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A steak-fuelled Matthew Dellavedova will debut a “new version” of himself when he returns to Melbourne United for the NBL’s season-opening Victorian derby.
The NBA champion’s homecoming after a season-long cameo with Sacramento has tongues wagging after he dominated the Blitz pre-season tournament last week.
Traditionally known as a role player with great vision and terrific defence, the fit and confident 33-year-old adopted a more aggressive approach as he looked to score and take over games.
Left out of the Boomers’ squad for the recent World Cup, this season’s been dubbed a revenge mission for the three-time Olympian ahead of next year’s Paris Games.
Dellavedova credits a new diet that centres on eating “a lot of steak” and getting “a lot of sun” for the improved physique that has blown away coach Dean Vickerman.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
“He was exceptional … the level was unreal and he did that in short bursts,” the coach said on Wednesday of Dellavedova’s Blitz form.
“He’s grabbed the opportunity to score a little more.
“It’s a different version of Delly; he didn’t know how far he was out of shape, he thought it may have been age catching up.”
United have added talented forward Luke Travers while Germany’s NBA hopeful Ariel Hukporti will finally debut after tearing his achilles in last year’s pre-season.
Hukporti’s mother will be courtside as United begin the season against city rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix on Thursday at a sold-out John Cain Arena.
“There’s a lot to like – Ariel’s mum has flow in from Germany – it’s going to be special,” Vickerman said.
Travers is comfortable carrying expectations of title contention after United missed the finals last season.
His battle with Phoenix star Mitch Creek will be pivotal, while United import Ian Clark could miss the clash with a hamstring niggle.
“It’s going to come with it and we knew that,” Travers said of the pressure of expectation.
“This is the first little test.
“I’m looking forward to going up against (Creek); that brings out the best in each player.”
Back-to-back champions the Sydney Kings have lost Xavier Cooks and Dejan Vasiljevic to the Washington Wizards but picked up former NBA forward Jonah Bolden, who hasn’t played for three years.
Last year’s runners-up, the New Zealand Breakers shape as contenders again behind the talents of guard Will McDowell-White. Cairns stormed to third place last season, pushing the Kings in the semi-final series.
Swedish talent Bobi Klintman will entertain but the Queensland outfit have been gutted of key pair Keanu Pinder (Perth) and DJ Hogg (Kings) and will start with a long injury list.
Bryce Cotton’s Wildcats are poised to storm back into the reckoning, French Next Star Alexandre Sarr already dropping jaws in the pre-season. Former NBA star and Boomer Aron Baynes is in the same boat as Dellavedova, and the Brisbane centre has started just as impressively as the Bullets eye a resurgence under new coach Justin Schueller.
The back-to-back champions have lost Xavier Cooks and Dejan Vasiljevic to the NBA’s Washington Wizards while Cairns pick-up DJ Hogg (shoulder) won’t play right away. Can new King Jonah Bolden reignite his own NBA career after three years out of the game?
Last season: 19-9 (first)
The Breakers surged from wooden spooners to grand finalists last season and plan to stay at the pointy end now that Finn Delany is back on deck and Will McDowell-White’s recommitted. Import guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright showed plenty in the preseason while shooter Cam Gliddon also found his mojo from long-range.
Last season: 18-10 (second)
Coach Adam Forde’s lost DJ Hogg to the Kings and Keanu Pinder to Perth, leaving massive holes to fill. The Snakes have a habit of unearthing talent and could have done it again with Australian guard Taran Armstrong and Swedish excitement machine Bobi Klintman. A hip injury for star import Tahjere McCall will see him miss their opener.
Last season: 18-10 (third)
Will Magnay’s injured foot will keep the centre out of action in a blow to the NBL’s newest side. Import Milton Doyle is back, centre Marcus Lee has shifted from United and there are layers of domestic experience to ensure Scott Roth’s men will be hard to beat in their third NBL campaign.
Last season: 16-12 (fourth)
Star import Alan Williams’ absence to begin the season will be felt, but replacement import Tyler Cook has shown glimpses to indicate he’ll fill the void in the meantime. Mitch Creek will need another season like his last, when he led the league in scoring, if they’re to be a top side.
Last season: 15-14 (fifth)
Keanu Pinder’s arrival, to team with the irrepressible Bryce Cotton, is a daunting proposition on paper. It looked pretty good in real life during the Gold Coast preseason tournament, too. Imports Kristian Doolittle and Jordan Usher will be keen to impress their new fans.
Last season: 15-13 (sixth)
Matthew Dellavedova is back and has a point to prove after he was cut from the Boomers’ World Cup squad, Ariel Hukporti is healthy and Luke Travers has joined in the fun. Expect United to push for a finals return, Dellavedova leading the charge after he spent last season largely warming the bench in the NBA.
Last season: 15-13 (seventh)
A disruptive preseason has seen new import Jamaal Franklin already shown the door after heavy preseason losses to the Breakers and Wildcats and Next Star Trentyn Flowers shuffled from point guard to a wing spot. Coach CJ Bruton is optimistic though, a clash with his old club Brisbane on Friday set to reveal plenty.
Last season: 13-15 (eighth)
Aron Baynes’ 20-point, 20-rebound preseason game was a tantalising peek at what the big centre is still capable of. Teenage phenomenon Rocco Zikarsky will be taking notes as the pair share minutes this season. The Bullets have added back court depth while overhauling their coaching staff and front office in an effort to revive the former powerhouse.
Last season: 8-20 (ninth)
Injuries took their toll in a miserable last season but there are green shoots emerging in Wollongong in the form of rookie forward Lachlan Olbrich and the commitment of import Justin Robinson. The guard was injured in the Hawks’ season opener last season but wants to finish what he started. Sam Froling, Tyler Harvey and Gary Clark will be there to help.
Last season: 3-25 (10th)
© AAP
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