Melbourne United Acquires Former NBA Guard Cole Anthony for Upcoming Season
Melbourne United has completed its roster for the upcoming 2026-27 National Basketball League (NBL) season, securing the services of former NBA guard Cole Anthony. This acquisition marks a significant move for the Australian team, bringing a seasoned player with a strong professional background to their ranks.
Melbourne United Finalizes Roster with High-Profile NBA Veteran
In a major announcement, Melbourne United officially confirmed the signing of Cole Anthony, a 26-year-old guard with extensive experience in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The club’s press release detailed the completion of their roster for the 2026-27 NBL campaign. Anthony’s career in the NBA included 367 appearances with prominent teams such as the Orlando Magic and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Throughout his time in the NBA, Anthony consistently demonstrated his capabilities, averaging 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He solidified his reputation as an explosive scorer and dynamic playmaker.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter, Anthony stated, “I am incredibly excited to embark on this journey with Melbourne United. This presents a fantastic opportunity for me to continue developing as a player and to contend for a championship title. I am eager to get to work and look forward to representing the club and engaging with the passionate fans!”
Head coach Jacob Chance emphasized Anthony’s all-around skills, highlighting his blend of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and competitive drive as an ideal fit for the team’s strategy. “When seeking to fill our final roster spot, we aimed for an elite guard who could spearhead our offense with his scoring, elevate his teammates’ performance, and also be an exemplary individual off the court. Cole Anthony perfectly embodies all these qualities,” Chance commented.
Adding further endorsement, Anthony’s former NBA teammate, Joe Ingles, voiced his confidence in the guard’s potential impact. “Cole is an exceptional scorer and a fierce competitor. I believe he will make a substantial difference in the NBL,” Ingles remarked. He also noted Anthony’s vibrant personality, predicting that “United fans are going to thoroughly enjoy watching him play.”
Anthony is scheduled to arrive in Melbourne in the coming weeks, where he will join the team as they commence their preparations for the rigorous new NBL season.
The arrival of Cole Anthony to Melbourne United is poised to inject a new level of excitement and skill into the NBL. His NBA experience and proven talent suggest he could be a game-changer, elevating the team’s competitive edge. For fans, this signing offers the thrill of witnessing a high-caliber player in action, while for the league, it underscores a growing appeal for international talent. It's a reminder that embracing experienced players can significantly enhance a team's prospects and bring a fresh dynamic to local competitions.