United DP extends for further season

Melbourne United development player Tom Koppens will return to the NBL24 runners-up next season after agreeing to a one-year contract extension for the club.

Koppens, who is currently playing with fellow contracted Melbourne players Tanner Krebs and Shea Ili at Sandringham in NBL1 South, played four times for the club across NBL24 and scored his first career basket in the side’s Round 16 loss to Tasmania.

He is currently averaging 14.3 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Sabres in NBL1 this season.

Dean Vickerman says Koppens has the skillset to become a valuable future contributor for his side.

“As someone who started as a training player and got upgraded to a DP when we saw his commitment to the program and his development, 'TK' is someone we wanted to keep at United,” Vickerman said.

“The progress we saw from him as a member of our scout team, he was able to be multi-positional, guard everyone on the court, and even play as a five at times.

“His calling card at this level will be as a versatile defender who plays at a really high pace.”