CG43 Fighting Fit After Euro Challenge

Thursday, June 15, 2023

"It was just good to go and compete in another league, another environment and test myself."

A new league and a different environment is bound to test any professional athlete, but if there's any player up for the challenge, it's Chris Goulding.

Ahead of his 11th season in Melbourne and 15th overall in the NBL, the Melbourne United captain explored opportunities overseas in a bid to be best prepared for NBL24.

Goulding joined Paris Basketball, where he played 11 games in the Euroleague. The 34-year-old had an immediate impact, averaging 10.6 points, across 20 minutes per game. Along the way, he helped his team to a 7-4 record.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As he approaches his 11th season with Melbourne, Chris Goulding says he is glad he made the decision to play in Europe across the offseason. Read why here:</p>— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1668776825680695296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Back in Melbourne and ready to go to work, Goulding said the chance to test himself in another world-class league could only help his preparations.

“It was just good to go and compete in another league, another environment and test myself,” Goulding told Melbourne United Media.

“It was a great experience for me and my family.

“While it was unfortunate that our season with United ended earlier than we would have liked, it gave me time to rest and get my body right before going to have a crack over there.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Look who we found in our gym this morning ?<br><br>Welcome home, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisGoulding43?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChrisGoulding43</a> <a href="https://t.co/z32i6ZrQW9">pic.twitter.com/z32i6ZrQW9</a></p>— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1665538964550299649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Across NBL23, the United star averaged 17.1 points per game, shooting at 43 per cent from the field. It was a season to remember as he surpassed a magical milestone - 1,000 career three-pointers.

Goulding appreciated his Euroleague stint and says he is now “invigorated” for the upcoming season, alongside a new and improved squad.

“With such a big break between seasons, it’s good to keep the body moving, keep the mind engaged. It’s also good to challenge yourself with a different team, a different group of people, a different group of staff, so that when I come back I feel fresh and invigorated for the upcoming season.”

The 350-game veteran will reunite with NBL22 teammates, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, and fresh off of an NBA season with the Sacramento Kings, Matthew Dellavedova.

United’s first game of the NBL24 season tip off on Thursday September 28 in their first throwdown matchup with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.