Melbourne United announced that they have resigned Yudai Baba for the remainder of the NBL22 season.
The defensive-minded guard helped United win the 2021 NBL championship, averaging 7.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 36 games last season and provided instant energy whenever he was on the floor.
I’m back!!
I’m so excited and glad to be back there!
Thank you so much for letting me join MU again even though middle of the season.
Let’s get another championship!!@MelbUnited— Yudai Baba 馬場雄大 (@yudai_baba) March 23, 2022
Head Coach Dean Vickerman spoke glowingly about adding Baba back into the team and how he believes the move become stronger for the remainder of the NBL season.
“When Callum (Dalton) went down we obviously had an open roster spot and looked at the potential for what impact COVID and injury could have on us at the end of the year. Luckily Baba was available to us after leaving the G League. He’s a guy who can slide straight back into our culture and understand our system with only a quarter of the season left.”
The 26-year-old guard played an enormous role for United in its Grand Final sweep against Perth, scoring a combined 26 points across Games 2 and 3, including a series-ending dunk to seal the Championship win.
Yudai Baba was a difference-maker for @MelbUnited last season and now United hope he can do the same job as they chase back-to-back titles. @rpjward reports that they are bringing him back for the rest of the season and hope he will be cleared to travel later this week.
— The Age Sport (@theagesport) March 23, 2022
The Japanese guard will rejoin the team following a stint in the NBA G League as well as playing for Japan at the Tokyo Olympics alongside NBA players Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe. Baba was a part of Japan’s starting line-up and averaged 9.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over three games, his best game coming against Argentina where he had 18 points and 7 rebounds.
Baba then returned to play with the Texas Legends of the NBA G League, he played eight games before announcing that he tested positive for COVID-19 and was missed the remainder of the season. During his time in the G League Baba averaged 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds while as well as notching up from 50/40/90 season, where a player is required to exceed a shooting percentage of 50% from the field, 40% from the three-point line and 90% per cent at the free-throw line.
報告です。 pic.twitter.com/B2KjRLQE6A
— Yudai Baba 馬場雄大 (@yudai_baba) December 24, 2021
Looking at how his game has grown since he last suited up for United, Vickerman said Baba’s time with Japan in the Olympics and in the G League has made him a stronger, more dangerous player.
“I think he really expanded his game in the G League while he was there as well.
“We know that he’s going to add to our transition play and add to our defence. You look at some of the other teams in the league, they all have multiple elite guards, and they’re people that you need high level defenders against.”
More than his on the court impact, Vickerman is excited to bring back someone who seamlessly slots into United’s culture.
“He’s just an amazing person, our crowd and our team loved the way he went about things.
“He’s a fan favourite because of the speed in which he plays. There’s an absolute courtesy and respect for the game that Baba plays with.”
Subject to medical and VISA approvals, Baba will be travelling to Australia this week. The exciting Japanese-native will be made available to suit up for United as soon as possible following his arrival.