Why Melbourne United Are the NBL25 Championship Favourites

Melbourne United Are Slowly Taking Over The NBL25 Season

After falling agonizingly short in last season’s championship series, Melbourne United entered NBL25 with one goal: redemption. So far, they’ve been on a mission, establishing themselves as the league’s top team with an impressive 11-4 record. But what is it that makes Melbourne United the championship favourites this season?

Star Power: Chris Goulding and Jack White

Melbourne United’s success begins with their star players. Chris Goulding has been phenomenal, leading the charge with averages of 18.8 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 rebounds on 42% shooting. His ability to score from all areas of the floor, coupled with his veteran leadership, has been invaluable in helping United execute on both ends of the court.

Jack White, returning to the NBL after a stint in the NBA, has been equally impactful. Averaging 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game, White has become the team’s workhorse, excelling in the dirty areas of the game. His relentless energy and ability to control the boards have added a crucial dimension to United’s style of play.

Matthew Dellavedova has also contributed, overcoming an inconsistent start to the season due to injuries and personal commitments. As he finds his rhythm, his veteran experience and defensive grit further strengthen United’s already impressive lineup.

The Team Game: Balance and Structure

What sets Melbourne United apart isn’t just individual brilliance—it’s their structure and balance. Offensively, they’ve been a juggernaut, ranking second in the league with 95.7 points per game. They’re efficient, too, shooting 46.1% from the field (top 3 in the league) and leading the NBL in three-point percentage at an outstanding 38.1%. Their depth has also been a key asset, with their bench contributing an average of 30.4 points per game—top three in the league.

Defensively, United have been equally dominant. They rank in the top five for points allowed, conceding just 88.1 points per game. Opposing teams struggle to find rhythm against them, shooting only 43.7% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.

United’s ability to limit second-chance opportunities, fast-break points, and bench contributions from their opponents is where they truly excel. They allow the fewest second-chance points in the league (10.8 per game), the second-fewest fast-break points (7.7 per game), and only 24.2 bench points per game (second in the league). These metrics underline their discipline and ability to control the tempo of games.

The Mental Edge: A Team on a Mission

Last season’s championship loss has left United with something to prove, and that hunger has fuelled their stellar start to NBL25. This is a veteran-savvy team, capable of navigating the inevitable ups and downs of a long season. Their balance on offense and defense, combined with their depth and experience, makes them the most well-rounded team in the competition.

Looking Ahead

With the season reaching its halfway point, Melbourne United are positioning themselves as the team to beat. While there’s plenty of basketball left to be played, their combination of star power, structural balance, and defensive discipline gives them an edge over their rivals.

This team knows what it takes to contend for a title, and with the bitter taste of last season’s loss still fresh, Melbourne United are poised to go one step further this year. NBL fans, take note: the road to the championship runs through Melbourne.