Melbourne United have announced veteran forward Brad Newley will return to the club for the NBL23 season.<\/p>\n
Newley played a critical role for United in their top-of-the-table NBL22 campaign, providing a spark off the bench with his leadership and experience.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Melbourne United Media, Newley said he believes Melbourne has the talent to make another run at a championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve loved every minute of my time in Melbourne on and off the court,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201c(I\u2019m coming back for) the opportunity to win that elusive championship. We had a crack this year and fell just short but I think we have the people around the club to achieve that goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opportunity to continue playing at the highest level is hard to say no to. I\u2019m a basketball guy, it\u2019s what I’ve done my entire life and I want to continue to do it at the highest level in Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be able to do it at Melbourne United is exciting for me, I just want to bring what I brought this year into next season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite being asked to play a different role in his first season with Melbourne, the 37-year-old remained dangerous, shooting over 36% from beyond the arc, while maintaining his reputation as one of the league\u2019s best finishers in transition.<\/p>\n
Coach Dean Vickerman praised Newley\u2019s ability on the court, as well as his value as a connector in the locker-room.<\/p>\n
\u201cNewls brings fantastic veteran leadership to our team,” Vickerman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought one of the invaluable qualities he brought to our group this year was his ability to keep things light and keep our group enjoying their basketball.<\/p>\n
“He\u2019s a great connector of our group from the rookies to the veterans, a great facilitator of our culture.\u201d<\/p>\n