United Clawing Back With Rival Influence

Perth and Melbourne have been at basketball loggerheads for years. The rivalry between the two cities is one born from success.

There will be a distinct Wildcats flavour at Melbourne United ahead of NBL24 though, with assistant coach Jacob Chance once again linking up with former Wildcat pair Luke Traver and Kyle Bowen.

Before embarking on a two-season stint with the Tasmania JackJumpers, Chance spent six years in Perth and, over that time, formed close relationships with both Travers and Bowen.

Bowen played one season with the Wildcats as a development player, before embarking on a collegiate career with Saint Mary’s, while Travers has joined Melbourne directly from Perth as one of the most high-profile signings this free agency.

“’LT’ and I have known each other for a long time. We played for the same junior basketball club,” Chance told Melbourne United Media. “I’m really excited to get back working with him – I feel as though we made some great progress in Perth.

“Seeing what he’s achieved over the past couple of years has been awesome, so I’m looking forward to helping him achieve his dreams and goals.

“Likewise, to work with ‘KB’ as he starts his professional career after a great few years at Saint Mary’s is great.”

United have undergone something of a roster reconstruction so far this off-season, and have added established stars Matthew Dellavedova and Jo Lual-Acuil alongside Travers, while Flynn Cameron joins Bowen on the roster straight out of college.

Former Brisbane Bullet Tanner Krebs has also joined the side, as has development player and Sandringham Sabres captain Campbell Blogg.