Melbourne adds speed with new DP

Speed and high-level shooting attracted Melbourne United to its newest development signing, Akech Aliir.

Aliir makes the move to Melbourne after a year with the Adelaide 36ers, with the dynamic big man more recently plying his trade with Mount Gambier in the NBL1 competition in the off-season.

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

“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.”

Aliir has averaged 16 points and nine rebounds a game in NBL1 South, and has signed a two-year deal in Melbourne, with a club option to join the main roster in his second season. 

“I just want to win, I’ll do whatever I can to win,” he said.

“I’m really looking to take that next step and make an impact for a club where I can have an opportunity to play, and Melbourne is the place where I think I can do that.

“Every kid dreams of playing in big games in front of huge crowds, and this year it’s really special to know I can have that opportunity with United. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I’m ready to do that to make my dreams come true.”

Aliir joins Chris Goulding, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Jack White, Luke Travers, Kyle Bowen, Flynn Cameron, Tanner Krebs, Rob Loe, Tom Koppens and Campbell Blogg as contracted players for the NBL25 season.