Melbourne United loving life atop the NBL ladder as season begins home stretch

Their Covid restrictions have been eased, the footy is back and Melbourne United cant stop winning. The view from the top is a grand one for the reigning NBL champs.

Dean Vickerman says Melbourne United is “enjoying life and basketball”.

That’s no surprise.

The reigning champions are on top of the ladder with 15 wins and just five losses as they head into the last eight games of the season.

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Coach Vickerman says Covid restrictions have been loosened slightly, giving them a little more freedom and footy season has added a buzz around Hoops City.

“We’re starting to just live a little bit better, (we’re) enjoying life and basketball right now,” Vickerman said after his side swept away Adelaide by 27 points on the weekend.

On top of the NBL ladder, there's a buzz around Hoops City that has Melbourne United smiling.

Forced to hit the road earlier this year while the Australian Open tennis grand slam occupied their John Cain Arena home, United only leaves Melbourne three more times before the finals, with trips to Perth, Cairns and Tasmania in among four home games and a date with South East Melbourne in The Firepit.

Plenty of reasons to be buoyant.

Next up is a pair of home clashes in consecutive weeks with resurgent Illawarra, who have worked their way into the top four with five wins from their past six contests. Win both of those and finals will be all but stitched up.

Brian Goorjian has the Hawks humming. Picture: Getty Images

Vickerman knows it won’t be easy, with master coach Brian Goorjian putting the Hawks on notice that “every game was a finals situation”.

“Their team’s responded,” Vickerman said.

“The JackJumpers are … a tough team and, to beat them in Tasmania, is a really good win.

“We play them (the Hawks) two times in a row on our home floor and it’s so important for both teams about where we’re going to finish on the ladder.

“We’ve got total respect for them as a group and absolutely look forward to the challenge.

“There are so many things that go into this one and we’ll see the adjustment playing one game and then playing them again the next week.

“That’s what finals basketball is about. Unbelievable preparation for us.”

United is expecting to welcome Caleb Agada back after he missed a game while in Covid protocols. Picture: Getty Images

Vickerman expects his squad to be at full strength, with swingman Caleb Agada, who missed the win over Adelaide, set to clear Covid protocols midweek.

“Right now, all reports (are) that he’s feeling pretty good, his symptoms are pretty low and we expect him to be available,” Vickerman said.

David Barlow, out for the past three games with a foot issue, will also be available after another week of training.

Originally published as Melbourne United loving life atop the NBL ladder as season begins home stretch