Melbourne United are set to announce they have signed Caleb Agada as their import for the 2021-20 season. The rising Nigerian-Canadian guard becomes a “must-sign” player for the United front office after seeing him “ball out” against Team USA and during the Olympic exhibition games in Las Vegas last month.
Melbourne United are signing, sources tell @Sportando.
The Nigerian player spent the season with Hapoel Beer Sheva.
He averaged 11.2ppg, 3.4rpg and 2.4apg in the 2021 NBA Summer League for the Denver Nuggets— Emiliano Carchia (@Carchia) August 23, 2021
The 6-foot-3 guard finished with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field which included a perfect 3-of-3 from long distance and led Nigeria to a 90-87 victory against the likes of Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The historic win was the first time an African nation had beaten the USA in a game of basketball.
History made
First time in history to defeat @usabasketball
First African team to defeat USA pic.twitter.com/J61fMUCjC2
— #NBBF (@nbbfonline) July 11, 2021
Agada also just finished playing for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA summer league. In five games he averaged 11 points and 3 rebounds while shooting 12 from 27 (44%) from the perimeter.
The streaky shooting Agada shot a 32.7 per cent clip from three-point range last season while playing for Hapoel Beer Sheva in Israel and will look to fill the gap made by United’s decision to not re-sign Scotty Hopson.
The 196cm guard was born in Canada and played his college ball for the University of Ottawa in Canada before beginning his professional career. Agada has spent time playing professionally in both Canada (with Hamilton) and Spain (with LEB Gold teams Prat and Melilla), before finding a home for the past two seasons with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israeli Premier League.
Agada also had a chance to go up against the Australian Boomers in both their exhibition match-up in Las Vegas, where he had four points, and when Nigeria faced Australia in the opening round of the Olympic’s where he had two points.
Agada though is more comfortable in the midrange and is also a strong rebounder for a guard who likes to grab defensive boards and then push in transition. He can create off the bounce and make plays for teammates, as he’s a very capable passer.
He averaged 22 points, six rebounds and four assists with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Israel’s Premier League last season. The high scoring Agada led the Israeli league in points (22.4) and steals (2.4) including an impressive 43-point game against the illustrious franchise of Maccabi Tel Aviv.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have a player of Caleb’s ability and character joining our group for next season.” United coach Dean Vickerman said.
“He has proven that he is an elite level scorer by leading the scoring in Israel last season. His speed with the ball and ability to get out in transition are elements of his game we really like. He also shoots the 3-ball at over 40%, so we expect him to add a good offensive punch to our team.”
“Caleb was also a 2-time defensive player of the year in college. I expect that with his combination of strength and foot speed, he’ll prove to be a great, versatile defender in the NBL.”
This will see United complete their 11 man roster and head into the season with Agada as their only import. It’s worth noting however Matthew Dellavedova does have an out clause for NBA opportunities and if he was to return to the NBA it’s believed United would replace him with a second import.
In addition to this, there is an also opportunity for the team to sign another import as an injury replacement for Jack White.
Agada joins Dellavedova, White, Shea Ili, Chris Goulding, Dion Prewster, Brad Newley, Mason Peatling, David Barlow, Callum Dalton, Jo Acuil
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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.
