In like Flynn

It was no Shea Ili, no problem for Melbourne United in Round 6, as Flynn Cameron stood tall for the second game in a row.

Cameron enjoyed career-high game-time in the win over Illawarra on Thursday, scoring 18 points in 32 minutes, then backed that up with 18 and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes against Cairns three days later.

While Ili's inclusion has had a direct impact on Melbourne's results in previous seasons, perhaps Dean Vickerman has finally found the perfect backup.

“We are now seeing what he (Cameron) can do when he gets an opportunity,” Derek Rucker said on Moments That Mattered.

Through Cameron’s 43 games prior to Round 6, he had only scored in double-figures four times, with a career-high of 15 points in a blowout win against South East Melbourne last season.

But with an extended opportunity and Ili sidelined, Cameron delivered for United and dropped back-to-back 18-point efforts across the weekend. More importantly, Melbourne enjoyed two wins.

“He’s evolved a lot as a player and as a young man has certainly matured,” Rucker added.

Cameron looked like a young star who has been patiently waiting for his name to be called upon, and that name is one that lives on in NBL history.

“He’s the son of a legend (Pero Cameron) and obviously some of that confidence, some of the swagger, some of the mindset and mentality has passed down to Flynn,” Rucker said.

“He’s trying to excel and make a name for himself.”

With Ili set to return for United soon and Cameron playing this well, it’s a predicament that Rucker believes United may have to address the longer this season goes on.

“Melbourne are going to be in a situation at the end of the season where they’ll have to make a decision ... he’s (Cameron) already shown us enough in these past two games to say the he could be a Bonafide NBL scorer.”