Title-winning import joins third NBL team

Melbourne United have confirmed the signing of their first import for the NBL24 season, bringing in former Sydney King and Adelaide 36er Ian Clark on a one-year deal.

While this will be Clark’s third season in the competition, it will be the first time he’s been with a team from Round 1.

He played 16 games in Sydney’s NBL22 title triumph as a replacement for R.J. Hunter and played 10 times for the Adelaide 36ers last season, following the departure of Craig Randall.

Prior to heading to the NBL, Clark played 361 times in the NBA and was a member of Golden State’s 2017 title-winning side.

“We really wanted high-level shooting, a level of creation to make others better and really solid defence which are all things Ian has showcased during his time in the NBL,” United coach Dean Vickerman said of Clark.

“There’s a clutch component to his game where we’ve seen what he can do in the biggest moments of games. He’s a guy that can just get hot. He’s got a streak in him that allows him to break the game open.

“When we were considering the age profile and shooting that we were looking for, we wanted an experienced combo guard who’s played at a high level around the world and Ian certainly ticks those boxes and gives him the best opportunity to be successful coming into our program.

“The references that we got from previous coaches, team managers, guys that have been around him in Australia were exemplary as a professional and as a person.”

Clark has joined Luke Travers, Matthew Dellavedova, Jo Lual-Acuil Jr, Tanner Krebs, Flynn Cameron and Kyle Bowen as Melbourne’s new additions heading into NBL24.