Barlow Calls Time on Stellar Playing Career

Melbourne United foundation player and Australian basketball icon David Barlow has announced his playing retirement after almost 20 years in the professional game.

Barlow's high-quality career took him to Metro State as a collegiate player before he returned to the NBL in 2003. He went on to spend time playing in Spain and Poland before returning to Melbourne United in 2014.

A two-time Olympian, Barlow won an immense five NBL championships during his time in the league. He won back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005 with the Kings, plus the 2008 title with the Melbourne Tigers before adding the 2018 and 2021 crowns with United.

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United head coach Dean Vickerman has paid tribute to the impact Barlow has had on his side during his tenure.

“When an outside person thinks of Melbourne United, they think of Chris Goulding and David Barlow,” Vickerman said.

“His numbers will never indicate the value he’s had at this club and will have in the future. Helping the team get to the playoffs and winning championships are the statistics that really matter.

“He’s the fabric of this club.”

David Barlow and Chris Goulding celebrate Melbourne United's 2021 championship triumph

Despite the bitter-sweet emotions that come with retiring, Barlow says he can look back on his career fondly.

“For me growing up, playing locally and working my way through everything a junior basketball player in our city is, and then progressing to be a professional player has given me such a love for the basketball community,” Barlow reflected.

“Now I’m going through the journey with my son who’s 10 years old playing junior basketball and I’m seeing the same things… it fills me with so much love.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced all I have as a professional basketball player… I'm grateful and thankful for the fans for coming on this journey with us as a team and with me individually."

Although Barlow has called time on his playing career, fans will get the opportunity to continue to see him in Melbourne United colours this season. The 38-year-old is set to remain within the organisation as a member of the coaching staff.

His knowledge and exceptional reading of the game have seen him play the role of on-court leader for much of his career, and he says he’s excited for his new chapter in the game.

“All the experiences I've been lucky enough to have as a player combined with my passion for basketball strategy have enabled me to be a valuable teacher within the playing group over the last couple of years,” Barlow said.

“That has put me in good stead to move into the coaching staff and remain a teacher in a different capacity.”

Barlow's retirement now opens up a roster spot for United to fill ahead of NBL23.

David Barlow’s accolades and milestones:
- 5x NBL Champion (2004, 2005 Sydney) (2008, 2018, 2021 Melbourne)
- All-NBL 3rd team (2009)
- 2x Olympian (2008, 2012)
- 3x FIBA World Cup/World Championships (2006, 2010, 2019)

NBL Stats
Games played - 366, points scored - 3126, rebounds - 1297, 3-pointers made - 539 (36th all time)

Melbourne United Stats
Games played - 206 (2nd in club history), points scored - 1272 (3rd), rebounds - 636 (2nd), 3-pointers made - 290 (2nd), steals 88 (4th), blocks - 55 (5th), assists - 224 (5th)

Holds the NBL record for the best ‘perfect game’
37-points, 14-14 shooting 8-8 from three in 2007.

David Barlow representing the Melbourne Tigers in 2008.