By JARROD POTTER
HELPING build a strong Melbourne United foundation was the main reason Daniel Kickert wanted to stay in the National Basketball League.
Putting pen to paper for another NBL season, Kickert, 32, from Berwick, is excited to stay with United and help develop the club ahead of its second year since changing from the old Melbourne Tigers moniker.
“Really happy to be staying here for another year,” Kickert said.
“I’m happy to be part of the team as it grows and as the club brand grows as well.
“I wanted to be around to be part of that growth really and help us achieve our goals that we set out 12 months ago and just really happy to stay here and achieve the goal I’ve always had since I was a kid – to win an NBL Championship.”
While United finished its first NBL campaign in fifth – just outside of the NBL finals – Kickert understands it is a work in a progress to put together a strong line-up and maintaining a stable roster is a crucial first step.
“It’s one of those things – it’s rare that a new side with no history together comes out and wins a championship together,” Kickert said.
“If you look at those guys who are in the top four – especially the top three teams Cairns, New Zealand and Perth – their core group has been together for years.
“That’s always obviously something that coming back this year that we’re trying to work towards – keep that core together and keep a good core group of guys together and build culture and that’s how you win and it’s something we’re going to take away from last year.”
While the name change from Tigers to United rattled a few in the basketball community, Kickert believed the change was for the best to bring together basketball fans across the state.
“I think it’s a positive thing – they did it for the right reasons,” Kickert said.
“The fan base is finally coming around to the idea and it’s got a lot of support.
“I think the people who were a little bit shocked by it (the name change) have come around as they see the product and the brand and the vision of our owners is going to be beneficial, not only for our club but the whole league.”
In his inaugural NBL season with Melbourne United and the prominent forward/centre relished his chance as he dropped on average 13.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
After a well-travelled basketball life – playing for St Mary’s in USA college basketball, before heading overseas again to play in Spain, Poland and Ukraine – Kickert returned in 2014 for his first NBL season.
Melbourne United will start its 2015/16 NBL season in October.
