United’s import is running riot in the paint

Josh Oduro is fast becoming Melbourne United’s dominant inside force in NBL27.

Foul trouble is the only blemish on Oduro’s start, with the import averaging 4 per game through his first six NBL matches. Everything else is clicking. He’s posting 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals on 71 per cent shooting, and even those numbers don’t fully capture his impact.

He had another 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 steals and 2 assists in the Throwdown win on Saturday night as United improved to 3-3.

On a team with versatile weapons such as Joe Ingles, Luke Travers, Sam Waardenburg, Malith Machar and Cole Anthony, Oduro gives Chance a big with a point of difference.

“He’s a really good basketball player, man, and we kept him on the floor for 30 minutes and he keeps himself on the floor for 30 minutes by getting rid of a couple of those tacky fouls,” Chance said.

“He’s so important to what we do and I’ve been very public that he kicked my arse in the G League so I’m glad that he’s here with me now.

“You see everything that he can do on the floor – protect the rim, his levels tonight on pick-and-rolls were elite, multiple deflections, activity and then he’s an absolute horse down the other end. It’s a luxury to have him.”

Sam Waardenburg was a prized signing in the off-season for Melbourne but the Kiwi big man has been playing catch-up early in the season after a late pre-season injury interrupted his preparation.

He hadn’t been shooting the ball well, but he came up huge in the fourth quarter on Saturday night with 8 of his 10 points, including a three-pointer, an and-one and an alley-oop finish from an Oduro pass.

Chance likes how Waardenburg's still been contributing and is looking forward to seeing his offence continue to grow.

“He can’t buy one right now, the poor fella – he’s 1/4, but water will find its level there. We’ve got the No. 1 defence right now and a big reason is lots of guys, but Sammy is a monster defensively,” Chance said.

“There’s a lot of invisible plays that you don’t see with Sam that he’s doing with us right now with his shift, his activity and he’s getting on the glass.

“And then to see him get rewarded on the offensive end, that will come and he’ll find his way there and I’ve loved his mindset.

“He had an injury at a poor time in pre-season after a good build that I think just slowed his start a little bit, but I think he’s back to his best version of himself now.

“He’s such a big piece for the ultimate picture of what we’re going to be and I’m excited that he’s back healthy, and back rolling.”