Darwin Salties sign Ashley Arlen, Makuach Maluach for 2024 NBL1 season

A NBL standout will make his return to the Darwin Salties in what his shaping up to be a massive 2024 season. Get the latest Salties updates and find out how to get tickets here.

A Tasmanian NBL standout has confirmed his return to the Darwin Salties for a second year capping off a massive week of signings for the Top End side.

Tasmanian Jack Jumpers guard Sean MacDonald will return to the Tamboran Darwin Salties NBL1 men’s team for a second year.

MacDonald started every game for the Salties last season and will once again play an important role after an outstanding NBL season for the Tasmanian outfit.

The Victorian averages more than 20 NBL minutes a game and is shooting an impressive 47 per cent from the three-point line.

Sean MacDonald has re-signed for the Darwin Salties. Picture: CJM Media

MacDonald said it was an easy decision to return to the Salties and was looking forward to the 2024 season.

While the North is a tough league, MacDonald said it was clear the club was striving to make an impact in NBL1.

“I never really thought about going anywhere else, Darwin is a great place to live, and I feel we have a little unfinished business from last season,” he said.

“It is something I love being a part of up there, and I am looking forward to a new season and challenge with the new roster.”

Salties NBL1 Men’s Coach Matt Flinn said Sean MacDonald’s signing was a significant move for the club, and signaled the program and basketball was rapidly growing in the Territory.

“To have a player like Sean decide to come back means that what we are creating here is special,” he said.

“As a quality player and person, we decided early that we want to build the club around Sean.

“He always plays to a standard that inspires his teammates and coaches.

“We expect him to take on a significant leadership role within this group, and I can’t want to coach him again.”

The SALTIES start the 2024 season at home at Ventia Darwin Basketball Stadium against the Cairns Dolphins and Marlins on April 13.

To buy a season ticket or find out more information, head to https://am.intix.com/darwin-salties/purchase-season-tickets.

American star joins Darwin Salties

An American star has become the second big signing of the week for the Darwin Salties, coinciding with the season ticket launch.

Ashley Arlen has taken her game right across the globe having played in her native United States as well as Germany, Romania and Spain.

More recently she was named in the Women’s British Basketball League team of the year just last year, and is celebrated as a league and finals MVP.

The Iowa-born forward said she was looking to returning to Australia to play for a NBL1 North team with huge community support, and Salties was the perfect location.

“I can’t wait to touch down in Darwin and get rolling with the team, it’s going to be an exciting season,” she said.

American star Ashley Arlen has signed with the Darwin Salties NBL1 side for the 2024 season. Picture: Jack Riddiford Creative

“The community involvement and family feel around the Salties is so important and something I really value, especially having a daughter who travels around the world with me.

“I can’t wait to get to work with the team and hope that my experience and love for the game can help us achieve big things this season.”

Tamboran Darwin Salties women’s Coach Rod Tremlett said having a seasoned pro like Arlen in the side would be a huge boon for the squad.

“Ashley is a seasoned pro and will bring great leadership and experience to the group,” Tremlett said.

“After being a dominant force in the NBL1 North previously, we can’t wait to see her in the Salties uniform providing us with a significant interior presence in 2024.”

Arlen is the second player confirmed for the Salties following NBLW star Courtney Woods, who was announced for the side in November.

Arlen’s signing coincides with the Salties season ticket launch, with fans now able to secure their preferred seat at all nine home games at Ventia Darwin Basketball Stadium for $240.

Kid’s season tickets are also available for $120 for children aged 15 or younger, with season tickets giving fans first access to finals games.

General manager Matt Nason said it was the perfect time to grab a season ticket for a discounted price as excitement builds for the 2024 season.

“Excitement is definitely building for the 2024 season, so I would encourage fans to purchase a season ticket as soon as possible to avoid missing out,” he said.

“The upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the best, and we can’t wait to welcome locals and visitors alike to the Croc Pot to see top quality basketball right here in Darwin.”

For more ticket information head to https://am.intix.com/darwin-salties/purchase-season-tickets

Darwin Salties confirm first men’s signing for 2024

A Darwin Salties standout is making a return for the 2024 NBL1 season to complete some unfinished business with the Top End side.

Makuach Maluach will returns for his third year with the men’s team following his current NBL stint with the Sydney Kings.

The big man made an immediate impact in his first season with the side scoring an iconic slam dunk at the Darwin Basketball Stadium in Marrara.

Since then he’s become a cult figure in the outfit and is keenly eyeing off the return to Darwin in April.

“I like what we are building here and the support we get in the Territory - the fans are second to none,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with coach Matt Flinn and new management, to continue making a positive impact for the club and within the community.”

Makuach Maluach playing for the Darwin Salties.

Malauch is a scorer at every level of the game and has been a huge drawcard with his countless highlights a key motivator to keep fans returning to the Croc Pot.

“Even though the first two seasons were a success, I still feel like we have unfinished business and so I’m very happy to be back and competing for a championship,” the two-time NBL1 All Star said.

Tamboran Resources Darwin Salties Men’s Coach Matt Flinn said Makuach’s character and unique skillset were an asset to the team.

“Makuach is not just about words, his words match his actions,” Flinn said.

“He is in the gym constantly working to improve his game, and I honestly believe that we are yet to see the best from Mak.

“To have our leading scorer for two straight years back for a third is exciting because he will just keep getting better and better.

“We look forward to Makuach joining us in Darwin as soon as his commitments are finished in the NBL.”

The Salties start the 2024 season at the Ventia Darwin Basketball Stadium against the Cairns Marlins on April 13.

Season passes will go on sale from February 1 2024 with round tickets available to purchase from 13 March 2024.