Melbourne elevates sharpshooter to main roster

Monday, September 18, 2023

"He’s a great, confident shooter that we know can come in and make smart plays while stretching the floor."

Melbourne United sharpshooter Zac Triplett has been elevated to the club's main roster, ahead of the NBL24 season.

Triplett has spent the last two seasons as a development player, making 19 appearances. His deal includes a club option for NBL25.

The 21-year-old is coming off a strong season in the NBL1 South with the Keilor Thunder, averaging 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game.

“Over his time with us Zac has really grown both physically and as an athlete,” United coach Dean Vickerman told the club's website.

“He’s a great, confident shooter that we know can come in and make smart plays while stretching the floor.

“Knowing your role within this league is crucial, and Zac is someone that knows how to execute his role perfectly within the game plan.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have finalised our NBL24 roster with the addition of <a href="https://twitter.com/zactriplett10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zactriplett10</a> to the main roster.<br>Zac has spent the last two seasons with us as a Development Player. Following his elevation, we have signed Tom Koppens as a Development Player for NBL24.<br>More: <a href="https://t.co/L5lofi1Rfd">https://t.co/L5lofi1Rfd</a> <a href="https://t.co/wiPFo0DuFj">pic.twitter.com/wiPFo0DuFj</a></p>— Melbourne United (@MelbUnited) <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited/status/1703922212955423139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Melbourne has also signed Tom Koppens as a Development Player for the NBL24 campaign.

The 20-year-old is coming off a standout season playing with the Sandringham Sabres in NBL1 South.

He made a number of impressive showings for United across the pre-season.

“TK is the type of player you always look out for: a versatile defender who plays a high-IQ brand of basketball,” Vickerman said.

“He’s been with us across the pre-season and has shown that he can contribute when called upon.”

Playing alongside long-time friend Campbell Blogg, Koppens helped the Sabres reach the conference championship game, with averages of 9.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while shooting the ball at over 40 per cent from downtown.

Tickets for United's season-opening Throwdown against South East Melbourne Phoenix are close to sold out.