Unblemished United an undeniable threat

Tyson Walker scored the game-winning three-pointer in a thrilling contest against Adelaide 36ers. (Photo: Melbourne United)

As the NBL gets into full swing for another season, it will be unsurprising for most to see the way Melbourne United has started its campaign, with a perfect 9-0 record.

But following a lot of personnel change over the off-season, some experts and fans had their doubts of whether Dean Vickerman’s men were going to be able to contend again, after back-to-back grand final losses.

Star guard Matthew Dellavedova was the most notable out for United, moving to the Sydney Kings to chase greater future security and a fresh start.

Former NBA and NBL champion Ian Clark, who was huge for the team’s offensive power, also departed the club.

Emerging guard Flynn Cameron headed to the Adelaide 36ers seeking greater opportunities on the floor, Jack White signed for Mersin MSK in Turkey and big man Marcus Lee was poached by Cairns Taipans.

Rob Loe (New Zealand Breakers), Joel Foxwell (University of Portland) and Akech Aliir (South East Melbourne Phoenix) also found new homes.

Despite losing some immense talent from their roster, United look as good as they ever have a month into the season.

New recruits Milton Doyle (Tasmania JackJumpers), Tyson Walker, Jesse Edwards (NBA G-League), Finn Delany (Veltex Shizuoka – Japan) and 17-year-old Dash Daniels are playing major roles for United so far this season.

Of United’s seven wins, they have comprehensively beaten teams on numerous occasions, with 35 and 32-point thumpings over the Taipans and Breakers respectively. They also knocked off the Phoenix by 20 points and Cairns again by 25.

Despite losing plenty of talent in the off-season, former NBL star turned commentator Peter Hooley warned fans about how strong United could become ahead of the commencement of NBL26, especially with the addition of Doyle.

“For Milton to write the script like he did in game one (back in Tasmania), he’s as clutch as they come,” he said.

“So, when Goulding comes back (from injury), Melbourne are going to have two of those guys – that is going to be incredibly dangerous.”

One of the few existing members of the squad, Tanner Krebs has stood up in the absence of Shea Ili and Goulding.

Krebs has been knocking down clutch shots and shooting the three-ball at 44 per cent, with Vickerman crediting the emerging guard.

“It’s a good thing, CG is fine with it (Tanner Krebs starting), if we need him to start he’ll be fine with it, Tanner is helping that rotation right now,” he said.

“We’ve got such an elite group at the moment.”

After losing recent grand finals against Tasmania JackJumpers and the Illawarra Hawks, redemption and the dream of winning a seventh championship have spurred the team on so far in NBL26.

United faced its first real big test on Sunday afternoon as they came up against the second-placed, Bryce Cotton-led Adelaide 36ers at John Cain Arena.

The 36ers pushed a star-studded Melbourne United team all the way, leading for almost half the match in a game which had 24 lead changes.

It looked like the home side would suffer its first loss before guard Tyson Walker gave his side the lead and ultimately the win with a big three-pointer from the corner, sending United to 9-0.

What makes United’s start to the season even more astonishing is the fact that they have done it without Shea Ili (hamstring) and Chris Goulding (calf) for large parts of the season so far.

Who will be the first side to upset Melbourne United this season? Or can they go through undefeated?