Melbourne United has added American import Josh Boone to its roster, according to Fox Sports Australia.
Boone, a big-man with NBA experience, spent the first four years of his professional career with the New Jersey Nets; 2006-2010.
Prior to the world’s best basketball league, he tasted success at college level with the Connectitut Huskies – where he had spent three years, 2003-2006. The Huskies won the NCAA tournament 12 years ago in 2004.
Melbourne needed to fix ”holes” in its frontcourt as David Andersen and Devin Williams are sidelined due to suffered injuries. Andersen and Williams are not expected to get back in the line up any time soon. Both players are expected to be out for the next three to six weeks.
The 32-year-old has been brought in as ”a temporarily injury replacement.” However, Fox Sports Australia has suggested that he is expected to suit for the team for the rest of the ongoing NBL season.
Vince Crivelli, the CEO of Melbourne United, was high while he was speaking on their latest signing.
”We are thrilled to have someone of Boone’s experience and calibre join us at such a pivotal time in our season,” said Crivelli, as quoted by www.melbourneunited.com.au.
”He brings a wealth of experience, both internationally and in the NBA, and we think Melbourne fans will enjoy the hard work and effort that we know he will bring in the absence of Dave and Devin.”
Boone most recently played for Turkish Pinar Karsiyaka – but he didn’t stay much there as he had featured in only one game for the Turkish team.
Prior to a stint with Karsiyaka, Boone had more notable roles in two VTB League teams – BC Kalev/Cramo and BC Khimki. He averaged a double-double in Kalev – 13.4 points and 11.5 rebounds, but failed to keep those numbers in Khimki – 11.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
Melbourne is certainly hoping to continue its series of signing quality imports, as Casper Ware – an import player signed by the team recently – is posting 23.1 points along with 5.1 assists per game. Ware is currently the league’s leading scorer, and the third ranked in the assists category.
With 12 games left in the 2016/2017 season for Melbourne, the team is trying to sneak into the Play-offs. With a record of seven wins and nine losses, the ladder list sees United sitting at the seventh place. However, the fourth-ranked Brisbane Bullets aren’t that far away on the list, as they are standing at 8-9.
Melbourne opted to use David Barlow and Tai Wesley as their bigs against Brisbane last Saturday. The two teams have yet to square against each other on upcoming Monday.
The 2004 NCAA champion has been announced to be suiting up for United on Monday, when they host the Brisbane Bullets. With 12 games left to play in the season, he needs to play at least in eight of those 12 matches in order to be eligible to play in the postseason – should Melbourne reach it.
The league has never been this competitive and every win will be accepted gladly by any team at this point of the season, in this certain situation. If Boone turns out to be a good upgrade and a great piece to this team, then Melbourne’s chances of finishing the regular season inside the top-4 rises.
It remains to be seen how will the signing work out for both sides.
