Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Melbourne United may have to lean heavily on Luke Travers’ versatility from the outset as the NBL title favourites manage a raft of injuries ahead of their season opener.
Under new coach Jacob Chance, Melbourne went on an impressive off-season recruiting drive, headlined by the signings of former NBA pair Cole Anthony and Joe Ingles, as well as the returning Travers.
But Anthony (calf) is among a group of players fighting to be fit for round one, with United set to host fellow title contenders Adelaide at John Cain Arena on Saturday 19 September.
Most notably, defensive stalwart Shea Ili has a fresh hamstring injury following repeated setbacks last season, while Sam Waardenburg is yet to overcome an ankle complaint.
Chris Goulding (finger) and Josh Oduro (ankle) picked up minor injuries during Tuesday’s practice session, which Travers missed through illness.
But Ingles is back in full practice after overcoming his ankle injury and Chance is hopeful he will have a full roster at his disposal when the Sixers visit next week.
“We’re in a good spot,” Chance said on Tuesday.
“We’re just trying to make sure we’re getting as much practice intensity as we can while managing some guys going into game one.”
Melbourne beat Perth and Illawarra on their way to the NBL Blitz pre-season title in Bendigo last week, with Travers named MVP of the tournament.
The 25-year-old has impressed on return from the NBA, where he spent two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and is desperate to work his way back to the world’s top league.
Chance plans to use Travers in a variety of roles, insisting the 198cm prospect, who primarily played in the four-spot during his previous NBL stint, can fill any position on the floor.
“That’s why it was such a big signing, but most pleasingly he’s come back a better player,” Chance said.
“He’s come back a more mature young man and he’s moving forward in his career and his life.
“You see that on the floor. He’s really comfortable with who he is, he’s a winner and he plays the right way.”
Travers, Ingles, Goulding and Oduro are all expected to play in Melbourne’s final pre-season hit-out, against New Zealand at MSAC on Thursday night.
Chance said American point-guard Anthony, who played six seasons in the NBA with the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks, is “progressing nicely” in his bid to return for the season opener and a possible showdown with Adelaide’s reigning league MVP Bryce Cotton.
“We’re confident that he’ll be hopefully available,” Chance said.
“It’s that time of year where you don’t want to rush things. We’re thinking big picture – 33 games.
“He moved around and he shot before you guys (media) got here.
“He’ll do a little bit more with the medicos this week and we’ll build his schedule out to get him ready for that first game.”
