Clark: ‘United has Championship pieces’

Photo: Melbourne United Media

Melbourne import Ian Clark says a star-studded United roster has all “the pieces to be a Championship team” in NBL24.

Clark scored an incredible 19 points in his team's last-gasp 89-86 pre-season win over South East Melbourne on Saturday night, to set up a blockbuster season-opener on September 28. 

The 32-year-old enjoyed the ultimate success at the Sydney Kings in his first season in Australia, during NBL22, before spending last year at the Adelaide 36ers. 

The former NBA star, who also won a title with the Golden State Warriors in 2017, says United has everything it needs to claim its third Championship in the last six seasons. 

“We’ve got shooting, we’ve got length, we’ve got depth, we’ve got size, and I think it’s just about putting it all together,” he said on the club’s Extra Pass podcast. 

“We’re all versatile. We’ve got guys that can play off the ball, guys that can play on the ball, we have shooting so we can spread the floor.

“Coach (Dean Vickerman) just talked earlier about how we can have three guys: me, Tanner (Krebs), CG (Chris Goulding) that can shoot the ball. We can space the floor for those guys down low to go to work.”

The news Jo Lual-Acuil Jr is back earlier than expected from a wrist injury only further helps United’s chances. 

Luke Travers has arrived from the Wildcats and at just 22 years old, is looking to continue his rise, while Shea Ili and Ariel Hukporti being fit and healthy presents a daunting prospect for opposition teams. 

Matthew Dellavedova returns after a stint in the NBA and the likes of Flynn Cameron and Kyle Bowen provide significant depth to an already talented roster.

After missing the Finals altogether in NBL23, it will be a fascinating watch on United this season.

Read the full story >> MU sporting ‘all the pieces’ to win a championship says Clark