh Boone, Shawn Long, Melo Trimble and Carrick Felix. Add in quality local talent Chris Goulding, David Barlow, Mitch McCarron, David Anderson, Todd Blanchfield, Daniel Kickert, Mark Worthington and Lucas Walker and the club has had its fair share of quality players.

Since its introduction into the league, United has a 97-71 record during the regular season, with win number 100 expected to come early in season 2021. A 9-9 playoffs record is impressive also given its short time in the league. With 5 championships (including the Tigers), the club is second all-time in this category behind Perth Wildcats with 10.

These statistics already highlight the success and what a force United is in the short time in their history. Each season that goes by, the continued success and growth as a powerhouse club is rising. With more fans signed up than it has ever had, the future looks extremely bright for the biggest and best club in Melbourne and the NBL.