Melbourne Re-Sign Sam McDaniel

Melbourne United has re-signed promising youngster Sam McDaniel on a one-year deal.

McDaniel began his professional career in 2018/19 as a Melbourne United development player and was elevated to a full roster position last season. The 195cm guard has been rewarded with an additional year-long contract, and Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman explained that it was well and truly deserved.

"We’re really looking forward to having Sam come back to Melbourne United. To have him progress through our system, as a development player through to a rostered player, it is a testament to both the club’s culture as well as Sam’s hard work." Vickerman said.

"He is a great fit within the culture of our club, and we will really look to him to be a leader within our group in order to drive our team’s identity."

"He’s a player with strong work ethic and willingness to learn, who continues to expand his skillset. His ability to finish through contact, shoot the three, and defend his position are all skills he’s continued to build upon."

"We’re looking forward to seeing Sam take that next step in his career and really establish himself as strong, reliable member of our squad."

The 24-year-old McDaniel expressed his excitement of returning to Melbourne to get back on the floor with teammates, both old and new.

"I’m really looking forward to it. I just want to get out on the floor and get into it." McDaniel said.

"This list is looking a bit different, so I’m excited to see what kind of energy these new guys can bring. I think practice is definitely going to go up another notch this season."

"The roster is certainly more youthful now, but I believe the maturity and intelligence that these guys have will help us go deep into playoffs and really contest for a championship."

McDaniel is currently at home in Adelaide, training regularly with former NBL star Rashad Tucker, and shall return to Melbourne in order to re-join his team in the coming weeks.

McDaniel is the son of Wayne McDaniel who suited up in 288 NBL games across 12 years with the Adelaide 36ers, Geelong Supercats, Newcastle Falcons and Hobart Devils.