When one thinks of Melbourne United’s 2017/18 championship campaign, who exactly springs to mind?
Caspar Ware, David Anderson, Josh Boone, Tai Wesley? Absolutely. The main man is of course the captain Chris Goulding. His NBL First-Team selection and Grand Final series MVP puts him number one in the conversation, no doubt.
When one thinks of the Sydney Kings scintallating 8-1 start to their 2019/20 season, who are the main players leading the way? Reigning MVP Andrew Bogut, Brad Newley, former Melbourne Champion Caspar Ware, Didi Louzada, Jae’Sean Tate? All of the above.
But one man who played a role in both the Melbourne United’s championship victory as well as the current Sydney Kings assault… is the 208cm, 93kgs, former Fremantle Dockers’ ruckman… Craig Moller.
The quiet and unassuming forward who has played 93 NBL games to date for both Melbourne United and two stints at the Kings. He has also made appearances on an international stage with the Australian Boomers.
He is one of the more consisted players in the competition, he plays regular minutes and consistently scores, but he always seems to be living in the shadow of his teammates.
While Moller’s personal impact on a game may not be as dynamic or obviously noticeable as the likes of a Bryce Cotton of the Perth Wildcats or a Jerome Randle of the Adelaide 36ers, he is one of those handymen who can do it all that every club wants and needs.
He is a player who any coach can count on to give heart and effort, his dedication is always there and he is willing to sacrifice his own game for the benefit of the team, that is why is does tend to avoid the spotlight that his teammates get.
In 2019/20 thus far, he has spent major minutes on the court. He averages 22.21 minutes played from nine games including eight points (level with Andrew Bogut) and five rebounds. But where Moller’s strengths lie isn’t necessarily his scoring ability, it’s how he helps lead the ball to scores.
Craig Moller is the ultimate team man, he links the defence with the offence and is a zone specialist. His basketball IQ is a lot healthier than it appears to the naked eye, and his scoring accuracy is pivotal. When he has those limited opportunities, he takes them more often than not. He scored 13 points at 63% against the Brisbane Bullets on Friday night, following his nine points at 80% against his former club Melbourne on the Monday.
He may not posses the polish and spark on a Terrico White or a Caspar Ware, but Craig Moller is the soldier everyone wants to go into battle with. He is strong, agile for his height and an accurate shot. He will more-than-likely never win major personal accolades such as MVP or First-team selections, but he is the underrated player that plays a strong hand in overall team success.
If he was taken out of the Sydney Kings lineup, it would not function as well. The chain would be weakened and the end-to-end play would become more difficult. Craig Moller’s strength is his ability to translate from defence to offence, he does this better than more heralded players.
It’s a good thing for our league that Craig Moller’s AFL hopes did not go as planned, he may have made a great ruckman for Fremantle, but we are more than happy to have him tearing it up in the NBL.
He already has one championship ring, whose to say he won’t make it two for the Sydney Kings at the conclusion of this season?