"Championship mindset' for United's NBA big man

Melbourne United's roster for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season looks one of the most formidable, and a big reason for that is big man Josh Oduro.

The center joins United on a one-year deal, fresh off an NBA season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

During the 2025-26 campaign, the 25-year-old also spent time with New Orleans' G League affiliate, the Laketown Squadron.

It was here that Oduro first crossed paths with now United coach Jacob Chance, who was in charge of the Austin Spurs, which ultimately led to him signing in the NBL.

"When I first sat down and had a meeting with coach [Chance], I remembered playing against him in the G League, and he was a really good coach," Oduro said to United Media.

"He ran a really good organisation, and outside of the Squadron, I would say the Spurs were my favourite other team in the G League.

"To be able to sit down with him, really pick his brain about what he thought about hoops in general and what he saw in me from my professional playing career, we just seemed really aligned, and I was really excited when I got the offer [from United]."

Oduro explained that as much as he learnt from his college career at George Mason, where former United guard Nate Tomlinson was an assistant coach, and Providence, his game has gone to new heights since becoming a pro, which he hopes to continue while playing in the NBL.

"I feel like I have a master's degree in basketball in college, but taking that next step, playing professionally, playing in the G League, playing in the NBA, I really learned a lot," he said.

"The number one thing is just habits of a pro, as those guys have tremendous work ethic.

"[At United] we've got Joe Ingles, someone who's been a longtime pro, [and someone I'd] loved to pick the brain of.

"We also have Cole Anthony, and he's someone who's done it at a very high level for quite some time.

"I feel like the growth doesn't stop now. I'm a really big person when it comes to just continuing to develop yourself, so I'm excited to pick everyone's brain and pick up new things."

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As driven as he is to return to the NBA in the future, Oduro's main focus right now is helping United win its seventh NBL crown.

"The NBL is a really talented league, and you see a lot of people making that jump to the NBA from the NBL," he said.

"Right now, the task at hand is winning a championship [for Melbourne].

"[Doing that] would mean the world to me. I love basketball no matter where it is, and all Australians who [I've met have] had nothing but glowing things to say about their country and the NBL.

"My number one goal is to win a championship, and to do so, it's about continuing to go in and stack days in practice and then stack days in games.

"I feel like we have a really good roster to do that, and we have some really good coaches and great supporters.

"I'm really excited for this opportunity, and that's really the main thing that's going on in my head."

Oduro, Anthony and Ingles will be joined by Kyle Bowen, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Fabijan Krslovic, Sean Macdonald (NRP), Malith Machar, Luke Travers, Sam Waardenburg, Tom Wilson, Jensen Bradtke, Christian D'Angelo and Harry Neilson on United's roster next season, forming a roster full of "high IQ players" that the big man believes complements his game.

"I feel like I can play with anybody," he said.

"I'm a really good connector out there, and I pride myself in being able to help the point guard and coach by making sure that everyone's touching the ball.

"Whether it's me screening or dribble handoffs, just keeping that ball moving.

"Whenever I'm on the court, I'm giving 110 per cent to give us the best chance of winning.

"I feel like in that aspect I can play with anybody, especially [a team full of players] who have high IQs and play the game the right way."

Oduro is expected to join his teammates, who tipped off official pre-season last week, very soon.

"I can't wait [to arrive in Melbourne]," he said.

"We're full of young guys [who will bring the] energy, but we also got a lot of vets.

"I've been watching the clips of the team practising and feel like I'm missing out a little bit, so I just can't wait to get down there, get to know the guys and get things started."

United tip off their NBL27 season on Saturday, September 19 against Adelaide at John Cain Arena.