David Andersen signs with Melbourne United; will return to NBL for first time since 1999

THE good news keeps coming for Melbourne United with the club’s big stocks receiving a huge boost in the form of star centre and Boomers big man David Andersen.

David Andersen will return to the NBL — and Melbourne United. Picture: Getty Images

MELBOURNE United’s big men stocks have received a huge boost with the prized signing of star centre David Andersen.

The 36-year-old — who will next month represent the Australian Boomers in his fourth Olympic Games — put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the NBL club on Friday.

For United, it follows the recent major signings of New Zealand Breakers’ pair Cedric Jackson and Tai Wesley and the key retention of Boomers guard Chris Goulding.

The Victorian product returns to the NBL for the first time since playing for Wollongong Hawks (now Illawarra) in the 1998-99 season.

Since then, he has forged a highly decorated international career, which has included three Euro League titles, three Russian championships, three Italian championships and an NBA stint.

This year, Andersen also played a key role in ASVEL Basket’s championship win in France.

He said the time was right to return to Australia for good

“It’s great to be home — I’m excited about the club and the challenge of bringing the championship back to Melbourne,” Andersen said.

“For me personally, it (coming home) was definitely one of the deciding factors.

“I’ve been overseas for forever now, it’s been a long time.

David Andersen in action for the Boomers at Hisense Arena this week. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’ve got family and friends around here so moving back will be great and having the chance to play in front of them is a great thing.”

United chief executive Vince Crivelli said the club was thrilled to secure Andersen for the next two seasons.

“He is one of Australia’s most successful basketballer’s and has incredible experience on the international stage having played in the best leagues in the world,” he said.

“His knowledge and experience combined with his on-court talent will add so much to Melbourne United on and off the court.”

Andersen said he spoke to Boomers teammate Goulding before signing with Melbourne.

“I know a few of my now Melbourne teammates and I’ve been rooming with Chris at the Boomers so we get along really well and we’ve had some good chats,” he said.

“He was one of the (helpful) factors in helping me decide.”

Melbourne now has just two roster spots remaining with the NBL season to get underway in October.

Originally published as David Andersen signs with Melbourne United; will return to NBL for first time since 1999