“He really belongs”: Melbourne promotes DP

Photo: Melbourne United Media.

Akech Aliir has been promoted to a main roster spot at Melbourne United, following an impressive pre-season campaign. 

The 204-centimetre forward is the final piece of the puzzle for United, having originally been signed as a development player.

“We’ve been super impressed with his basketball IQ, his ability to really pick things up fast,” Melbourne coach Dean Vickerman said.

“He can play multiple positions which was really important to us for us to be able to cover a number of spots. He’s been shooting the ball well which translated perfectly into our want to stretch the floor.

“Along with that, he’s shown great composure. Everyone saw in the game the other night his poise, going out there and making a game-winning basket.

“I think he really belongs in the NBL. Having an 11-man roster this year, I think there’s going to be opportunities for him to contribute.”

Aliir spent the NBL24 season as a development player at the Adelaide 36ers, and averaged an impressive 18.5 points, 10 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game in the most recent NBL1 campaign at the Mount Gambier Pioneers.

“The modern five-man can shoot at a high level and he’s showing that with Mount Gambier, but I think the thing that attracted me the most is his speed,” Vickerman added.

“We’ve had great success in having bigs really be able to sprint the floor and attack off the dribble and he possesses that skill set.

“He’s made really big improvements between his play in the NBL1 last year and this year. We’ve seen strong growth in his game as a scorer and defender.”