BIO: David Barlow was born and raised in Melbourne (VIC), where he attended Sandringham College. His basketball journey began at a young age, playing as a junior for the Sandringham Sabres, where he developed the skills that would later shape his professional career.

FAMILY: Barlow and his wife Tiwi have one child. His wife is a native of Bali

NBL EXPERIENCE

David Barlow made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 19 years of age. He scored one point in his first NBL game.

After graduating from Metro State University in 2003, David Barlow returned to Australia and signed with the Sydney Kings for the 2003/04 NBL season. A young forward with good size and versatility, Barlow joined a Kings squad coming off their first-ever championship and looking to defend their title under head coach Brian Goorjian.

Sydney underwent significant roster changes in the offseason, with team captain Shane Heal retiring, only to later sign with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. To replace Heal, the Kings brought in C.J. Bruton, while also losing both of their imports, Chris Williams and Kavossy Franklin, to bigger contracts overseas. Instead of signing two new imports, Goorjian opted for a different approach—bringing in just one, Ebi Ere, and adding experienced Australian players Jason Smith and Brett Wheeler.

Despite the changes, Sydney came into the season as one of the NBL’s strongest teams, led by young star Matthew Nielsen (22.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 2.5 blocks). Alongside Bruton (16.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) and Ere (19.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals), the Kings had a well-balanced roster that combined experience with rising talent.

Sydney started the season red-hot, winning ten straight games before suffering a setback when Jason Smith (11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) sustained a season-ending injury. To replace him, Goorjian signed import Chris Carrawell (13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), who played the team’s final 11 regular season games and became a key contributor.

As a rookie, Barlow saw limited action, appearing in 11 games and averaging 1.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.2 assists. His playing time was mostly in short stints, as he learned behind veterans bigs like Nielsen, Bruton, and David Stiff. While his impact on the court was minimal, being part of an elite team provided invaluable experience for his development.

The Kings finished the regular season in first place with a 26-7 record and entered the playoffs as the top seed. They advanced to the Grand Final, where they faced off against crosstown rivals, the West Sydney Razorbacks. The best-of-five series went the full distance, with Sydney claiming their second consecutive championship in a decisive Game 5 win.

2004/05
The 2004/05 season was a historic one for the Sydney Kings, as they became the first team in NBL history to win three consecutive championships.

Captain Jason Smith (19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals) led the team offensively, setting the tone with his leadership, defensive intensity, and ability to step up in clutch moments.

He was supported by a strong core, including import duo Mark Sanford (16.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists), Rolan Roberts (16.4 points, 9.1 rebounds), C.J. Bruton (16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists), and Ben Knight (13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists).

David Barlow contributed as a role player throughout the season, averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists in limited minutes across 26 games.

Barlow had several noteworthy performances during the season, highlighting his potential as a developing talent. On March 1 against Brisbane, he delivered his best game, scoring 12 points and grabbing 5 rebounds while shooting an efficient 4-of-5 from the field. On January 9 against Cairns, he provided a spark off the bench, scoring 8 points on perfect shooting, including two three-pointers. Another solid outing came against Wollongong on February 18, when he contributed 7 points and provided valuable defensive effort.

Twelve games into the season, rookie Luke Kendall (12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists) suffered an ACL injury causing him to miss the remainder of the season.

Under head coach Brian Goorjian, the Kings continued their dominance, finishing atop the regular season standings with a 21-11 record.

The Kings defeated the Brisbane Bullets in game one (113-79), with seven players scoring in double figures including Jason Smith (16 points), Rolan Roberts (16 points), Brad Sheridan (16 points), Ben Knight (15 points), CJ Bruton (14 points), David Barlow (12 points), and Mark Sanford (12 points).

Sydney closed out the series in game two (111-105), behind big games from Smith (24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Ben Knight (22 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists).

The Grand Final series saw Sydney dominate the Illawarra Hawks across three straight games, completing one of the most commanding championship runs in NBL history.

Smith (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the way in the Kings’ game one victory (96-73). Barlow contributed off the bench, scoring 2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds.

In game two (105-80), the Kings secured a comfortable win on the Hawks’ home court. CJ Bruton finished as the game-high scorer with 26 points. Barlow provided defensive effort in limited minutes.

Although game three started closely, the Kings outscored the Hawks 38-21 in the second quarter and cruised to a decisive 112-85 victory. Jason Smith delivered the best playoff game of his career, scoring 38 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to take home Grand Final MVP honors. Barlow chipped in with a point and a rebound, contributing to the team’s depth.

With their 3-0 Grand Final series win, the Kings cemented themselves as one of the greatest teams in NBL history, becoming the first team to ever complete a three-peat. Their combination of leadership, talent, and depth made them an unstoppable force, with Jason Smith, C.J. Bruton, Mark Sanford, and the supporting cast, including role players like David Barlow, all playing vital roles in Sydney’s championship run.

2005/06
The 2005/06 season marked a breakout year for David Barlow, as he became a key contributor for the Sydney Kings and helped lead them to another dominant campaign. After playing a minor role in his rookie season, Barlow took a significant leap, averaging 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 36 games. Under head coach Brian Goorjian, the Kings finished the regular season with a league-best 26-6 record, securing their fourth consecutive NBL Grand Final appearance.

Sydney entered the season with a strong core led by C.J. Bruton (18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists) and Jason Smith (16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists). The Kings also added rookie Mark Worthington, who made an immediate impact and won NBL Rookie of the Year. Barlow emerged as a key part of Sydney’s rotation, providing reliable scoring and versatility at both forward spots.

The Kings were dominant throughout the season, setting a franchise record by winning 15 straight games. However, their momentum took a hit when import center Rolan Roberts (12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists) suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the NBL All-Star Dunk Contest. Sydney responded by signing Sedric Webber (13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) as a replacement.

After finishing first on the ladder, the Kings advanced straight to the Semi-Finals, where they faced the Cairns Taipans. Sydney controlled the series, winning Game 1 at home (112-87) before securing a hard-fought 84-82 victory in Cairns, booking their spot in the NBL Grand Final against the Melbourne Tigers.

In the Grand Final series, Sydney faced a tough challenge against a Melbourne team led by Chris Anstey (22.5 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.8 assists). Despite strong performances from Bruton, Smith, and Barlow, the Kings were ultimately swept 3-0, losing Game 1 (100-93), Game 2 (88-83), and Game 3 (103-99). Barlow provided steady contributions throughout the series, but the Tigers’ depth and Anstey’s dominance proved too much to overcome.

Although the Kings fell short of a fourth straight championship, Barlow’s emergence as a key player was a major bright spot for the team. His development under Goorjian positioned him as one of Sydney’s rising stars and set the stage for a promising NBL career. The 2005/06 season was a defining year for Barlow, proving he could be a consistent contributor on one of the league’s best teams.

2006/07
The 2006/07 season was a challenging one for David Barlow, as he was sidelined for most of the year due to a serious knee injury. On November 28, just before the start of the season, Barlow suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during training. The injury was a significant setback, ruling him out for the majority of the campaign. Despite this, he managed to return before the end of the regular season as the Sydney Kings prepared for the playoffs.

Before his injury, Barlow had been expected to play a crucial role for the Kings following his breakout 2005/06 season, where he averaged 10.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Upon his return to the lineup late in the season, he immediately made an impact, finishing the year with averages of 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 14 games. His scoring efficiency and versatility were valuable assets as the Kings fought their way into the postseason.

Under head coach Brian Goorjian, Sydney finished the regular season with a 20-13 record, securing fourth place on the NBL ladder. The Kings were dominant at home (14-2) but struggled on the road (6-11), which ultimately proved costly in the playoffs. Despite the adversity, Sydney had several key contributors throughout the season, including Mark Worthington (15.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), Rodney Elliott (14.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists), and Ed Scott (12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists). Veteran Jason Smith (12.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists) continued to provide leadership, while Luke Kendall (11.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists) played a steady role in the backcourt.

The Kings earned a bye in the Elimination Finals before facing the Townsville Crocodiles in the Quarterfinals. Sydney delivered a dominant performance, crushing Townsville 122-89 to set up a highly anticipated semi-final matchup against the Brisbane Bullets, led by former Kings star C.J. Bruton. Brisbane had been the best team in the league all season, and Sydney faced an uphill battle against the eventual champions.

In Game 1 of the semi-finals, the Kings fought hard but fell 91-84 on the road. Barlow played a key role, contributing valuable minutes off the bench and providing a much-needed scoring punch. However, Brisbane’s firepower, led by Ebi Ere (22 points) and Dusty Rychart (16 points), proved too much. In Game 2, Sydney returned home looking to even the series but ultimately fell short in a 93-86 defeat. Barlow had another strong showing, but Bruton (21 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter) and Ere (23 points) closed the game out for Brisbane, eliminating Sydney from the playoffs.

Despite the disappointing end to the season, Barlow’s return was a bright spot for the Kings. His ability to bounce back from injury and contribute at a high level reaffirmed his value to the team. While Sydney fell short of another championship, Barlow’s performance in the second half of the season helped solidify his place as one of the league’s rising stars.

In April 2007, Barlow signed with the Melbourne Tigers, marking a new chapter in his career.

MELBOURNE TIGERS
2007/08
The 2007/08 season saw David Barlow join the Melbourne Tigers, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure a second-place finish in the regular season with a 22-8 record. Barlow averaged 16.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, establishing himself as a key contributor on a stacked Tigers roster led by Chris Anstey, Dave Thomas, and Sean Lampley.

During the season, Barlow delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in NBL history. In a game against the New Zealand Breakers, he scored 37 points on perfect shooting—going 14/14 from the field, including 8/8 from three-point range and 1/1 from the free-throw line. This extraordinary display of shooting efficiency remains one of the greatest single-game performances in league history. In the same contest, teammate Stephen Hoare also recorded a perfect shooting night, scoring 17 points on 7/7 from the field, 1/1 from three-point range, and 2/2 from the free-throw line, further cementing the game as one of the most dominant shooting displays ever seen in the NBL.

Melbourne finished second on the ladder behind the Sydney Kings, who posted a dominant 27-3 record. In the playoffs, the Tigers faced the reigning champion Brisbane Bullets in the semifinals, eliminating them in two straight games. Anstey stepped up in Game 2, recording 26 points and 13 rebounds to push Melbourne into the Grand Final. On the other side of the bracket, Sydney took down Perth in three games to set up a championship showdown between the league’s two best teams.

Sydney took Game 1 of the Grand Final in convincing fashion, defeating Melbourne 95-74. The Kings locked down Anstey, holding him to just 12 points, while Mark Worthington exploded for a career-high 35 points to lead Sydney to a dominant opening win.

In Game 2, the series shifted to Melbourne, where the Tigers responded with a strong performance. Barlow stepped up with a team-high 24 points, supported by Sean Lampley (21 points) and a resurgent Anstey (21 points, 9 rebounds). Their efforts propelled Melbourne to a 104-93 win, tying the series at 1-1.

Game 3 was a thriller, with Melbourne surviving a fierce fourth-quarter comeback from Sydney to claim an 89-87 victory in front of 6,009 Kings fans at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. The Tigers had built a 78-66 lead heading into the final period, but the Kings stormed back and led by four points with under four minutes remaining. However, Melbourne outscored Sydney 7-1 in the closing moments, with Lampley sealing the win on a clutch three-pointer that flipped an 86-87 deficit into an 89-87 victory with just 12 seconds left. Anstey delivered a dominant performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, while Worthington led Sydney with 22 points.

The Kings responded in Game 4, pulling off the biggest last-quarter comeback in NBL Grand Final history. Trailing 72-54 late in the third quarter, Sydney mounted a stunning rally, led by Isiah Victor (23 points, 9 rebounds) and an injured Dontaye Draper, who scored eight crucial points in the fourth quarter, including two clutch three-pointers. Sydney held Anstey to just 33 points for the game and completed the comeback to win 90-87, forcing a deciding Game 5.

With the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 was set for a dramatic finish in front of a sellout crowd of 10,244 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre—the Kings’ first sellout since 2003. Both teams battled fiercely in the opening three quarters, with Melbourne holding a narrow 63-61 lead heading into the final period.

The game remained tight until the final five minutes, when Melbourne finally pulled away. Barlow continued his strong series with key post touches, while Anstey, Dave Thomas, and Darryl McDonald made crucial plays down the stretch. The Tigers executed perfectly in the closing moments, sealing the win with a Sean Lampley three-pointer that stretched the lead to 13. Despite late efforts from Sydney, Melbourne closed out the game 85-73, capturing their second NBL title in four years.

Anstey and Thomas led the Tigers with 21 points each, while Worthington paced Sydney with 17 points. Anstey finished the series averaging 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds and was named Finals MVP. In doing so, he became only the second player in NBL history to win a championship, season MVP, Grand Final MVP, and Best Defensive Player in the same season, joining Sam MacKinnon, who accomplished the feat the year prior.

2008/09
The 2008/09 season saw David Barlow continue as a key piece of the Melbourne Tigers’ roster as they aimed to defend their NBL championship.

Barlow continued to establish himself as one of the league’s most versatile forwards, averaging 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His all-around play made him a crucial part of a Melbourne team that finished second in the regular season with a 20-10 record.

Melbourne’s roster underwent significant changes heading into the season, with star import Ebi Ere joining the team after the financial collapse of the Brisbane Bullets. Originally set to sign with the South Dragons, Ere instead landed with the Tigers, forming a formidable trio alongside Chris Anstey (18.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists) and Barlow. The team also featured Rod Grizzard (13.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists), veteran leader Sam Mackinnon (8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists), and the return of Dave Thomas (8.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists), who missed much of the previous season due to injury.

Melbourne remained a championship contender throughout the regular season, but their biggest challenge came from crosstown rivals, the South Dragons. The Dragons finished atop the standings with a 22-8 record, setting up the first-ever all-Melbourne NBL Grand Final series. The Tigers advanced to the Finals after eliminating the Townsville Crocodiles in the semifinals, while the Dragons defeated the New Zealand Breakers to set up a highly anticipated five-game showdown.

Game 1 saw the Dragons make a statement, defeating Melbourne 93-81 after holding the Tigers to just 36 points in the second half. Mark Worthington (23 points) led the way for the Dragons, while Anstey (21 points and 9 rebounds) was Melbourne’s best performer. The Tigers responded in Game 2 with a hard-fought 88-83 win, holding off a late Dragons rally. Barlow delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring a team-high 26 points, while Anstey added 21 points and 9 rebounds. Import Donta Smith (18 points and 6 rebounds) led the Dragons in the loss.

Game 3 took a dramatic turn when Anstey was ejected in the third quarter after a physical clash with Dragons guard Rhys Carter. The altercation resulted in a melee that saw Mika Vukona also thrown out of the game. Without their captain, the Tigers struggled, and the Dragons took full advantage, cruising to an 84-67 victory. Smith (18 points) dominated the final period, scoring 10 points as the Dragons took control of the series.

Game 4 saw Anstey return with a vengeance, delivering a dominant 31-point, 14-rebound, 4-assist performance to lead Melbourne to a 108-95 win, forcing a decisive Game 5. Carter, who had been at the center of the Game 3 controversy, stepped up with 17 points for the Dragons, but Melbourne’s offense proved too strong, setting the stage for a championship-deciding clash.

With 9,000 fans packed into Hisense Arena, Game 5 became a historic moment in NBL history. The Dragons overpowered the Tigers in the final quarter, winning 102-81 to secure their first NBL championship. Tremmell Darden exploded for 31 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, while Smith (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists) nearly recorded a triple-double. Melbourne struggled to keep pace, with Anstey limited to just 12 points and 3 rebounds by Worthington and Vukona. Ere and Barlow each contributed 16 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Dragons’ late surge.

Smith was named Finals MVP after averaging 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists over the five-game series. The loss marked the end of an era for Melbourne, as the team had made four consecutive Grand Final appearances but now faced an uncertain future. Despite the disappointment, Barlow had established himself as one of the league’s top forwards, playing a key role in Melbourne’s deep playoff run.

While the season ended in heartbreak for the Tigers, Barlow’s performances were a major highlight. His consistency, versatility, and ability to step up in big games made him one of Melbourne’s most important players, cementing his reputation as a key contributor in the NBL.

After the 2008/09 season, Barlow spent the next five years playing in Europe.

2014/15
On 20 May 2014, the franchise was rebranded as Melbourne United in an effort to move away from its direct association with the Melbourne Tigers junior program, which had developed a reputation for poaching young talent from other systems. The rebranding aimed to unify Victoria’s basketball community and was spearheaded by owner Larry Kestelman.

The team retained head coach Chris Anstey and welcomed back Tigers legend Daryl Corletto, who had spent the previous three seasons with the New Zealand Breakers. Australian Boomers forward David Barlow, returning from five years in Europe, and veteran Daniel Kickert also joined the club, while long-time captain Tommy Greer announced his retirement.

Melbourne United kept much of their core roster from the Tigers era, including Mark Worthington, Lucas Walker, and Nate Tomlinson, who were appointed as co-captains. To complete their squad, United signed imports Jordan McRae and Stephen Dennis. However, in a controversial move, the team released veteran Adam Ballinger just a week before the season began, leaving him without time to secure a contract elsewhere. He eventually signed with the Illawarra Hawks for the remainder of the season.

United’s inaugural season under their new identity got off to a rough start with an 89–61 loss to Cairns in the season opener. The poor performance led to head coach Chris Anstey resigning, with assistant coach Darryl McDonald stepping in as his replacement. Barlow contributed 9.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, helping Melbourne to a 13–15 record. Despite finishing in fifth place, United narrowly missed out on a playoff berth in their first season.

2015/16
Barlow was sidelined for the entire 2015/16 season due to an Achilles injury.

2016/17
With the NBL allowing teams to sign three imports, Melbourne United revamped their roster, parting ways with Stephen Holt and Hakim Warrick while bringing in Cedric Jackson, Ramone Moore, and Devin Williams. The team also signed Tai Wesley (via New Zealand), who qualified as a local under the league’s Asian player rule, and replaced Daniel Kickert with fellow Boomer David Andersen, who returned from Europe.

On 24 May 2016, David Barlow re-signed with Melbourne United for the 2016/17 season. However, he missed the first nine games of the season due to a calf injury.

Under head coach Dean Demopoulos, Melbourne struggled out of the gate, starting with a disappointing 3-7 record. Jackson, despite contributing 10.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, was released due to concerns over his attitude and defensive lapses. United signed Casper Ware as his replacement, a move that immediately changed the team’s trajectory.

Chris Goulding, who had missed six games early in the season with an ankle injury, regained his form and finished with averages of 17.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.0 steals. Barlow returned from his long injury layoff and provided steady contributions off the bench, averaging 5.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. With Ware leading the charge at 22.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, and a healthier squad, Melbourne won 10 of their final 18 games.

Devin Williams struggled to make an impact, averaging just 3.2 points and 4.0 rebounds before being released after 16 games. United brought in Josh Boone, who emerged as a key contributor, averaging 10.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks while leading the league in rebounding.

Despite their midseason resurgence, injuries continued to plague the team, with Tai Wesley and Majok Majok being the only players to suit up for all 28 games. Melbourne ultimately finished in sixth place with a 13-15 record, missing the playoffs. Casper Ware was named to the All-NBL First Team despite playing only 18 games. At the season’s end, Demopoulos was dismissed, as his struggles with player management and team chemistry contributed to United’s underwhelming finish.

2017/18
The 2017/18 season marked the beginning of the Dean Vickerman era, as the former Sydney Kings assistant took over as Melbourne United’s head coach. His first priority was retaining key players from the previous season, successfully re-signing David Barlow, Casper Ware, and Josh Boone. To strengthen the roster, Vickerman brought in Craig Moller from Sydney to replace Todd Blanchfield, who departed for Illawarra. The biggest addition was two-time NBL champion Casey Prather from Perth, adding valuable playoff experience to the team.

Melbourne opened the season with a thrilling 99–97 win over Adelaide, with Prather leading the way with 20 points. However, inconsistent performances followed, with United winning just five of their first ten games. Their struggles were compounded when Prather suffered a dislocated elbow in December, forcing him to miss eight weeks. To fill the gap, the team signed former NBA player Carrick Felix as an injury replacement, and his arrival helped spark a turnaround. Melbourne won 15 of their final 18 regular-season games to finish in first place.

Barlow contributed in a limited role, averaging 3.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. Despite his lower usage, he remained a reliable presence within the rotation. Melbourne entered the semifinals against the New Zealand Breakers and secured a 2-0 series sweep, winning Game 1 (88–77) behind Prather’s 15 points off the bench. In Game 2, Melbourne closed out the series in dramatic fashion, securing an 88–86 overtime victory to advance to the Grand Final against Adelaide.

The Grand Final series opened with Melbourne taking Game 1 in a 107-96 victory, despite losing Casper Ware to a hip injury mid-game. Chris Goulding stepped up with 26 points, while Ware contributed 20 before exiting. Adelaide responded in Game 2 with a dominant 110–95 win, led by Majok Deng’s 18 points and Mitch Creek’s 17. Prather and Goulding were Melbourne’s top scorers, finishing with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

Game 3 turned into a fiery contest, with Adelaide’s Nathan Sobey being ejected after a clash with Prather. Melbourne secured a narrow 101-98 victory, with Goulding hitting key three-pointers and Ware and Prather combining for 48 points. Adelaide bounced back in Game 4 with a dominant first half, taking a 55–31 lead into halftime before closing out a 90–81 win. Daniel Johnson delivered a standout performance with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Prather led Melbourne with 23 points.

The decisive Game 5 saw Melbourne deliver their best performance of the series. Goulding, Ware, and Prather all stepped up, scoring 23, 23, and 19 points, respectively, as United defeated Adelaide 100–82 in front of a sold-out crowd at Hisense Arena. The championship marked Melbourne’s first since rebranding from the Tigers. Goulding was named Finals MVP after averaging 16.6 points and 3.6 rebounds across the series, while Prather made history as the first player to win three consecutive NBL titles in his first three seasons.

2018/19
Melbourne United entered the 2018/19 season focused on defending their championship while maintaining roster continuity. They re-signed captain Chris Goulding to a two-year deal and secured David Barlow on a one-year contract. Retaining key players Casper Ware and Josh Boone proved challenging due to strong overseas interest, but Melbourne managed to bring both back on one-year deals. To strengthen their squad, the team added DJ Kennedy from Turkey, Mitch McCarron from Cairns, and Alex Pledger from New Zealand, providing additional depth and versatility.

David Barlow played an important role throughout the regular season, averaging 11.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and his defensive versatility made him a key contributor. Some of his standout performances included a 24-point, 5-rebound game in a win over Cairns, a 23-point, 5-rebound, 2-assist, 2-steal, and 2-block effort against New Zealand, and a 20-point, 4-rebound, and 4-assist showing in a victory over Brisbane.

Midway through the season, Melbourne signed Venky Jois, who had been playing in Japan, to provide additional frontcourt depth ahead of the playoffs. Under Dean Vickerman’s leadership, United finished the regular season with an 18-10 record, securing second place and setting up a semifinal matchup against the Sydney Kings. Vickerman’s efforts throughout the season earned him the NBL Coach of the Year award.

Melbourne dominated Game 1 of the semifinals, defeating Sydney 95-73. Barlow contributed 10 points and 4 rebounds, while Casper Ware led the team with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. Chris Goulding added 17 points, and DJ Kennedy provided 20 points and 7 rebounds. Sydney’s Andrew Bogut struggled offensively, finishing with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Kevin Lisch and Jerome Randle each scored 13 points.

Game 2 saw Melbourne complete the sweep with a 90-76 victory. Barlow added 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Ware exploded for 30 points and 5 rebounds, and Goulding contributed 23 points and 3 assists. Despite a better performance from Andrew Bogut (10 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists), Sydney was unable to prevent Melbourne from advancing to the Grand Final against the Perth Wildcats.

In Game 1 of the Grand Final series, Perth secured an 81-71 win. Barlow finished with 9 points and 3 rebounds, while Ware (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Goulding (15 points and 2 assists) led Melbourne offensively. The Wildcats were powered by Terrico White (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Angus Brandt (14 points and 7 rebounds), while Bryce Cotton had a quiet night with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Melbourne bounced back in Game 2 with a commanding 92-74 win. Barlow contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds, while DJ Kennedy recorded a double-double with 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ware and Goulding each added 14 points. Perth’s Cotton (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and White (17 points and 4 rebounds) led the Wildcats, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop Melbourne from tying the series.

Game 3 was a dominant performance from Perth, as they cruised to a 95-67 victory. Barlow scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, while Kennedy added 13 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Wildcats were unstoppable, with Cotton (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) and White (31 points and 7 rebounds) combining for 58 points, nearly outscoring Melbourne on their own.

In the decisive Game 4, Perth closed out the series with a 97-84 win to claim the championship. Barlow contributed 9 points and 4 rebounds, but Melbourne was unable to slow down Perth’s stars. Cotton delivered 28 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, while White added 20 points and 8 rebounds. Nick Kay provided a crucial double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ware (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Goulding (15 points and 4 assists) were Melbourne’s top scorers, but it wasn’t enough to force a Game 5. Terrico White, who had faced early-season criticism, was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across the series.

Barlow’s contributions throughout the season earned him Melbourne United’s Best Defensive Player award. In March 2019, he set a new NBL record for the most Grand Final appearances, making his 26th appearance in the championship series.

2019/20
On 20 August 2019, Melbourne United began a major rehaul of its roster, signing Jo Lual-Acuil while parting ways with key players Casper Ware and Josh Boone. They also released Daniel Trist and lost forward Craig Moller to the Sydney Kings via free agency. The team’s overhaul aimed to revitalize its performance after a disappointing finish the previous season.

David Barlow re-signed with Melbourne on 29 April 2019, committing to another season with the team. However, his pre-season was marred by a thumb injury sustained in a pre-season game, forcing him to miss both of United’s NBLxNBA pre-season games as well as the first two rounds of the season.

To reinforce the roster, Melbourne brought in Shea Ili, who had previously played under coach Dean Vickerman at the New Zealand Breakers, and Jack Purchase as a development player. The import duo of Melo Trimble (via Cairns) and Shawn Long (via New Zealand) was also signed, capitalising on their chemistry from playing together for the USA National Team. The squad was further rounded out by the return of Alex Pledger, Tohi Smith-Milner, and Casey Prather, who agreed to a two-year deal to return for a second stint with the team.

Prather’s return was initially met with excitement, but injuries plagued his season. He missed the first seven games due to injury and, when he finally returned, could only produce averages of 9.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, well below his career norms. After undergoing another knee clean-out, he played six of the next eight games before suffering a season-ending hamstring tear. United signed former NBA player Stanton Kidd as his injury replacement, but the disruption contributed to a rocky start to the season.

United lost four of their first five games, and rumors of internal rifts, a coach under pressure, and frustrated supporters painted a troubling picture. However, the team rallied by late November, climbing to third on the ladder (7-4) with six consecutive wins. During this run, Melbourne became the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 99.7 points per game. Melo Trimble led the way offensively, averaging 19.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. Shawn Long dominated inside, contributing 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, while Captain Chris Goulding added 17.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

David Barlow finished the regular season with averages of 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, providing veteran leadership and key contributions as Melbourne overcame its poor start to secure a fourth-place finish with a 15-13 record.

In the semifinals, Melbourne faced the top-seeded Sydney Kings. Game one saw United fall short in Sydney, losing 80-86 despite a dominant performance from Shawn Long, who recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, and a block, and a stellar effort from Trimble, who scored 34 points off the bench along with 5 assists and 3 steals. Sydney’s Xavier Cooks (21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Jae’Sean Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) led the Kings to victory.

Game two, played in Melbourne, saw United deliver a commanding performance, leveling the series with a stunning 125-80 win. The import trio of Long (26 points and 11 rebounds), Trimble (21 points and 2 steals), and Kidd (18 points and 4 rebounds) powered Melbourne’s offense. The team’s decisive second quarter, where they outscored Sydney 32-7, proved insurmountable. Jae’Sean Tate led the Kings with 18 points and 6 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter United’s firepower.

The series decider was held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, and the game came down to the final seconds. Chris Goulding led Melbourne with 19 points and 3 assists, but Tate (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and the Kings secured a narrow two-point victory to eliminate Melbourne and advance to the Grand Final, ending United’s season.

2020/21
Melbourne United entered the 2020/21 season with a reshaped roster after multiple attempts to get import Casey Prather back on the court proved unsuccessful. Ultimately, both parties agreed to terminate the second year of his contract. To bolster their squad, United signed rookie Jack White from Duke University and Japanese star Yudai Baba on a one-year deal under an NBL Special Restricted Player contract. The team focused on retaining key local talent, securing captain Chris Goulding on a three-year deal, while David Barlow, Mason Peatling, and Sam McDaniel also re-signed. Melbourne added Scotty Hopson (via Europe) as their lone import and made a major late signing in Australian Boomers forward Jock Landale, who joined on a one-year deal after his Lithuanian contract was voided due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Early in the season, Melbourne suffered a major blow when rookie Jack White, who had been averaging 10 points and 6 rebounds as a starter and was a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, tore his Achilles against the Cairns Taipans in April. White was ruled out for 12 months, prompting United to sign former player David Andersen as an injury replacement.

David Barlow played a key role off the bench throughout the season, averaging 5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting a career-high 48.4% from three-point range. He also finished as the league’s most efficient offensive player, averaging 1.17 points per possession. Despite playing much of their schedule on the road due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, United finished the regular season atop the ladder with a 28-8 record.

In the semifinals, Melbourne faced their cross-town rivals, the South East Melbourne Phoenix, with all games played in empty arenas due to lockdown restrictions. After splitting the first two games at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, the series shifted to Melbourne for a decisive Game 3. United fell behind early, trailing 32-15 in the second quarter, but responded with a dominant defensive performance, holding the Phoenix to just 42 points for the remainder of the game while scoring 69 themselves. Jock Landale led the way with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks on near-perfect shooting (11-13 FG, 3-3 3PT). Chris Goulding (14 points) marked his 350th game, while Mitch McCarron (11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists), Scotty Hopson (9 points and 6 rebounds), and Jo Lual-Acuil (8 points and 3 rebounds) all contributed significantly. Despite strong efforts from Reuben Te Rangi (22 points) and Mitch Creek (19 points), Melbourne advanced to the Grand Final with an 84-74 victory.

In the Grand Final series, Melbourne faced the Perth Wildcats. Due to Western Australia’s border restrictions, Perth hosted the first two games despite being the lower seed. United took full advantage of the Wildcats being without their injured star Bryce Cotton, winning both games in Perth before returning to Melbourne for Game 3. In front of a sold-out crowd of 5,000 at John Cain Arena, United secured an 81-76 win to claim their sixth championship and second under the United branding. Landale was instrumental throughout the series, finishing Game 3 with 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, earning him Finals MVP honors.

2021/22
After winning the 2021 NBL championship, Melbourne United faced significant roster changes heading into the next season. Jock Landale, their leading scorer and Finals MVP, secured an NBA contract with the San Antonio Spurs, while starting point guard Mitch McCarron departed for Adelaide on a lucrative three-year deal. To rebuild, United retained key pieces Jo Lual-Acuil, David Barlow, and Shea Ili while welcoming back Jack White, who had missed the second half of the previous season due to injury. Free agents Brad Newley (via Sydney) and Dion Prewster, fresh off an NZNBL MVP campaign, joined the squad. Melbourne also made a major addition by signing NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova on a three-year deal and replaced Scotty Hopson with Caleb Agada, who had represented Nigeria at the Olympics. Additionally, young German prospect Ariel Hukporti was brought in through the NBL’s Next Stars program.

The season began with a slow start as United dropped their first two games, but they quickly turned things around, winning three straight to close December. They carried that momentum into January, losing just once while playing exclusively on the road. During this stretch, Chris Goulding reached the 5,000-point milestone, becoming only the second active player to do so behind Adelaide’s Daniel Johnson.

Melbourne continued their dominance into February, winning four of their five games to climb to the top of the standings with a 12-4 record. They remained in first place for the rest of the season, finishing with a league-best 20-8 record. Jo Lual-Acuil led the team with averages of 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, earning All-NBL First Team honors. Chris Goulding contributed 15.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, securing an All-NBL Second Team selection, while Shea Ili (8.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals) was named the NBL’s Sixth Man of the Year. David Barlow appeared in 24 games, averaging 1.6 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, continuing to provide valuable veteran leadership.

In the semifinals, United faced the fourth-seeded Tasmania JackJumpers. Melbourne took care of business in Game 1 with a 74-63 victory, but Tasmania responded with a strong home performance to even the series. Heading into the deciding Game 3, United suffered a critical setback when captain Chris Goulding was ruled out due to injury. Without their leading scorer, Melbourne struggled from beyond the arc, with Dellavedova (1-7), Agada (0-7), White (0-5), and Baba (0-2) combining to shoot just 1-21 from three-point range. United managed just 20% from deep compared to Tasmania’s 31%, ultimately falling 76-73. The JackJumpers made history by reaching the Grand Final in their debut season, ending Melbourne’s championship hopes in the semifinals.

Melbourne United entered the 2022/23 season as championship favorites after finishing atop the ladder the previous year. However, the team faced unexpected challenges even before the season tipped off, with key players departing for overseas opportunities and injuries disrupting their roster. Leading scorer Jo Lual-Acuil signed a lucrative deal in China, while Jack White and Matthew Dellavedova secured NBA contracts with the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings, respectively. With these losses coming just weeks before the season began, Melbourne had to quickly adjust.

To fill the gaps, United signed Isaac Humphries (via Adelaide), Xavier Rathan-Mayes (via Illawarra), Rayjon Tucker, and Jordan Caroline. Meanwhile, veteran forward David Barlow, who had initially announced his retirement and was set to transition into an assistant coaching role, made a surprise return as a player. After discussions with head coach Dean Vickerman, Barlow rejoined the active roster to provide experience and stability in the frontcourt.

Early in the preseason, Melbourne suffered another setback when Next Star Ariel Hukporti ruptured his Achilles during the NBL Blitz in Darwin, ruling him out for the season. His absence forced Humphries, still recovering from knee issues, into a full-time starting role, while Barlow, Brad Newley, and Caroline were pressed into additional minutes as makeshift centers. Despite these challenges, United opened the season with a thrilling 101–97 overtime victory against New Zealand, powered by a dominant 33-point, 9-assist performance from Rathan-Mayes.

Originally recruited to lead the second unit, Rathan-Mayes (14.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists) was quickly thrust into the starting lineup after Shea Ili (8.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists) suffered a concussion while playing for New Zealand in FIBA qualifying games. Ili’s repeated absences—appearing in only 13 games across three separate stints—disrupted Melbourne’s backcourt rotation, forcing Tucker to take on an unfamiliar role as a primary ball handler.

United struggled to find consistency early in the season, starting with a 5-6 record. Media speculation called for an import change, as Tucker (17.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) fell short of his bold preseason declaration of being “the best first-year import in the league.” Meanwhile, Caroline (5.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists) failed to adapt to his undersized center role and was eventually released. In November, Melbourne signed Marcus Lee (9.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks) to address their lack of interior presence, a move that significantly improved the team’s rebounding and defense.

A pivotal moment in Melbourne’s season came after a disappointing 93–79 loss to Illawarra, a team that had only one win at the time. The loss sparked a resurgence, as United responded with a 104-88 victory over Brisbane, finally seeing their intended starting lineup click. Goulding (20 points), Tucker (20 points), Lee (18 points), Ili (15 points), and Rathan-Mayes (8 points, 10 rebounds) all contributed, setting the tone for Melbourne’s turnaround. From that point, United closed the season with an 11-3 run.

Heading into the final day of the regular season, Melbourne needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They delivered a 116–107 victory over Adelaide, led by Tucker’s 31-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist performance. However, their fate was sealed later that night when Perth defeated Sydney, eliminating Melbourne from playoff contention due to points percentage. This marked the first time a Dean Vickerman-coached Melbourne team had finished outside the top five in defensive rating, underscoring the challenges United had faced throughout the season.

Despite their early exit, United were part of several historic moments during the season. Their Christmas Day matchup against Sydney drew over 300,000 viewers, establishing a new holiday tradition in Australian basketball. Tucker led all scorers with 31 points and 5 rebounds, but United fell 101-80 to the Kings. The team also led the league’s first-ever Pride Round, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, with Humphries (9.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks) publicly coming out as gay, an announcement that was widely embraced across the league.

David Barlow concluded his decorated playing career during the 2022/23 season, appearing in 21 games and averaging 3.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. At the end of the season, he officially retired and transitioned into a full-time assistant coaching role, closing the chapter on his remarkable on-court career while continuing to contribute to Melbourne United from the sidelines.

Throughout his storied career, Barlow amassed an impressive list of accolades and milestones. He became a five-time NBL champion, winning titles with the Sydney Kings in 2004 and 2005, and later with Melbourne United in 2008, 2018, and 2021. His individual achievements included an All-NBL Third Team selection in 2009, representing Australia as a two-time Olympian (2008, 2012), and competing in three FIBA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2019).

Barlow’s statistical legacy cements his status as one of the league’s most accomplished players. Across 366 NBL games, he recorded 3,126 points, 1,297 rebounds, and 539 three-pointers made, ranking 36th all-time in three-pointers. For Melbourne United, he finished second in games played (206), third in total points (1,272), second in rebounds (636), and second in three-pointers made (290). Additionally, he holds the NBL record for the most Grand Final appearances (29), further solidifying his place in league history as a key contributor to multiple championship-winning teams.

David Barlow played fourteen seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Sydney Kings and the Melbourne United. He averaged 8.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 388 NBL games.

Dan Boyce (836 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.