Basket rumors

Melbourne United have announced the much-anticipated signing of Jock Landale for the NBL21 Season.

The 25-year-old Melbourne native will join the club on a one-year deal, with his signing marking the completion of this season’s Melbourne United roster.

Landale, a 211cm Australian Boomer, most recently played in Lithuania for Žalgiris, who compete in the prestigious EuroLeague competition. Landale was having a breakout season in Europe, averaging 11 points, while shooting over 30% from the 3pt line.

In his last game of his EuroLeague season, Landale delivered an offensive masterclass for Žalgiris, amassing 27 points on a near-perfect shooting performance. Landale hit 10 of 10 shots from the field which included 2 from 2 three-pointers.

Landale, a member of the Australian Boomers team, represented his country on numerous occasions and played a key role at last year’s FIBA World Cup in China. He also impressed against Team USA in the exhibition games played here in Australia in 2019.

Growing up in Melbourne, Landale spoke of his excitement to finally play professional basketball in his home city.

“I am incredibly excited to be playing in my home country for the first time in years, for an organisation that’s already done so much for me. It’ll be a once in a lifetime experience getting to play here in front of family and friends, in the unique situation that is Australia right now. It is currently so open and free-moving during this pandemic.” Landale said.

When asked about why he decided on Melbourne United, Landale said the choice was easy.

“The decision was easy in the end. Melbourne is one of the safest places to be during this pandemic and that is hard to turn down. We know the NBL will go the distance with little to no impact from COVID… hopefully I don’t jinx that.”

“The decision to play for United came after that and again, it was easy because I loved playing with Chris (Goulding), Mitch (McCarron) and (David) Barlow when with the Boomers.”

“I felt as though practicing with the team during the last couple months made it so easy because we have already built really good chemistry.”

“I am very excited to play with all the guys on the team and for such a great coaching staff. I’ve been very impressed with everything I’ve seen so far, and honestly credit to the whole organisation for putting together such a deep roster. I feel like every player on the roster could start on any NBL team.”

Landale also spoke of his love of a big crowd when playing and is encouraged by what he’s heard about the vocal Melbourne United fanbase.

“I love feeding off a crowd’s energy. I’ve heard great things about the United fans and I’m keen to get to know the fan base more and be a big part of that energy. Hopefully we can see a packed arena sometime this season.”

It is well-known that Landale has his sights set on the NBA and the upcoming Olympics, but he believed that Melbourne United was the perfect place to hone his craft and improve.

“The club has already helped me so much that I feel like I will only come out of this experience better. I have a lot to work on and feel like these guys are going to help me have a massive 6-7 months personally.”

“I’m also eager to win a championship at this level and for this club before turning my attention anywhere else.”

Landale has been training with Melbourne United since mid-2020, and Head Coach Dean Vickerman has been eagerly anticipating the chance to sign the coveted big-man.

“We’re really very happy that we can finally say that Jock Landale is a Melbourne United player,” Vickerman said.

“He’s been here working out with us for most of the off-season, and he certainly is impressive. He is a very mobile, strong, athletic centre, who can body you around the basket but also stretch the floor and hit the 3-ball.”

“We believe that our retention of players, combined with our recruitment, has put us in a great position to contend for another NBL championship.”

“With the support of our members, sponsors, stakeholders and fans, we can’t wait to get this never-ending off-season out of the way and get stuck into the season.”

The NBL21 Season tips off on January 10, 2020, with Melbourne United set to face cross-town rivals, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, in Throwdown V.

The South East Melbourne Phoenix have announced the signing of high-flying American point guard Keifer Sykes as their second import on a one-year deal.

The 26-year-old Chicago native has played for a number of clubs across the world – most recently at EuroLeague giants Panathinaikos – since finishing a stellar college career at Green Bay.

He’s also represented Cleveland, Golden State and Denver at the NBA Summer League, and the Austin Spurs in the NBA G-League.

Sykes won two Horizon League Player of the Year awards at college, has led the Turkish Basketball League in scoring, and averaged over 28 points in China.

He says winning an NBL title with the Phoenix is the driving factor behind his latest move.

“I just believed that this was my best chance to win a championship,” Sykes said.

“I came over here to be a point guard, to lead, and to win. My number one thing I want to always do is win.

“I think the NBL will bring out the best in all of my abilities and that’s why I’m excited to be here. I just want to win at the end of the day and take this team to the playoffs and see how far we can go.”

The 5’11 (180cm) point guard is known for his elite athleticism and jaw-dropping dunks, having participated in multiple dunk contests over his career.

“I like to play an exciting style of basketball; dunks and plays that people have never seen,” he said.

“I’m excited to meet the fans, meet the team, meet the staff, and I’m just excited for this season.”

Sykes joins star forward Mitch Creek, fellow Chicago import Ben Moore and Australian Boomer Cam Gliddon in an exciting Phoenix line-up.

Phoenix Head Coach Simon Mitchell first saw Sykes play in Las Vegas in 2018 when he was travelling as an assistant coach with Melbourne United and said the guard “dominated the session” and “terrified opposition guards”.

Mitchell and Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer watched him play with the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Summer League last year and sparked a mutual interest with the guard, now coming into fruition a year on.

“I love his speed, quickness, and tenacity. It stands out on both sides of the ball,” Mitchell said.

“His ability to score or deliver to teammates out of the pick and roll is exceptional and will be enhanced with the shooting we will be putting on the floor with him. He also has that next level athletic ability when he gets into the paint.

“Most importantly, from our discussions, Keifer just talks about winning and his willingness to do whatever it will take to win.”

Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer added: “Keifer is an incredibly talented and exciting player who we’ve had our eyes on for a while now, so it’s fantastic to secure him as the final piece of our roster.

“With Keifer’s inclusion adding to what we believe is already a really strong squad, we have high hopes of making a finals push and shaking things up in our second season.”

Sykes is currently quarantining in Sydney and is set to arrive in Melbourne and will join the team’s NBL21 preparations in mid-to-late December.

The Phoenix roster now includes Keifer Sykes (import), Ben Moore (import), Mitch Creek, Cam Gliddon, Reuben Te Rangi, Kyle Adnam, Dane Pineau, Kendall Stephens, Yanni Wetzell, Adam Gibson, Izayah Le’afa (development player), Tristan Forsyth (development player).

The club’s main roster is now complete, with an optional ‘Next Star’ prospect the only possible addition.