Melbourne United’s Marcus Lee on his unique NBL finals motivation

Part of the Tasmania team that took Melbourne down in last season’s NBL grand final, Marcus Lee is now a key figure in United’s quest to atone but his motivation is a little different to his teammates’.

Marcus Lee, NBL champion.

It has a nice ring to it.

But there’s a little asterisk nagging at the Melbourne United centre as he gears up for a chance at back-to-back titles.

The 211cm giant was part of last season’s history-making Tasmania JackJumpers’ squad that shocked United in a five-game grand final epic.

But the 30-year-old had to watch from the sidelines as the JackJumpers took down United after he tore his medial cruciate ligament in game three of the series.

“I want to win one without the asterisk on it,” he told Code Sports.

“I want to win a championship in my own respective.”

Marcus Lee is helped from the floor during game three of last season’s grand final. Picture: Getty Images

The defensive dynamo will take that motivation into Tuesday night’s game three of the semi-final series against Perth knowing a win is the only way he’ll get the chance to fulfil his goal.

Lee’s return to United after his time in Tasmania was all about finding the right environment, a place where he felt the culture aligned with his values.

“(It’s) the family culture, how hard they work, how much they make me feel at home here. I think that’s one of the biggest things,” the California native explained.

“I get excited coming to practice.

“Sometimes halfway through the season, it can start feeling like work. It starts feeling like dread, but I never get that feeling here.”

The battle between Perth’s Keanu Pinder and Melbourne’s Marcus Lee looms as a key to game three. Picture: Getty Images

Taking on more responsibility this season, leadership has come easily to Lee, he was raised to embrace those roles from a young age. However, like any good leader, he acknowledges that he’s still learning.

“We have a lot of vets on this team, I’m learning from Delly (Matthew Dellavedova), CG (Chris Goulding), and Robbie (Loe),” he said.

“We’re just bouncing ideas off each other. It’s a great feeling here.”

Coach Dean Vickerman says the league’s leading shotblocker at 1.7 per game has an essential role to play against Perth’s frontline.

“He’s going to be massive in this playoff series,” Vickerman said.

“There’s some bigs (Kristian Doolittle, Keanu Pinder, Izan Almansa) that we really need to sit down and guard.”

A hobbled Lee had to watch his JackJumpers knock off United in last season’s grand final. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Lee is now dunking on heads for United. Picture: Getty Images

Lee’s impact on Melbourne United goes beyond his leadership and charitable efforts, Vickerman spoke highly of the import’s role in the locker room.

“He’s a champion. He practices with a smile on his face. He enjoys the success of the other centres that he plays with.”

“He loves to see other people do well.

“Some games he’s going to play 22-24 minutes and some games he’s going to play 16-18. He’s happy either way as long as the other centre on our team is doing really well.

‘MAKE AN IMPACT’: FORMER WILDCATS CHAMP PLOTS PERTH’S DEMISE

—Jessica Robinson

Melbourne forward Kyle Bowen may have won an NBL championship with semi-final opponent Perth, but says a title in blue would “absolutely” taste sweeter as his contribution to the team grows.

In his third NBL season – and second in Melbourne – Bowen, 24, has taken on a heavier load for United, especially with star Jack White managing a niggling back injury throughout the year.

Tasked with making an impact on a well-oiled United machine, the next man up has produced a career best season with the confidence instilled from coach Dean Vickerman.

Kyle Bowen has produced his best NBL season yet with United. Picture: Getty Images

“Dean is such a defensive minded coach, when you’re playing under him you’ve got to be super locked in and focused on that end,” Bowen told Code Sports.

“I’ve just become a more intelligent basketball player, from Dean to our whole coaching staff have been instrumental in my growth over the past two years.

“So just being that complimentary piece for Whitey (Jack White) when he’s out of the game and seeing if I can come in with energy, bring the crowd into it and make an impact.

“I’m trying to be more aggressive when I can.”

The United unit have been consistent contenders in recent years, with Bowen part of the heartbreaking five game championship loss last year.

Kyle Bowen of United shoots during game one of the NBL Semi Final Series between Melbourne United and Perth Wildcats at John Cain Arena on February 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

And while Melbourne “came so close” in 2024, he says he has adapted a “sponge” approach around the top talent on the roster, especially within those high pressure campaigns.

“Delly (Matthew Dellevadova), CG (Chris Goulding), IC (Ian Clark), we’ve got NBL and NBA champions in the building so there’s not a lack of resources to grow from.”

Playing for two of the powerhouse clubs of the competition in United and the Wildcats, Bowen said both organisations’ expectations and standards are always set high, no matter what time of the season.

“There’s no added pressure because it’s like playoff basketball every game where every possession is so important,” the developing forward said.

On Saturday night, he’ll return to his old stomping ground RAC Arena, now hostile enemy territory, where he first experienced success in his debut NBL season, for game two of the semi finals series.

Kyle Bowen (right) with Bryce Cotton, Terrico White and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk during the NBL19 grand final series. Picture: AAP Image

Grateful to Perth for taking the chance on him all those years ago, the Western Australian built his foundations within the Wildcats system as a teen.

“I had a different role (at Perth),” Bowen said, “I learnt a lot and it got me prepared for when I came to a club and was ready to make a natural impact on the team.”

“So I’m very fortunate to have those few years (with Perth), they really helped my journey and my experience along the way.”

But after Chris Goulding’s 41-point heroics led United to a 12-point game one win on Thursday night, Bowen will be hoping for a clean sweep series win against his hometown heroes and former championship teammates.

“We’re so locked in this year.”

Originally published as Melbourne United’s Marcus Lee on his unique NBL finals motivation