And while coach Dean Vickerman admits Sunday\u2019s victory was a full team effort, he did highlight the play of his backcourt duo.<\/p>\n
\u201cA strong start, headlined by Shea [Ili] and Tyson [Walker] together, was key,\u201d Vickerman said during the post-game press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made the opposition’s point guards worry and set that tone defensively, while playing with pace offensively, which allowed us to create good offence and put people on the foul.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another that impressed the three-time NBL championship-winning coach was young gun Dash Daniels. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen Dash first came in the game, he caused problems at the defensive end and built off the foundations laid by Shea and Tyson,\u201d Vickerman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen on the offensive end, I thought he made really good decisions and attacked the paint well tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daniels finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in an impressive display, highlighting United’s depth.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Overall] we\u2019ve got a really good group, and there are going to be guys who are disappointed on different nights with their court time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf everyone knows that if they keep working hard, I\u2019ll reward them throughout the season – especially if they\u2019re doing something on the court better than others.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Daniels said his success came from the commitment of all the players and coaches at the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt good being out there, during my first home game at JCA [John Cain Arena],\u201d the NBL Next Star said, admitting the physicality of the league has been one of his biggest adjustments to make.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fans were great, and it was good to see everyone contribute to the team’s win.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been unbelievable learning from everyone so far, and I feel like I\u2019m getting better each day, to prepare me for these big moments.\u201d<\/p>\n
United next face cross-town rivals, South East Melbourne, on Thursday night at John Cain Arena, in the first ‘Throwdown’ of NBL26.<\/p>\n
That fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEST via ESPN.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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